Issuu

2026/27

Holland’s House

Housemistress: Kirsty Willis and Claire Cobham

Non ducor, duco

“I am not led, I lead”

The College Values

Integrity

We treat each other with kindness, sincerity and respect. We are liberal and open-minded, free from prejudice and pretension. We strive to make a positive diﬀerence in everything we do.

Spirit

We are determined to explore and develop what excites and motivates us, to fulfill our potential and realise our dreams. We are curious, adventurous and intellectually agile.

Resilience

We believe everyone should be empowered and supported to take risks. We are not afraid of setbacks. We learn from our successes and challenges. We encourage bravery and, through reflection, build inner strength.

Welcome to Holland’s House

Welcome to Holland’s House! Our names are Kirsty Willis and Claire Cobham. We are joint Housemistresses of Hollands House. Our job is to support your children in every way we can and to look after them both pastorally and academically during their time at Clifton College.

Starting a new school and joining a new house is exciting but we expect that your child will also be feeling a bit nervous. This handbook is designed to help but we will also be here to help your child adapt to life at Clifton, and as such, we hope you will feel that you can ask us any questions and turn to us for support whenever you need it.

Clifton College is a fantastic school and we are sure your children will quickly settle into our community. We are here to help them make the most of the opportunities here, ensuring that they reach their potential and strives for excellence. While academic achievement is of course important, they will be encouraged to take part in a large variety of events; some of which will be familiar and some which will be new. This will help them find their strengths and weaknesses, broaden their horizons, develop new skills and embrace everything that Clifton College has to oﬀer.

Holland’s House is the fifth girls’ house, which opened September 2017, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of girls at Clifton College. Holland’s House was named in honour of Louisa Percival, whose maiden name was Holland. In the 1870 a co-educational school was unthinkable; pressure was growing for female education. John Percival, the founder of Clifton College, and his wife Louisa, were strong advocates and, in 1869, they opened the Bristol branch of the Association for the Promotion of the Higher Education of Women – with Louisa as secretary. Holland’s House, fittingly the first College House to be named after a woman, will honour Louisa’s forward-thinking contributions to female education. The House motto, “Non ducor, duco”- I am not led, I lead, was put in place by the pioneering pupils who started the House. In Holland’s, it is hoped that all pupils will have the confidence to take their own direction throughout school life and beyond.

Welcome to Holland’s House!

K Willis & C Cobham, Holland’s Housemistresses

Kirsty Willis Housemistress

Rachel Davies Assistant Housemistress

Claire Cobham Housemistress

The House Staff

There is a continuous adult presence in the house during the time that House is open. The “core” house team is led by the Housemistress or Housemaster (HoM) who is responsible for the pastoral care of all those in the house, closely supported by the core team consisting of the Assistant Housemistress or Housemaster (AssHoM) and the Matrons.

The Matron is the oil that keeps the engine turning. They are an ever present in the house during the teaching day and beyond. The matron’s remit is seemingly endless but in general matrons help with medical issues, contact with home, TLC, but as much as anything to provide support, encouragement and act as a support to the House staﬀ.

The core staﬀ are supported by the house tutors who provide additional staﬀing and support throughout the weekday and in the evenings between the hours of 5:00pm and 7:15pm.

Starting at a new school is both exciting and frightening. Whether it seems important, or not, it is always better for the pupils to speak to someone. New pupils are encouraged to approach any member of the House staﬀ and also the other pupils in the house. The sooner these relationships are built the happier the pupils are and the stronger the house becomes.

Likewise, parents should feel no constraints regarding contacting the HoM, AssHoM or the Matrons. They all understand that such phone calls, or emails, are always with the best interests of the pupils at heart and contact sooner, rather than later, is always the right approach.

Who’s who?

HoM - Claire Cobham (Head of PSHE) & Kirsty Willis (Physical Education)

hlh_hom@cliftoncollege.com

AssHoM

Rachel Davies (Head of Philosophy and Religious Studies)

House Matrons

Jo Jefferis jjeﬀeris@cliftoncollege.com

Lucy Black lblack@cliftoncollege.com

Scarlett Jenkins sjenkins@cliftoncollege.com

Core email Address: house_hlh_core_staff@ cliftoncollege.com (This will email the HoM, Assistant HoM and matrons).

