Our Houses

At St Bede’s and St Joseph’s Catholic College, we are committed to developing our students as happy, confident, spiritually awake young people with a strong sense of community and a genuine passion - and thirst - for learning.

We are also mindful of the first stated aim of St Bede’s school which, when agreed in June 1900, declared that the school would:

“provide a Catholic education equal in every respect to that which is given in the best public schools in England.”

That founding vision continues to guide us today. We believe that excellence in education must be rooted in faith, character and opportunity. Academic success matters deeply - but so too do leadership, service, resilience and belonging.

Why We Have a House System

To help us meet these aims, we have established a vibrant and purposeful House system. Our Houses create cohesive “family units” within the College, bringing students together across year groups and strengthening our partnership with parents and carers.

Rather than organising students solely by year group, our House system connects younger and older students within a shared identity. This vertical structure promotes mentoring, role modelling and a genuine sense of belonging. Every student is known, valued and supported within their House community.

Importantly, the House system does not impact on your child’s curriculum offer or the site they attend. Teaching, timetabling and subject provision remain unchanged. The Houses enhance - rather than replace - the academic structure of the College.

Our Houses

Our Houses are named after key figures at the heart of the Catholic faith:

• St Matthew
• St Mark
• St Luke
• St John
• St Paul

Each House has its own symbol, motto and prayer, shaped by its members and rooted in our shared Catholic identity.

How the House System Supports Our Mission

Our House structure reflects three key dimensions of College life:

Scholastica
Promoting academic aspiration, progress and achievement. We celebrate effort and improvement, encouraging every student to aim high and take pride in their learning.

Ecclesia
Faith in action. Houses support charitable work, service and spiritual development, helping students grow as compassionate and responsible members of the community.

Olympia
Opportunity and enrichment. Through sport, performance, competition and co-curricular activities, students develop confidence, teamwork and resilience.

This structure also provides a strong framework for the continued development of the Christus Lumen Gentium Diploma, ensuring that students’ wider achievements and contributions are recognised and celebrated.

The House Championship

The House Championship brings our Houses together in a year-long programme of academic, sporting and creative events. Students earn points not only through competition, but through participation, contribution and commitment.

From the Year 7 Framble - a joyful introduction to House life - to the Ardor Dash, academic challenges, performance events and Sports Day, the Championship builds pride, loyalty and healthy rivalry.

The overall winners are awarded the Peter May Trophy in a formal presentation ceremony, and the winning House flag flies proudly as a visible symbol of achievement and community spirit.

What This Means for Our Students

Ultimately, our House system ensures that every student is exposed to a wide range of opportunities and experiences that:

• Support their learning.
• Develop their leadership skills.
• Build resilience and character.
• Strengthen friendships and belonging.
• Enhance their enjoyment of College life.

Through the House system, students do not simply attend St Bede’s and St Joseph’s Catholic College - they belong to it.