At St Mary’s, our House System plays an important role in developing a strong sense of belonging, teamwork and community across the school. Rooted in our vision, “Aspiring, nurturing, flourishing; together shining a light,” our houses provide opportunities for children of all ages to work together, encourage one another and celebrate collective success.

Every child is placed into one of our four houses, each named after a patron saint of the United Kingdom:

• Saint George
• Saint David
• Saint Andrew
• Saint Patrick

Each house embodies and promotes our six school values of Friendship, Compassion, Trust, Forgiveness, Courage and Perseverance. Through house activities, leadership opportunities and collective worship, children are encouraged to live out these values in their everyday actions and relationships.

Each house is led by two House Captains, chosen from Year 6, who play an active role in leading and organising house events throughout the year. Our House Captains develop important leadership skills as they support younger pupils, lead activities and help strengthen the sense of unity within their teams.

Children earn House Points throughout the week for demonstrating our school values, showing positive learning behaviours and helping to “fill buckets” across the school community. Linked closely to our relational behaviour approach, House Points recognise acts of kindness, encouragement, perseverance and responsibility that help others feel valued, supported and successful. As children fill the buckets of those around them through their words and actions, they also contribute towards their house totals, reinforcing the importance of collective achievement and positive contribution.

The House System creates meaningful opportunities for children to work collaboratively across year groups through a range of activities, competitions and collective experiences. Throughout the year, children take part in:

• House Collective Worships
• Inter-house competitions and challenges
• Sporting events and team activities
• Creative and enrichment opportunities
• House celebration events linked to patron saint days

On alternate years, each house enjoys a special House Celebration Day linked to their patron saint. These occasions bring children together through shared activities, reflection, worship and celebration, helping children develop pride in their house identity and a deeper understanding of the saints who inspire them.

One of our most recent events was our exciting House Singing Competition. Led by the House Captains, each house selected a song before rehearsing together during house gatherings. The event was filled with enthusiasm, teamwork and encouragement as children of all ages performed together and celebrated one another’s achievements.

Through our House System, children learn the importance of teamwork, leadership, responsibility and encouragement. It helps to foster friendships across the school, strengthens our community spirit and provides every child with opportunities to contribute, participate and flourish.

Our House System is about belonging, supporting one another and shining our light together.