House Duty Rota

Monday - Friday

7:30am - 8:00am HoM or AssHoM

8:00am - 5:00pm Duty Matron

5:00pm - 7:15pm Duty Tutor

Saturday

7:30am - 8:00am HoM or AssHoM

8:00am - 1:00pm Duty Matron

1:00pm - 4:00pm Duty Tutor

The duty matron will be the ever-present cover during the day with the HoM and Ass HoM regularly appearing in between teaching and coaching.

On Saturday there are lessons in the morning and sporting activities in the afternoon.

Holland’s House Phone Directory

Please email house_hlh_core_staﬀ@ cliftoncollege.com if nobody answers – we may be attending to pupils.

Holland’s House 0117 3157 370

HoM 0117 3157 371 07803507767 (K Willis)

Matron 0117 3157 372

Useful School Numbers

Reception

0117 3157000

The Head Master’s Office 0117 3157106

The Deputy Heads’ Office 0117 3157175

Health & Wellbeing Centre 0117 3157637

The Monday - Saturday Routine

7:30am House Opens

8:10am AM Call Over

8:25am - 12:50pm School Routine

12:00pm - 13:00pm Lunch and PM Call Over (Not Saturday)

1:30pm - End of School Day School Routine

4:00pm (Sat) House Closes

6:00pm Dinner

7:15pm (Mon-Fri) House Closes

(N.B. There are a number of clubs and activities that take place after the end of the ‘school day’).

Health and Wellbeing

The College’s Health and Wellbeing Centre is staﬀed by an experienced team of nurses, physios and wellbeing practitioners. It is also partnered with the local GP surgery resulting in excellent onsite care.

It is essential that the College is aware of a pupil’s medical background. This should be completed within the joining documents and is entered on the school system. Should there be any changes the Health and Wellbeing team must be informed directly or via the HoM.

Should a special diet be required for medical reasons catering will accommodate all reasonable requests and this information should be submitted as part of the joining documents or directly to the pupils HoM if there are any changes to this.

Further Pastoral Support

Any pupils feeling unwell should see a member of the House staﬀ as the first port of call. Basic medication may be administered within the House but for more severe symptoms it’s a trip to the Health and Wellbeing Centre or/and a call to return home. Pupils are not allowed to keep medication on themselves (this includes paracetamol).

Clifton College is committed to the wellbeing of its pupils. Within the Health and Wellbeing Centre are “the Wave” and “the Deck” wellbeing areas along with a team that includes counsellors and external engagement mentors.

The pupils in the House should talk to whoever they are comfortable with and this may be diﬀerent on diﬀerent occasions. Within the house are the HoM, AssHoM and the Matrons and within the school are the School Wellbeing team, the Chaplain, pupil support groups and of course all of the other teachers. Whoever a pupil may wish to turn to it is important they feel they can and that they do.

Academic Matters

a) Each pupil will be assigned a tutor from the House tutor team. Minor queries about academic matters should be addressed to a pupil’s tutor. Any other issues should be referred to the HoM who, if necessary, will begin discussions with Heads of Department, the Senior tutor, the Academic Deputy Head or the Head of Sixth Form as appropriate.

b) Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13) are known as Block I. Years 9, 10 and 11 are known as Block II.

c) If at any stage a pupil decides that they are doing the wrong subject(s) they should inform the HoM but final decisions will occur only after a discussion with parents and the necessary academic teachers.

d) Alongside a pupil’s tutor, the Head of Sixth Form and the HoM will maintain an overview of any UCAS applications as well as writing references.

e) Parents will be informed of academic progress routinely via the schools grading and report process.

Rewards and Sanctions

We aim to encourage positive conduct through our House Points system, which celebrates good, kind, and helpful behaviour, high academic eﬀort, and House participation. Positive points can be exchanged for edible treats and also contribute to the end of term prizes. The system also allows for awarding “strikes,” which are an opportunity to provide a gentle nudge in the right direction to alter behaviour. Accumulating too many strikes, however, will lead to school sanctions. The Housemaster/mistress monitors our points system carefully for patterns and, if appropriate, awards a school sanction.

