Boarding at Cheltenham College

Ashmead

Ashmead, whose emblem of the apple is symbolic of the fact that this modern, purpose built girls’ Boarding House occupies the site of what used to be the Boyne House orchard.

HRH The Princess Royal officially opened Ashmead in October 2000. The family environment is at Ashmead’s heart and Ashmead girls always work together to replicate just a little of home life in their Boarding House.

Ester Leach is the Ashmead Housemistress. She joined College in 2010 and lives in Ashmead with her husband Matthew and twin girls, Zara and Tula. The family are all passionate about food, not least due to Matthew’s career as a chef. Food is a key aspect of life in Ashmead and any activity in the House involving food is always a success!

Boyne House

Boyne House is the oldest Boarding House at College and probably even the oldest school Boarding House of the Victorian era, as Sir Matthew Wood conceived the idea for the House in 1840.

Throughout its history, the Boyne House spirit has always been strong and at Brooksmithite (as the old boys of Boyne House are known) reunions, the House welcomes back boys who have gone on to a broad spectrum of careers with notable success in the fields of politics, exploration, scientific research and business; a firm foundation on which each of the current Boyne House boarders can build and a history to be proud of.

The Housemaster of Boyne House is Andrew Straiton. Andrew lives in the House with his wife Megan, (a GP) and three children, Freddie, Beatrice and Annabelle. Beyond the family feel that you would expect to be fostered in a Boarding House, Andrew and his team of tutors instil values of manners and effort within Boyne House boys. The boys are encouraged and educated to be very polite, to look after each other, to be grateful to those who go out of their way for them and to know how to host guests.

Brooksmithites know that effort brings reward and are expected to implement this in all areas of College life, as well as getting out of their comfort zones by trying new things like the Three Peaks Challenge, hill walking, taking part in the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race and being involved with charity initiatives, in particular, the James Hopkins Trust based in Gloucester, and the hosting of the Afghan Refugee Cricket Project on their annual tour.

Chandos

Chandos is the oldest girls’ Boarding House at College and has expanded from eight Sixth Form girls in 1981 to 80 girls today, from the Third Form right through to the Upper Sixth.

Housemaster Mr Alex Henocq believes in Boarding House family that includes and values everyone as an individual and encourages working together as a community. High standards of behaviour are expected and Chandos girls are always striving to develop their personal skills, interests and talents. Every girl within Chandos has her role to play in making the House a very happy and successful place.

Part of the House are the Chandos Cottages alongside the main Boarding House. The older girls live here in an environment designed to nurture independence and prepare them for life away from home in Higher Education. Chandos Cottages are overseen by an Assistant Housemistress and Resident Tutor, who ensure that whilst they live in this unique setting, the girls still remain engaged with Chandos House life.

Alex joined Chandos as Housemaster in September 2024, having had almost 20 years’ experience in both the state and independent sector. Prior to his move to Cheltenham, Alex was Housemaster at a large girls’ boarding house in a school is West Sussex. He is a keen sportsman, coaching rugby and basketball and teaches Chemistry at College.

Alex is joined by his wife Mary and their son Luca who cannot wait to take part in the daily fun that the House has to offer.

At weekends the girls enjoy a variety of activities in addition to those organised by College. These include visits to theme parks, the cinema, canoeing, horse riding, ice skating and cooking.

Christowe

Christowe thrives on its keen sense of tradition and history. The House emblem is the Royal Lancers’ skull and cross bones and it originates from the Duke of Cambridge’s cavalry regiment of the British Army.

The House moved into the current building in 1866 under the Housemastership of the Reverend William Boyce; who named Christowe after the village in Devon where he married. In recognition of Reverend Boyce, ‘Boyceites’ is the name given to all members of the House.

Despite its logo being the fiercesome skull and cross bones, Christowe Housemaster Dan Paynter works hard to develop boys who are always prepared to throw themselves wholeheartedly into all the wonderful opportunities they have, always reminding them of the House motto: ‘Nil Desperandum!’ (Never Despair!)

Dan lives in Christowe with his wife Harriet, who is a Religious Studies Teacher.

College Lawn

College Lawn is the newest House at College, formed in September 2017. Having been built as a family home, the House retains a sense of warmth and informality and this is something Housemistress Caroline Kirby is keen to foster.

The ethos of College Lawn is very much one of friendship, kindness and fun. As with all Houses, there are girls in House who excel in all areas of College life, but College Lawn’s greatest strength is in pulling together, whether that be for House Singing, House Pots or fundraising for College or the House charity.

Caroline is also a Geography teacher at College and her husband, Robert is a tutor in College Lawn and a Modern Foreign Languages teacher. Caroline is also supported by Mr Pirttijarvi, the Assistant Housemaster, Mrs McBride as resident tutor and a team of outstanding tutors and matrons. The College Lawn team work hard to ensure that all College Lawn girls develop as well-rounded, kind, thoughtful and ambitious young women.

Hazelwell

Established in 1866 by its first Housemaster Mr Green, Hazelwell boys are named ‘Greenites’ after the founder of the boarding house.

Situated in the fabulous Victorian family home on College Road, Hazelwell has a rich history of educating young men. Whilst maintaining some of the great house traditions, Hazelwell aims to provide a modern approach to boarding that seeks to replicate the family atmosphere of a home. It is a thriving community where relationships are familiar in nature and the environment relaxed and stable. Whilst College life builds knowledge, provides opportunities and opens doors, the caring and nurturing environment of Hazelwell builds confidence and encourages boys to get outside of their comfort zones and participate in what is on offer.

