Meriden will introduce four new Houses at the Senior School from the beginning of 2025. The new Houses – to be named Cambridge, Lincoln, Norfolk and York – will bring the total number of Houses in the Senior School to ten.
The House system at Meriden dates back to 1931, 34 years after the school was first established, and began with four Houses. These were: Cumberland – named after the County of Cumberland, NSW, where Meriden is located; Warwick after Warwickshire, England, where the village of Meriden is situated; Kent after the birthplace of Miss Bertha Turner, Headmistress 1908-1924; and Sussex after the birthplace of Miss Grace Overy, Headmistress 1926-1940. In 2014, Durham and Oxford Houses were added, named after university counties in England.
Principal Mrs Lisa Brown says the House system helps establish smaller communities within the broader school community. “One of the most significant benefits of a House system is that it helps to develop a strong sense of belonging,” she says. “Each House becomes a smaller community within the school, a place where girls are known and supported by their peers.”
The Houses can also motivate students. “Through sports events and creative
competitions, girls have the chance to push their limits and discover what they
are capable of. The goal isn’t just to win, but to put in effort, learn from the experience and develop resilience,” says Mrs Brown.
The introduction of additional Houses will enable significantly smaller tutor groups within each House, enhancing the school’s ability to provide personalised care and support for its students.
