House System

Children are allocated into one of the following houses: Edinburgh (green), Drummond (yellow), Balmoral (blue) and Stirling (red). Childrens houses are announced during a special “Sorting Hat” assembly led by the Year 6 House Captains, where children celebrate the new additions to their Houses.

The house system is one of the most distinctive and enjoyed features of life at White House School. From their very first Sorting Hat assembly, children feel an immediate sense of belonging and pride in their house, carrying that identity with them throughout their time at the school.

How Do House Points Work at White House School?

During the academic year, children take part in house events and they can also gain house points for academic and pastoral success. House points are celebrated weekly at whole school assemblies and each week the House Shield is awarded to the house with the most points that week.

House points can be earned in all sorts of ways, from excellent work in the classroom and acts of kindness to effort in sport and contributions to school life. This means that every child, whatever their strengths, has a genuine opportunity to contribute to their house and be recognised for it. The weekly House Shield assembly creates a shared moment of celebration that runs throughout the school year, keeping energy and house spirit high across all year groups.

What Do House Captains Do at White House School?

House Captains work closely with staff to organise events such as ‘Gathering of the Houses’ an exciting team building day for all the children in Reception-Year 6. They are role models to the younger members of the Houses. They have a real sense of responsibility and motivate the pupils at annual inter-house events such as the Swimming Gala, House Music Competition, Sports Day and more.

Being selected as a House Captain is one of the most significant leadership opportunities available to Year 6 pupils at White House School. House Captains are chosen for their character, their ability to inspire others, and their commitment to the school community. They take their role seriously, working alongside staff to plan house events, support younger pupils, and bring their house together as a team.

What Inter-House Events Take Place During the Year?

Throughout the year, houses compete in a range of inter-house events that bring the whole school community together. From the Swimming Gala and Sports Day to the House Music Competition, these events are some of the most anticipated moments in the school calendar. They give every child the chance to compete, perform, and contribute as part of a team, building friendships that often cross year group boundaries.

The Gathering of the Houses is a particular highlight of the year. This whole school team building day brings children together from Reception right through to Year 6, mixing ages and year groups in a way that strengthens the sense of community across the whole school. It is a day that children look forward to and remember long after they have left.

Why Does the House System Matter at White House?

More than a competition, the house system at White House School is a way of life. It teaches children about loyalty, teamwork, responsibility, and the value of contributing to something bigger than themselves. Whether they are earning points for a thoughtful answer in class, cheering on a teammate at the Swimming Gala, or stepping up as a House Captain, every child plays a part.

For parents, the house system offers an easy way to stay connected to school life. Knowing which house your child is in, following the House Shield standings, and hearing about their contributions to house events is one of the many ways the school keeps families involved in the everyday life of White House.