All students are members of one the four houses: Holland, Mildmay, Strutt and Tindal, named after key figures from the school’s early history. Students are allocated to a house on arrival, following a family connection as and when requested. Throughout the year various competitions are run to gain points towards the coveted House Cup. These include ‘Standards’ – an event comprising a range of athletics events, Sports Day, House Drama and the much-loved House Music. This event, watched by the whole school, features a programme of five musical items performed by each House in turn. These have to include a rock band, a choir and a solo performance. Students spend several weeks rehearsing – it is not uncommon to stumble upon a choir of forty students in a corner of the playground being conducted by a Sixth Former, rehearsing their four-part harmonies. The entire event is student-led and the standards are very high.

Each House is led by a team of student officials under the direction of their House Captain and a staff House Leader. Many younger students aspire to become one of the four House Captains or to take one of the other key roles that exist within each house to maximize opportunities for leadership and personal development.