The role of the House 

From LIV to LVI all girls belong to one of nine Senior Houses. These Houses (each consisting of approximately 40-45 girls) are the real heartbeat of the school.

Pitt

The Housemistressess and their Matrons build strong relationships with the girls in their care and there is a real 'family' atmosphere.

Rubens

Whilst each House inevitably reflects the personality of the girls within it, this is organic rather than fixed and alters as girls (and occasionally House staff) join and leave Wycombe. When allocating House places, we try to achieve a good mix of personalities and abilities within each House to ensure that they remain enriching and diverse communities to which to belong.

Shelburne

 

It would be hard to over-emphasise the significance of the House at Wycombe.  The Houses are small enough for each girl to know she is a vital part of the community; it is much easier for her to contribute to House life, to make her mark, to hold responsibility, to measure her impact in this microcosm of the whole school - it really matters how she behaves towards others.  The intimacy of the House ensures she knows what girls in other years are doing, so she feels an essential part of their activities too and thus connected to events in the school outside her immediate age group. 

Butler

   

There is, however, more to House life at Wycombe than activities; the whole ethos of the School depends on the way the older girls look after the younger ones, the real friendships which are made, regardless of age (frequently, girls are friends with others two years older or younger than themselves).  The warmth and support engendered is almost tangible, and is central to the girls' happiness.   The Housemistress, with her overview of pastoral and academic development, gains an exceptional insight into her girls. 

Campbell

There are several built-in checking systems: House Order (regular whole House meetings) is a major factor;  it is very definitely not just for notices, it is a cherished contact time for girls with their Housemistress and thus invaluable.  Bed-time routines and meal-times ensure further contact, in addition to the casual contact during the day.   

 

Airlie

At regular intervals throughout the year your daughter’s Housemistress will see her about her progress; this is a precious and guaranteed time with each girl, where academic progress is only one of many aspects of each girl's development covered; it is an excellent opportunity both to praise and guide.

Cloister

The Housemistress has a remarkable understanding of both the pressures which may weigh on individuals, to a greater or lesser extent, and the joys which are special to each girl in her House.  Matron, with her ready listening ear, will bring other perspectives on how each girl in the House is progressing. 

Wendover

The Housemistress and Matron work very closely to help each girl. It is significant that Housemistresses are all on the academic staff and teach in the School. It gives each Housemistress further insight into school life. She really knows what the sharp end of the classroom is like - from the challenges to the excitements - for both student and teacher. By being part of the academic staff the Housemistress is the link between academia and boarding, the interface which makes the whole communicate and work together.

Barry