House System

When a new student starts at Notre Dame, every care is taken to ensure they are welcomed and have a secure place within the school community. Part of this process is the House system and each girl is placed into one of four Houses. Each House has around 60 students of all ages and siblings are placed into the same House. The aim is that the girls have the opportunity to forge happy relationships, raise aspirations and develop the values of healthy competition.

The four Houses are Eyquem, Lestonnac, Montaigne and Montferrant. Each House is named after an important figure in the life of St Jeanne, the foundress of the Company of Mary Our Lady and inspiration for the ethos of the school.

The House system promotes and celebrates success. Students can earn house points through academic success, progress in their development, demonstration of excellent behaviour and the contribution they make to the wider school community. There are also a variety of sporting, musical and dramatic competitions throughout the year which can earn further house points.

Each House is led by a sixth form House Captain who is supported by a Vice-Captain. In this way, the younger students see the sixth form take on positions of responsibility and have positive role models within the school. The Houses also have a member of staff supporting their meetings and activities.

At the end of the year, the house point totals are counted up and the winning House takes part in a ‘treat day’. Previous treats have included a circus skills workshop and a day of African drumming.