House System

Our House system is an important part of building a strong sense of belonging, identity and community across the school.

Every pupil belongs to a House, giving them a smaller community within the wider Cornelius family. Throughout the year, pupils have opportunities to represent their House, work alongside pupils from other year groups and earn House points through their achievements, participation, attendance and contribution to school life.

Vertical Tutor Groups

We have introduced vertical tutor groups for Year 7 and 8 in September 2026. Rather than tutor groups consisting of pupils from just one year group, Year 7 and Year 8 pupils were brought together within their House.

This helps younger pupils build relationships across year groups, learn from one another and develop a stronger connection to their House. As pupils progress through Cornelius, we want those relationships and that sense of belonging to grow with them.

More Than a Competition

Our Houses provide opportunities for pupils to take part in competitions, challenges, events, celebrations and rewards, but the House system is about much more than winning points.

It is about strengthening relationships, encouraging participation and creating a greater sense of belonging across the school. It also gives us more opportunities to recognise pupils' achievements and contributions to school life.

Through the House system, we want pupils to develop relationships beyond their own year group, contribute to their school community and experience what it means to be We Are CorneliUS.