Charlton School

9^th July 2026

Dear Parents and Carers,

House System Relaunch

I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who took the time to complete our recent consultation regarding the relaunch of the Charlton House System. We were delighted to receive such a high level of engagement from students, parents, carers, staff and governors, with a wide range of thoughtful ideas, suggestions and questions submitted.

Your feedback has played an important role in shaping the next stage of this exciting development. It was particularly encouraging to see the enthusiasm for creating a House System that aims to promote school pride, belonging, leadership and participation across all areas of school life.

Local landmarks were identified as the most popular theme for our new houses. We have since spent time exploring a range of local landmarks and places of significance that reflect the history, geography and identity our local community. Following this process, the following house names have been established and will form the foundation of our relaunched House System. These houses will help strengthen students' connection to the local area while developing a strong sense of pride, belonging and community across the school.

Over the past week, we have launched the new House System through a series of assemblies with students. These assemblies introduced the vision behind the relaunch, outlined the role houses will play within our school community, and celebrated the opportunities that lie ahead. The response from students has been extremely positive, and we are already seeing momentum build as healthy competition begins to develop between the Houses.

A number of questions were raised through the consultation process. To support families, we have produced a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document, which can be found on the following page. This addresses many of the key themes raised by parents and carers, including house identity, competitions, leadership opportunities, house points and uniform arrangements.

House Logo Competition

Students are invited to design a logo that captures the identity, values and spirit of their House. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to demonstrate creativity and contribute to the legacy of their house from the very beginning.

The winning design from each house will be professionally developed and used as the basis for a commemorative house pin badge that students will be able to wear with pride as a symbol of their house membership.

Further details of the competition, including submission deadlines and design guidance has been shared with students via email. The deadline is Wednesday 15^th July.

The first House Competition will centre around Sports Day, which is scheduled to take place on Monday 13^th July, weather permitting. This will provide students with their first opportunity to represent their house and earn valuable house points through participation, teamwork, determination and sporting success. We hope the event will mark an exciting start to our relaunched House System, helping to build house pride and foster healthy competition across the school.

This is just the beginning of what intends to be an action-packed programme of house events, competitions and leadership opportunities throughout the year. We look forward to working together to build a House System that strengthens our community and provides memorable experiences for all students.

Thank you once again for your continued support.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Sarah Barton
Principal

House System Relaunch – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is Charlton School relaunching the House System?

The House System is being relaunched to strengthen student belonging, increase participation in school life, celebrate achievement, develop leadership opportunities, and create a stronger sense of community across the school. Feedback from students, staff, governors and parents highlighted a desire for a more visible and meaningful House System. 

2. Why was the previous House System discontinued?

Several parents asked why the previous House System was no longer operating as prominently as in the past. The previous House system only revolved around 4 Houses. This means that the Houses cannot meet in the main hall and therefore opportunities to meet are extremely limited and not currently utilised. The relaunch provides an opportunity to re-establish the positive elements that many members of the school community remember, including competitions, rewards, assemblies and leadership opportunities.

3. Will students need to buy new ties or uniform?

There are no intentions to change ties or uniform. Students will be issued with a pin badge that will support with the identification of their House. 

4. How will the House System benefit students?

Parents highlighted several potential benefits, including:

• Increased participation in school life & healthy competition
• Improved confidence and leadership opportunities
• Development of resilience and teamwork
• Greater community spirit and school pride
• Opportunities for students of different ages to work together

These benefits will be central to the House System's design.

5. Will there be House competitions?

Yes. A common theme from responses was the desire for meaningful inter-house competitions. Suggestions included:

• Sports competitions
• Academic challenges
• Music and performing arts events
• Charity and fundraising activities
• Community projects

The intention is to provide opportunities for all students to contribute, regardless of their strengths or interests.

6. Will there be student leadership opportunities?

Many parents supported the introduction of House Captains, House Ambassadors and other student leadership roles. The relaunched system will aim to provide leadership opportunities that allow students to develop responsibility, confidence and teamwork skills with intended opportunities for all year groups.

7. How will House Points be awarded fairly?

A number of parents expressed concerns about inconsistency in how House Points are currently awarded. An evaluation of the rewards system is planned for the Autumn Term with the intention to relaunch the reward system entirely.

8. How will the House System recognise students who consistently do the right thing?

Several parents raised concerns that students who consistently demonstrate excellent behaviour, effort and commitment can sometimes receive less recognition than those making improvements from a lower starting point. The relaunched rewards system references above will seek to celebrate both sustained excellence and personal improvement and will reflect House Points awarded.

9. How will students understand what their House represents?

Many respondents felt that students should learn about the history, values or significance behind their House name. House identities will therefore be supported through assemblies, displays, competitions and wider school activities to help students develop pride in their House.  

10. How will we know if the House System is successful?

Success will be measured through:

• Increased student participation
• Positive student and parent feedback
• Greater engagement in enrichment activities
• Leadership development opportunities
• A stronger sense of belonging and school community

The school will continue to gather feedback and refine the system as it develops.

Thank you to all parents and carers who contributed their views. Your feedback has been invaluable in helping shape the future of the Charlton House System.