All pupils, day and boarding, are members of one of the four school houses. Each house has its own unique story and connections to the history and traditions of Ashford School.
Houses are led in partnership by a member of staff and a member of the prefect team. The aim of the house system at Ashford School is primarily to support vertical integration between year groups through regular whole school and sectional activities.
The school year starts with House Shout (where each house performs a song on the Brake Hall stage) and concludes with Sports Day in early July. Throughout the year there are other house competitions, charity events and mentoring opportunities.
The Houses
Atkins
Atkins
House Coordinator – Mrs S Hewitt
House Prefect – Aoife B
House Colour – Green
The house takes its name from the school’s longest serving member of staff, Bill Atkins. Bill was the Ashford School Groundsman and Gardener between 1937-1994.
But he wasn’t just any gardener; he was part of the Ashford family, for nearly 60 years, consistently keeping the East Hill hedge in check (a never-ending battle), and even grew delicious fruits and veggies for school meals!
Even today, Bill’s love for Ashford School lives on, there is a dedication to him in the centenary Rose Garden by the Brabourne boarding house.
From helping students adjust to their new surroundings, to creating a welcoming environment, Bill’s dedication left a lasting mark.
Through this connection with Bill, Atkins house has close ties with the Maintenance Department.
Newfoundland
Newfoundland
House Coordinator – Mr M Russen
House Prefect – Maddie R
House Colour – Red
Taking its name from the Canadian Province of Newfoundland and Labrador Newfoundland house stands as a constant reminder to the 59th Newfoundland Heavy Regiment Royal Artillery, who were stationed at Ashford School during World War II.
The regiment answered the call from England in 1939, and these brave men played a vital role in protecting our country.
On the 28th June 2024 the school unveiled a memorial to the 59th Regiment, 83 years after the official war diaries state their arrival at Ashford School.
Newfoundland House is championed by the Catering Department who are keen supporters of the ‘Newfies’.
Nightingale
Nightingale
House Coordinator – Miss Bourne
House Prefect – Bo W
House Colour – Yellow
A house names in honour of former Ashford School Headmistress, Mary Nightingale who served from 1955-1972.
Under her watch, the school practically tripled in size.
Nightingale loved learning, she made sure getting good grades opened doors to good universities and careers beyond. New classrooms, shiny facilities – the School got a major makeover under her leadership.
Mrs Nightingale introduced things like the Duke of Edinburgh Award to make learning more adventurous.
The HR and Accounts Department celebrate the successful career of Mary Nightingale by cheering on the house named after her.
Thimann
Thimann
House Coordinator – Mr Grech
House Prefect – Fraser D
House Colour – Blue
Thimann house is named after the founding head of Ashford School, then the Modern High School for Girls, Muriel Thimann.
Mrs Thimann served for over a decade between 1898–1910, setting up the school in the main high street. Muriel was a pioneer starting a school in Ashford for ‘Ladies’.
She was a trailblazer who saw how important education was for everyone, not just boys. Muriel had a forward-thinking vision.
She knew that giving girls a top-notch education was the key to the future, and that’s exactly what Ashford has become.
Three small but hugely influential departments, Marketing, Admissions and Alumni, are proud to be associated with the ‘Blues’ and help house members in their mission be the ‘coolest’ and most innovative of the four houses.