It is rare for a pupil to complete their time at Clifton without a minor misdemeanour. Many of these small oﬀences can be dealt with using House points and minor school sanctions without normally contacting parents. For more serious breaches of school rules resulting in a Saturday Night Detention (SND), however, pupils will be sent to the Head Master and parents will always be informed. The school sanctions are managed by the School Marshal, who has high expectations for pupil behaviour —as nice as he is, his oﬀice should not be a regular visit for anyone but himself.

When school sanctions are necessary, the College has four levels of punishment that can be handed out each week:

Marshal’s Extra Duties (MED):

Used for minor lapses like forgetting books, untidy appearance, or being late for lessons.

Compulsory Extra Work (CEW):

Assigned for pupils who are behind in their work and need to catch up.

Week Night Detention (WND):

Usually held on a Wednesday, for pupils who have consistently failed in the above areas or have been involved with more serious oﬀences.

Saturday Night Detention (SND):

Reserved for those oﬀences that have come to the attention of the Deputy Head (Pastoral) or Head Master.

The House A-Z

Absences (unplanned)

Should a pupil need to miss school (e.g. for illness) parents should contact the house by emailing the house core email address.

Access (security)

There are two doors into Holland’s that are accessible by school card or code (which is given to the students at the start of the term) and monitored by CCTV.

Both entrances are open from 7:30am7:15pm during the week and on Saturdays, the house closes at 4:00pm.

Ad-Hoc Boarding Nights

Day Pupils may stay in a boarding house on an ad-hoc basis for a fee. Bookings can be requested by emailing your Housemistress/ master stating the required dates and the child’s preferred House.

Birthdays

Everyone deserves a Birthday shout out and a, rarely in tune, sing-song and then when they turn a special 18 we treat them to a delicious cake!

Cars

Pupils who wish to drive will need to submit a completed driving form to the school Marshal. Pupils are not allowed to give lifts to other pupils, unless permission from the Marshal has been obtained. The area parking restrictions mean there isn’t parking provision for pupils within the school.

Changing Room

All pupils have use of the changing rooms and showers on the second floor. Sports kit should be kept here. Please ensure all items of sports kit are clearly named.

Chapel

Assembly is held in the Chapel on Monday morning and further “services” are held Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, with a “Congers” (singing) service on Saturday. Attendance is compulsory.

There are also important starred services, denoted with a * in the calendar, which are a firm part of traditional life of Clifton College. These are compulsory and may occur on occasionally on a Sunday (such as Remembrance Sunday).

Clothing - Uniform and Casual

The clothing list is provided in the School’s Parent Handbook and the uniform is available from the school shop (see “Grubber”). It can be ordered online for collection or alternatively you can visit the shop. During the summer it is advisable to telephone in advance to make an appointment and avoid disappointment.

The rationale behind the uniform rules are smart, simple and easily maintained. Sixth Form suits should be plain and dark in colour - dark grey, blue or black. For those in year 12 and 13 it is advisable to have at least two pairs of trousers/ skirts with any suit jacket. Please label your clothing with your name and House initials.

Nail varnish and/ or extensions should not be worn. Jewellery, ankle bracelets and strings around the wrist are not allowed and no nose studs or rings are allowed. One pair of small stud earrings (one in each earlobe) is permitted with the uniform.

Please label your clothing with your name and House initials.

Exeats

(planned absences from school)

The school recognises 3 types of exeat:

1. Half Terms

2. Duvet Days (2 x Michaelmas, 1 x Lent)

3. Christmas, Easter and the Summer Holidays

Holidays and finish times are listed in the Calendar. The House will be closed during these exeats.

Grades and reports

A more detailed explanation of the grades is available in the parent handbook but each half term (and after the first 3 weeks of school) grades are provided by all of a student’s academic teachers. There are two types of grade; eﬀort grade (1 – very poor to 6 – outstanding) and achievement grade (A-U or 1-9, subject dependent). The pastoral side of the house is particularly focused on the eﬀort grades and this drives much of the reward and recognition within the house.