The House emblem is a red dragon. Throughout history the dragon has been a symbol of strength, power and passionate heroism with some cultures associating it with good fortune and spiritual well-being. The Hazelwell boys take this ‘Dragon Spirit’ into all parts of College life. They are balanced all-rounders who are confident to take on challenges and aspire to success.

Paul Hayes joined College from Holyport College in Berkshire where he was Housemaster of the boys’ house and a member of the Senior Leadership Team in charge of both boarding and pastoral care. Mr Hayes is an English teacher and a keen sportsman. Paul is joined in Hazelwell by his wife Alex and their three young children, After commissioning from Sandhurst, Alex spent six years in the Royal Artillery. She now works as a manager for the NHS and is a serving Magistrate for the Gloucestershire Bench.

Leconfield

Leconfield is a Boarding House that prides itself on being a warm, friendly and purposeful place to live. By encouraging each boy to contribute to its community through positive communication, diligence and an innate playfulness, all boys quickly become part of the Porcherite (as Leconfield boys are known) family and look out for each other throughout College life.

Leconfield was part of the second wave of Boarding Houses to be developed at College in the late 1860s along with Hazelwell, Cheltondale and Christowe. Its place at the heart of College for over 150 years means Leconfield has enjoyed much success in House competitions; a tradition that today’s boys are keen to maintain.

Dan Evans is the Housemaster of Leconfield and Senior Housemaster, and he lives in the House with his wife, Becks, who is the Higher Education and Careers Advisor at College. They have two young boys, Hector and Tobias, who are a part of Leconfield life. Daniel joined College in 2013 as Deputy Head of Upper College. He teaches History and History of Art and prior to joining College he was Head of History of Art and Architecture at Wycombe Abbey School. He considers it a great honour to be running a House with such a rich history.

Along with support staff, they all help to make Leconfield a home from home for Porcherites and a lively place on the weekends, with many activities on offer after school finishes for the week. Indoor climbing, water activities, paintballing, skiing, theatre and museum visits are just some of the things Porcherites can enjoy during the year.

Newick House

Newick House boys or ‘Muglistonites’, named after Newick House’s longest serving Housemaster Reverend John Mugliston, are well-rounded individuals who are fiercely loyal to the house. Newick House provides a place for pupils to become independent individuals in a supportive family environment, with the ultimate aim to create accomplished young men fully prepared for life after College.

Muglistonites are particularly encouraged to participate fully in school life by involving themselves in the multitude of activities that are offered by College. No more is this the case than in House competitions where Newick House boys pride themselves on giving their all and enjoying considerable success. The Newick House tutor team are integral in helping boys fulfil their academic potential whilst still participating fully in all other areas.

Alex Naylor joined as Housemaster of Newick House in August 2024. He is joined in the house by his wife Sophie, and spaniel Tiki. Alex is an Art Teacher at College and passionate about art, the outdoors, hiking and cycling.

The Queen’s House

Queen’s House has been a College Girls’ Day House since 2002. It is a stunning Georgian building, beautifully situated overlooking the main College Field and Chapel, and aims to create a homely and welcoming atmosphere. Day girls thrive in this environment and are as involved as Boarders in College life, fully participating in all activities on offer.

Queen’s girls can stay overnight in the Queen’s dormitory to support their busy College life. Although it is a Day House, Queen’s runs like a boarding house, giving the girls the option to go home or stay late for evening prep, supervised by a Tutor on duty.

Wandrille Bates is a French teacher at Cheltenham College and has been the Queen’s Housemistress since 2010. Her husband Will, teaches Geography and is the Resident Tutor. Wandrille is supported in running Queen’s by a team of fantastic Tutors, and Matron. They strongly believe in the all round ethos of the school and ensure that each day girl finds her niche, as well as steps out of her comfort zone.

The staff in Queen’s promote independence, respect and a sense of belonging to all the girls, and organise many events focusing on team spirit and genuine fun. Queen’s prides itself on its inclusion and friendship across all year groups. This family spirit continues beyond College, as many leavers come back to visit.

Southwood

Southwood is a boys’ Day House that opened in 1975 and is situated at the heart of the College grounds. The House is open from 7.00am until the last boy goes home, enabling them to take part in a broad range of academic and co-curricular activities that may well take place long after the normal school day has finished. The House also has a bedroom that is able to accommodate two Southwood boys overnight should the need arise due to an early or late College activity.

Many boys take the opportunity to get some prep (homework) done in the House during the day, freeing them up to relax at home in the evening. Some, however, stay on to do prep, having had supper with the Boarders at College, before being picked up later on in the evening.

Southwood is the boys’ second home and as such Housemaster James Orchard fosters a warm, family-orientated atmosphere where the boys feel comfortable and most importantly, happy. When they are happy they are more able to excel in everything else they do in and around College. The boys are proud of their House and celebrate the broad range of talents that you find within a Day House community.

Westal

Westal is a relaxing home for girls at College, nestled by the greenery of the sports pitches. It is blessed with lovely, light facilities that create a wonderful environment in which to work and play. Whether your child is dramatic, sporty, academic, musical or of course a combination of these, she will find in Westal like-minded spirits with whom she can share her passions.

Westal’s Housemaster is Tim Lang and together with a team of House tutors he fosters a sense of family, leadership and participation within Westal. The elder girls within the House look out for and guide the younger members of the group and everyone is involved in House decisions, including how the House is run and which activities to undertake together during weekends. Leadership skills are encouraged and developed within Westal girls so they can achieve both during their time at College and in the world beyond it. One of the many highlights of the week in Westal is the House coming together to celebrate the numerous achievements of its girls within whatever sphere they choose to excel in.