House System

The House system was established in 1928 and, initially, boys and girls were in separate Houses. Today, all members of the School belong to one of three Houses – Hale, Gresham, and Whittington – each named after a famous Lord Mayor of London.

Warren Stormes Hale was the School’s founder in the mid-19th Century whilst Sir Thomas Gresham was a financier who rose from humble beginnings to found the Royal Exchange in 1565. Richard (Dick) Whittington is perhaps the most famous of all; A generous benefactor in the 14th Century, he founded a hospital, a church and almshouses and, of course, is the only Lord Mayor to have a pantomime in his name!. All three had strong Livery Company connections in the City – patronage that the School still enjoys today.

At whatever stage pupils join the School, they join a House and as seniors, they register in House-based forms. Where siblings attend the School or a parent, grandparent or other relative is a past pupil then new pupils will be assigned to the same House.

The House system unites the Junior and Senior sections of the School in a unique way. Weekly House Assemblies help to nurture House spirit and loyalty and all pupils get an opportunity to take responsibility whether it be forming the House hockey team or contributing to House assembly. In this way pupils of all ages work together and benefit from the truly integrated nature of the School.

Sporting activities are the main form of inter-house competition but it is also possible to represent the House in other activities such as the House Chef and House Music competitions. Although competition is often fierce, it is very much the taking part that is important – and even spectators have a valuable role to play in rallying the troops.

The Cock House Shield is awarded annually to the winning House.