Our House System

In 2011, we proudly introduced a House System built around vertical groups, designed to strengthen connections and community across all year levels. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength.

Today, we follow a blended pastoral approach: students meet in year group forms from Monday to Thursday, and join their vertical tutor groups on Fridays to take part in our popular Friday Challenge.

Each House is made up of three to four tutor groups, each containing around 25–30 students. The form tutor plays a key role in every student’s journey, overseeing their pastoral care, academic progress, and wellbeing, and acting as the main link between home and school.

The Strengths of Our House System

Our House and vertical tutor structure provides a range of benefits that support every student’s growth and sense of belonging:

• Personalised support: Tutors can focus on smaller groups at important times of the year. For example, during the Options process, Year 9 students receive individual guidance and encouragement.
• Positive competition: The system fosters friendly rivalry in areas such as sport, the arts, attendance, behaviour, and charity fundraising.
• Leadership and responsibility: Students have opportunities to take on key roles such as House Captain, Vice House Captain, and peer mentor, developing confidence and teamwork skills.
• Strong communication: Heads of House support the team of tutors, and parents or carers are always welcome to contact tutors or Heads of House for updates or concerns.

Our Four Houses

Forest Hall is home to four Houses: Eagle, Falcon, Merlin, and Harrier.  Names chosen by our Student Voice to celebrate both our local identity and our school values.

Each name represents a bird of prey, reflecting the qualities we aim to nurture in our students: focus, determination, and aspiration. These names also connect to our proximity to Stansted Airport, as each has a place in aviation heritage, from engines and aircraft to the spirit of flight itself.

This dual meaning captures the essence of Forest Hall: a community grounded in care, yet always aiming high.

Every student and member of staff is assigned to a House when they join the school, creating a lasting sense of belonging. Each year, every House enjoys a two-week fundraising campaign for their chosen charity, while students earn House points throughout the year for achievement, participation, and teamwork.

The result is a vibrant, supportive, and competitive community where everyone has the chance to shine.

Supporting Our Year 11 Students

Our Year 11 students follow a bespoke pastoral structure, attending tailored core interventions in English, Maths, and Science during registration to strengthen key skills and confidence ahead of their exams.

Their pastoral care is led by Mrs. Stybar, Head of Year 11, who ensures every student receives the personalised support they need to reach their full potential.