A full set of reports are completed each term (and at half term in the Michaelmas term). This will include a report from all subject teachers, a student’s tutor and the Housemistress.

Grubber (The School Shop)

The Grubber is a favourite haunt for many pupils, particularly due to the last entry on the following list of sale items:

• School Uniform

• Clifton sportswear and sports equipment

• Stationery and textbooks

• Toiletries

• Drinks and snacks

Opening Times

During Term

Monday to Friday - 8.00am to 5.00pm (Pupils only 10.00am to 2.00pm)

Saturday - 8.00am to 2.00pm

During Holidays

Monday to Friday - 9.00am to 4.00pm

Saturday - 9.00am to 1.00pm

Telephone: 0117 315 7620

Email: schoolshop@cliftoncollege.com

Online: https://shop.cliftoncollege.com

House

Hall

We have callover in house hall, and at all other times it is the pupils to use as an additional space. It is used for rehearsing, watching TV, socialising, and studying!

Housemistress’s & Matron’s Study

Both of our studies are on the left as you come into the house hall and this is usually where you will find us! We have an opendoor policy and your children are welcome to come in for a chat at any time.

House Roles

All pupils should lead in the House. This said specific House responsibilities, of which there are many, are divided amongst the pupils (e.g. House Sailing Captain, House Play Director). To aide with the general running of the House there are U6th leadership roles:

1. Head of House and Deputy Head(s) of House: These roles will be awarded to members of the U6th who will act to help galvanise the house and form a conduit between House staﬀ and the pupils. The appointments are termly ones.

Internet and Computers

There is wireless internet access throughout the house. Use of the internet is closely monitored and is subject to the school usage policy. Misuse will be severely dealt with but in order to prevent this from happening there are significant filters on the school internet.

The school will issue Chromebooks to Year 9, 10 and 11 for their academic work and full details of this will be sent out separately. For Sixth Form it is advisable that pupils consider owning a laptop or tablet device with camera and microphone, and ideally with an ‘inkable’ screen, i.e., one that supports a good quality stylus. Pupils are being encouraged to attempt less online work on their mobile phones, and move towards devices with keyboards and large touchscreens. In terms of specific advice on devices, the school network and online resources are compatible with all platforms: Windows, iOS, Chrome and Android. In answer to a common question from parents: it is not necessary to spend a lot of money on a device, and a reasonably priced Chromebook is entirely suitable for most school purposes.

Kitchens

While all meals are compulsory, there are kitchens on each floor containing toasters, kettles, microwaves, fridges and cookers. They are shared areas and must be kept clean.

Each kitchen will be stocked with milk, tea, coﬀee, fruit, bread, butter, jam and on special occasions chocolate spread!

Lockers

Everyone has their own locker. They can keep their folders and books in their lockers alongside any personal items. The lockers can be locked using a padlock. Padlocks can be brought from the School Shop or from the House. We recommend that padlocks are used, and any expensive personal items are kept safe.

Merchandise

A House polo shirt is part of the uniform list and should be purchased at the school shop.In addition to this the pupils appear to rather enjoy House branded merchandise. The nature of this merchandise might vary but its purchase is optional.

Mobile Phones

The College’s mobile phone usage policy aims to foster a healthy use of technology and encourage pupils to interact face-toface.

To eliminate unwanted distraction and stress, all year groups must hand in their mobile phones for the school day and, in years 9, 10 and 11 overnight.

Mobile phones present opportunities for both positive and negative use and can cause significant issues within the school environment. Because mobile data bypasses school filters, monitoring is very diﬀicult; therefore, parents are recommended to ensure contracts have limited data allowance and/or monitor usage.

Parent Portal, School Webpage and Calendar

The College website (www.cliftoncollege. com) gives news and information such as term and exeat dates and the whole term’s calendar (including parents’ evenings, musical evenings and concerts, all of the sporting fixtures).

The Parent Engage Portal (accessible via the website) contains information about the academic performance and behaviour of the pupils (reports, grades etc). A password will be required for this and will be issued, along with full instructions, to all new parents at the start of the year. Please contact engage@cliftoncollege.com if you have any issues logging in.

