House System

The Middle & Senior School is divided into eight vertically arranged Houses with students from each year level. Each is a ‘mini school’ of its own, complete with Head (House Dean) and Assistant Teachers, Senior Prefect (Head of House) and Captains (Year 13) of the various activities.

The House Deans are responsible for the organisation and management of their House. Responsibilities range from monitoring academic progress to social well-being and for maintaining close links with parents regarding their child’s progress and welfare. They also organise meetings and social occasions at which parents have an opportunity to exchange views and develop friendships.

Each student becomes a member of a House and works and develops as a member of a closer community structure. The House becomes their family while at the College and they stay with the same House for their time at Scots giving continuity and a sense of belonging.

There are many inter-house activities including sport, drama, debating, music and haka. There is a sense of rivalry amongst the Houses and the events are fiercely contested each year. Each House also offer their own service initiatives.

The Houses are not just about competition but also pastoral care and support. Students are placed in a tutor group that meets twice weekly with others in their year level and the whole House meets weekly. Senior students organise many of the activities in which the House is involved and watch over the junior members in a mentoring role. Those in Year 12 receive training to prepare them for their leadership roles in Year 13.

At the beginning of the year each House has a welcome dinner, an opportunity to meet with other families in your child’s House. Then each year culminates in a formal House dinner where trophies and colours are awarded and the Head of House presents his report for the year.

Loyalty to the House is paramount and long after students have left school old boys will remain in contact with their House Dean and remain strongly loyal to their House.