The Lower School Community

The move into Senior School is a pivotal moment in a pupil’s educational journey; for many it comes as a natural progression, but for others the move can be more daunting. At Dauntsey’s, there is an abundance of staff at all stages of school life ensuring that the mental, physical and spiritual needs of pupils are met.

The house system is at the heart of the community, giving pupils a secure source of support and guidance on every aspect of life, as well as the chance to get together and have fun. All Lower School pupils join one of four co-educational houses and these houses are communicated to pupils in the summer before they join Dauntsey’s. Siblings follow suit and join the same house as any older siblings and a great deal of effort goes into ensuring a balance of interests within all of the houses.

Within each house, pupils will then be allocated a Tutor who will remain with them throughout their time in Lower School, providing continuity and stability across the three years. Pupils will also then be assigned to a mix-house class, which allows for friendships to develop outside of the houses. Classes are changed on an annual basis.

Support comes from all aspects of the school community, be that the on-site counsellors, prefect mentors, First Form buddies, Tuck Shop staff, the catering team, or one of a number of other members of staff. Pupils are also encouraged to support each other and throughout the term are awarded ‘Random Act of Kindness’ awards when they have gone above and beyond for a fellow pupil.

The Lower School benefits from their own Lower School Centre. This is a base where all houses and year groups, day pupils and boarders can come together at break to relax and socialise. Boarders are also able to invite day pupil friends to The Manor for ‘Friends on Friday’, the ever-popular Friday night sleepover.

The Leslie Rendell Trophy

Inter-house competitions are an integral part of life in the Lower School. There are numerous opportunities for pupils, regardless of their ability, to participate in a variety of different competitions, including Cross Country, Chess, Table Tennis, Football, Rifle Shooting, General Knowledge, Badminton, Tennis and many more. Points are collected throughout the year and the house which has the most points at the end of the year wins the Leslie Rendell Trophy.