What can be more traditional than the friendly rivalry between Houses in a British prep school? But its modern relevance, particularly here at Caldicott, comes from its pastoral significance.  A boy’s House will provide him with all the support, purpose, discipline and camaraderie that will enhance his prep school experience.

Boys are allocated to one of four Houses when they begin school, mostly randomly, but you are welcome to email your preference to the Director of Admissions upon acceptance of a place, where there is a close family allegiance.

Each House has a colour and a link to a key contributor to the school’s rich history, as follows:

Cooper

Cooper named after John Shewell Cooper, the School’s fourth Headmaster.

Jenkins

Jenkins named after Heald Jenkins, the founder and first Headmaster.

McArthur

McArthur named after Harry McArthur, an influential parent who aided the School financially.

Wood

Wood named after F. Gordon Wood, the third Headmaster of the School.

The House system began at Caldicott in the summer term of 1928 when Mr Nicolson became House Master of McArthur house, and Mr Walden House Master of Jenkins house. A cup was presented by Miss Ingram to be competed for annually by the two Houses.

In September 1928, Mr Cooper became Housemaster of Jenkins, Mr Walden having left to go abroad. In this year, Jenkins House narrowly won the House Cup, the result being in the balance right up to the last event of the swimming sports at the end of the summer term. In the year 1929-1930 the cup went to McArthur House, but in the following year (1930-1931) the position was again reversed, with Jenkins winning after a hard struggle. During this year, a new system of points in the House Competition was initiated, which meant that from then on work, conduct, neatness, as well as all games and sports would now count towards the House Competition.

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