House System
As the school grows and our pupils get older we seek to keep a strong sense of family, team work and community across the ages through our House System.
Our Houses are named after historic ‘Christian heroes’ - men, women and families. They lived their lives in the service of others, seeking to both share the message of Jesus and improve society through the application of Biblical values. They broke down gender and cultural stereotypes.
The Houses will serve to help inspire the children, develop character, teach a Christian worldview and aid understanding of British values. Together, they span three centuries of Christian influence in society.
Named after the great preacher John Wesley (1703-1791), hymn writer Charles Wesley (1707-1788) and their pioneering mother, Susanna Wesley (1669-1742). This family changed the course of history and the legacy inspires to this day. One historian said that John Wesley was ‘the man who restored to a nation its soul.’ Charles Wesley wrote over 6000 hymns. Susanna Wesley, mother of 19, was the influence in their lives and home schooled her children in Christian values.
The Wesley’s took the Christian message to the people, helping Britain to avoid a revolution like in France.
William Wilberforce (1759-1833) was an MP who led the fight against slavery. He was also a founding member of the RSPCA.
Wilberforce was greatly influenced by John Wesley and John Newton, the former slave trader who wrote the hymn Amazing Grace. Wilberforce's story was made into a movie in 2006 and William Hague wrote a best selling biography about him in 2007. He continues to inspire today and his influence extended to the Modern Slavery Act 2015, brought by Theresa May when Home Secretary.
Lord (Anthony) Shaftsbury (1801-1885) was a Victorian Social Reformer who ended Child labour and exploitation. His memorial is one of London’s most famous landmarks – the Eros Monument – in Piccadilly Circus. The inscription was written by Prime Minister, WE Gladstone, who wrote: 'During a public life of half a century he devoted the influence of his station. The strong sympathies of his heart. And the great powers of his mind. To honouring God by serving his fellowmen. An example to his order. A blessing to this people. And a name to be by them ever gratefully remembered.'
William (1829-1912) and Catherine Booth (1829-1890), founded the Salvation Army and raised a family who continued their work of helping the poor and needy while teaching them about Jesus. The Booths led on equality, training men and women, and promoting on merit. Catherine has a statue alongside her husband in the East End of London. Today the Salvation Army serves people all around the world.