Personal belongings and Insurance

Please do not bring in unnecessary expensive equipment that can get lost or damaged. Please use lockers (and bring a coded padlock) to lock away things such as chromebooks/laptops when they are not being used - and ensure that these are appropriately insured by parents/guardians personally. Equipment rarely goes missing but accidents do happen and things can get broken.

Expensive musical instruments can be stored in the Housemaster’s and Matron’s oﬀices. No earphones/headphones are to be worn with your school uniform around campus.

Prep

Prep is all logged on the Google Classroom site which is accessible from home. Parents/ guardians can be added (on request).

Pupil Cards

Each pupil will be given a card to access the House and some other areas of the College. It will also serve as a way of purchasing items from the College Shop which will subsequently be added to pupils’ bills. It is very important that this card is looked after. Failure to do so could compromise the security of the House and School. Should a card be lost, then this must be reported to the Housemistress/Matron immediately who will cancel the card and order a new one.

Role of the senior pupil

There are many ways in which senior pupils are given responsibility within the house and school.

The school prefects (Praeposters) support the staﬀ and help with whole school issues. Within the house, responsibility for house events etc. is given to pupils, with the pupils helping to oversee and run house events and competitions.

The Head of House and her Deputy, who are selected by the Housemistress on a termly basis, work closely with the staﬀ and pupils within the House.

Studies

We expect everyone to keep their own area in the study tidy, and to respect the space and everyone in it. Electrical items should be unplugged when not in use. Each pupil is allocated a locker in her study for books and valuable items such as mobile phones, laptops and calculators, which can be padlocked if necessary.

Trips and Events

House events and trips will be arranged approximately once per term and have one target in mind – fun. Cost for these trips will be communicated in advance.

House Rules

Common sense, honesty, consideration and courtesy should prevail, but there are a few things that I would like to clarify…

School rules

All school rules apply – ignorance is no excuse.

Borrowing

Studies, Kitchens & Changing Rooms

Studies, kitchens and changing rooms should be kept tidy and nothing should be left on the floor.

Lockers are your own private space; you should not go into anyone else’s locker, unless they have asked you to.

Posters, photos etc. should only go on the pin boards and the front of your lockers (tasteful!).

Report breakages promptly.

All kit should be left in the changing rooms in your allocated area.

It is your responsibility to keep the kitchens cleaned, please tidy up after yourself.

Stealing is not the same as borrowing. Ensure you have the owner ’s permission before anything is borrowed. Theft is extremely damaging to a House that prides itself on trust and loyalty.

Bullying

The punishment for bullying is severe. There should be no bullying within or outside of the house.

Should bullying be witnessed it is a student’s duty to report it. This includes cyber-bullying.

Timekeeping

Call overs are compulsory, timekeeping is essential and all deadlines must be kept.

Forbidden activities

Drugs, smoking/vaping and drinking are FORBIDDEN. Oﬀenders can expect significant sanctions.

Food

Lunch is provided in the big school kitchen (BSK) and is compulsory.

Access

• The door security code (afternoons only) is secret and must not be divulged.

• Access cards must not be shared, and lost ones reported immediately.

• The slider system must be used on entering and exiting the house.

• Security is important to the school so do not leave doors wedged open.

Guests

Visitors are very welcome, but they must all have permission and be with a Holland’s House pupil.

They must sign in and out. All visitors, i.e. parents, siblings etc. must make contact with a member of the House staﬀ on entering the House in the interest of security/privacy. They should only go upstairs to the study areas after seeing a member of staﬀ and should be escorted.

Technology

Incorrect use of mobile phones, tablets and laptops is forbidden and may lead to the particular device being confiscated for a period of time.

The use of technology to abuse, harm, or oﬀend others will be severely dealt with. Do not underestimate the schools response to such behaviour.

Equipment

Essential Equipment

• Uniform. All clothes should be labelled with stitched name tapes in the NECK or in the WAIST as appropriate.

• Games kit (see uniform list). Also, should be labelled.

• Personal Toiletries (no tablets/medicines - this should be passed to House staﬀ ).

• Towel.

• Outdoor coat (plain and dark if to be worn with uniform - see uniform list).

