SENIOR SCHOOL

Houses

Senior school > Houses
Day house

Arkell opened in September 2023 and is a co-educational day house for Sixth Formers. Pupils in Arkell enjoy the depth and breadth of a Gresham’s education alongside all other day and boarding pupils. We encourage all Arkell day pupils to participate fully in the activities on offer from morning music activities to afternoon academic electives. Pupils in Arkell are cared for by a dedicated Housemistress who focuses her time ensuring their school day is productive and purposeful. Pupils share a co-educational space in Arkell which promotes and supports hard work, personal and social qualities and pride in their house. Arkell is open 8am to 5.30pm from Monday to Saturday.

Boarding houses

There are seven boarding houses, four are for boys (Tallis, Howson’s, Farfield, Woodlands) and three are for girls (Edinburgh, Queens’, Oakeley). Boarding houses have some day pupils, as well as boarders.

The mix of day and boarding pupils in the boarding houses is supported and appreciated by both groups and develops a sense of loyalty to both the school and their house.

Pupils joining in Year 9 expect to share a small dormitory, joining our friendly first-time boarding environment. Older pupils share study bedrooms, and most Sixth Formers have their own room. Pupils have access to a shared kitchen and common room, providing a comfortable space for relaxing and socialising. Pupils can choose to go home weekly or termly. The school week is a long one and, as well as half term holidays, the school provides three home weekends to allow pupils time to relax with family and friends.

A resident Housemaster or Housemistress runs each house. Apart from overseeing pupils’ welfare, they are an effective link between academic staff, pupils and parents. Assistant Housemasters/mistresses and matrons provide another essential link and ensure that the pupils’ welfare is continually monitored. We believe that boarding cultivates responsible and considerate young people, promoting confidence and self-reliance in a lively and fun environment. All pupils can rely on our house staff for support and guidance at any time; we aim to support pupils through their emotional and social development amongst a wealth of friends and peers. Living together is both enriching and rewarding for all ages.

Day pupils in a boarding house play a full role in the house and gain from the sense of community that comes with belonging to a house. For staff, the opportunity to observe pupils at work and at play, in social as well as classroom situations, helps to provide a full and rounded picture of every child.

Day pupils in a boarding house share studies with boarders and take on house duties alongside their boarding friends. Prep is undertaken in House, with resident and visiting house tutors available to help. 

Options for Day, Day in Boarding and Boarding explained


DAY PLACE

Day place in a boarding house

Boarding place

Houses

Arkell (Co-educational)

Edinburgh (Girls)
Farfield (Boys)
Howson’s (Boys)
Oakeley (Girls)
Tallis (Boys)
Queens’ (Girls)
Woodlands (Boys)

Edinburgh (Girls)
Farfield (Boys)
Howson’s (Boys)
Oakeley (Girls)
Tallis (Boys)
Queens’ (Girls) Woodlands (Boys)

Entry year

Year 12

Year 9 and Year 12

Year 9 and Year 12

Start and finish times

8.05am – 5.30pm  

8.05am – 5.30pm/7.00pm/
7.30pm

N/A

Housemaster/
mistress (HSM)

Yes – 8am to 5.30pm

Yes, resident

Yes, resident

Matron, Deputy HSM, Residential Tutor

No

Yes

Yes

Tutor in house

HSM will be tutor
Tutor to pupil ratio 1:20

Yes
Tutor to pupil ratio 1:8

Yes
Tutor to pupil ratio 1:8

Study

No. Shared workroom with locker

Yes

Yes

Common Room

Yes

Yes

Yes

Kitchen

No

Yes

Yes

Changing rooms and showers

Facilities in the New Gym, not in house

In house

In house

Flexi boarding

No

If space available

N/A

Meals

Lunch

Lunch and supper

All meals

Snacks at break

No

Yes

Yes

Late stay

Arkell House will close at 5.30pm. Pupils with an activity later than 5.30pm will be able to do Prep in the library. Supper will be chargeable.

Can stay for supper, evening activities and socials

N/A