There are few state-funded schools that boast a boarding
establishment. School House was opened in 1927 and has forged a
tradition rich in academic, sporting and cultural achievement.
School House caters for 100 boys from New Zealand and around
the world, all of whom are assisted to grow and fulfil their
potential in a safe, structured and caring environment.
Five and seven day boarding are catered for, at the same term
rate, with fees payable six-monthly in advance.
These fees cover three meals a day as well as afternoon tea
and supper, laundry and accommodation.
Students are supervised at all times and can only obtain leave
passes by prior arrangement with the hostel staff. Overnight
leave is approved only by the Director or Assistant Director.
School House boys are provided with extra educational
opportunities. Supervised homework and study programmes take
place between 7 pm and 9 pm Monday to Thursday. Computer and
printing access is available in the lounge area for study
purposes.
Each dormitory has 20 boys: At the beginning of each school
year the aim is to have Year 9 and 10 boys share a sizeable
bunk room, Year 11 and 12 boys share rooms in pairs, and Year
13 boys have a room each. Each dormitory has two prefects.
The dormitories are named after four early House leaders
(Bridger, Fleming, Hunter and Spence) and the foundation Senior
Housemaster (Towers - Herbie Towers taught at the School for
over half a century).
School House is under the control of the Hostel Director, one
of the School's senior teaching staff who lives on the premises
with his family, and a group of live-in teaching staff. There
are four tutors who live in the dormitories to provide closer
guidance and support to the boys. There is also a group of
eleven hostel prefects appointed each year, one of whom is the
head prefect.
The School House Philosophy consists of four basic tenets:
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Each student will have a secure, safe and clean environment to live in
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Each student will be given the opportunity to fulfil his academic potential.
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Each student is expected to participate as fully as possible in the wider life of the School.
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Each student is taught to be self-disciplined and well organised, and to maintain a consistently high standard of behaviour in the School and in School House.