The essence of our pastoral care programme lies in the School’s House system, and it is one of the School’s greatest strengths designed to promote an environment in which students feel known, valued and purposeful.
The 12 Houses form the structure through which the School provides individualised care, personal guidance and character development for each student. The House structure is designed to complement classroom pedagogy, specific welfare policies, Co-Curricular activities, learning support, counselling services and religious education to nurture the development of each student.
Older students encourage and support the younger students through ‘buddy’ systems, whilst tutor groups within the House allow for strong bonds of friendship which last a lifetime.
In addition to being part of one of Cranbrook’s twelve Houses, students also belong to a mentor group of about twenty students, usually in their own year.
The Houses are vertically structured so as to provide opportunities for students to interact with each other in formal and informal settings. Older students encourage and support the younger boys through tutor groups and ‘buddy’ systems. Cranbrook has a reputation for high levels of interaction across age groups. Thus, right from the start, our youngest students starting in Year 7 are given multiple opportunities to engage with the more senior students.
Leadership at Cranbrook is not based upon traditional hierarchies and as a result of the House system all Year Groups can find their voice across their interests. Tutor groups within the House allow for strong bonds of friendship and younger students identify mentors and role models. Houses honour and strengthen their traditions, celebrate their identity through social gatherings, trivia and cultural evenings, and participation in inter-House competitions.