• Gloves/scarf - must be dark if worn with school uniform

• Appropriate sports equipment.

• Combination padlock.

• Water bottles (the school is trying to minimise plastic waste).

• Please see Parent Handbook for information about devices.

Non-Essential Equipment

• Audio equipment (e.g. reasonable sized speakers for personal use, headphones)

• Hair dryers, straighteners etc. Your child may want to bring these items in if she has a school event she needs to prepare for. (We do have items which can be borrowed)

• Mobile phones

• Umbrella

• Stationery - pens, paper, drawing pins, etc. (although there is a school shop that you can purchase these items as well)

Items Not Permitted

• No mini-fridges, mini-heaters or electric blankets are permitted in rooms.

• Kitchen electricals such as rice cookers, coﬀee machines may be used in the communal kitchens with the HOM’s permission (however it is not advised to bring them).

• No games consoles or TV screens.

• No printers.

If the item is very precious, LEAVE

IT AT HOME

What are the uniform requirements?

A link to the uniform list can be found in the parental handbook which will be issued to you centrally. Uniform can be purchased from the school shop either online or in person but this can get busy over the summer so an appointment is recommended. Telephone: 0117 3157620 or email: schoolshop@cliftoncollege.com

Is there a second hand uniform shop?

As a key part of the schools sustainability work “The Basement” is our studentrun second-hand shop, selling pre-loved uniform and sports kit for the Pre, Prep, and Upper School. Opening times are usually Monday afternoons from 14:15 to 14:45, or by appointment (please contact mlockwood2@cliftoncollege.com). There are also pop-up events throughout the year. All proceeds go to charities selected by the student-led charities committee.

My child has specific medical needs, what should I do?

Please ensure this information is included when you complete the online web admissions forms as this will ensure it is entered into the school system and passed to our School Health Centre. This should be suﬀicient but it is also advisable to contact your child’s Housemaster/mistress and draw their attention to it.

What are the term dates and dates of parents meetings etc?

Please click on the links for the term dates and the latest school calendar.

What is the weekly and daily school routine?

This information is available in the parent handbook and the house handbook for routine outside of these times. All Day Houses open at 7.30am each morning and close at 7.15pm (Mon-Fri) and 4.00pm (Sat).

I have lots of questions, who should I ask?

I would like my child to enjoy music lessons while at Clifton.

Please specify this on your joining documents or, if your decision is made at a later date, please email your Housemistress/master. Please note that it will take some time to finalise the music timetable and so students should expect to start lessons in the second or third week of term.

If you have questions that remain unanswered after reading the information you have been issued by Admissions and your Housemistress/master then please do contact your child’s Housemistress/master, they will be happy to help.

My child doesn’t have a school timetable?

All students are provided with their academic timetables on their first day of term.

What are the timings for the first day of term?

The detailed information will be sent to you by your Housemasters/mistresses closer to the start of term.

My child wants to change their initial choices (either GCSE or A Level/ BTEC). Who should I contact?

Please email deputyheads@cliftoncollege. com to amend choices.

My child doesn’t have a school timetable. All students are provided with their academic timetables on the first day of term and the information will also be available both via Google Calendar and the school Engage system.

My child currently has access arrangements, will these carry on?/ I think my child needs access arrangements, how do I get my child assessed?

Please ensure this information is included when you complete the online web admissions forms. All new pupils go through screening tests which are arranged by our Learning Support Department. If anything is flagged during these tests, you will be notified by the Learning Support Department and further assessments may take place. If you think your child needs to be accessed, please contact your Housemaster/mistress and they will put you in touch with the Learning Support Department.

How do I know if my child has a match?

This information is available via the school calendar (https://calendar.cliftoncollege. com/). Here you will be able to see school fixtures and by clicking on “details” you will be able to access the team sheets and fixture information.

(N.B. The team sheets require a password that parents will be informed of at the start of each academic year).

My child is starting Sixth Form. What colour of suits are permitted?

Suits should be part of a set, matching in colour and material. They must be plain, dark blue (or navy), dark grey or black. Suits that are lighter in colour will not be accepted. Additionally, there should be no patterns.