Our Boarding Houses
The boarding house system is structured to enable students to discover a feeling of connection and camaraderie in their home-from-home.
Regular communication between the boarding house and home is vital, with parents and houseparents building a solid and strong relationship to ensure a seamless support for students.
Our knowledgeable staff are always available to ensure students feel supported. Within our boarding houses you will often find students, affectionately known as Dukies, having a coffee with a Houseparent, playing ping-pong with a matron or laughing over lunch with their teachers and peers.
The Boarding Houses are like a second homes and are very welcoming and become very important to the children as they move up the school.
– Muddy Stilettos, Best Schools Guide
Boarding Houses
The original 8 Boarding Houses were originally named as ‘companies 1 – 8’ before being renamed alphabetically A – H. In 1925, the purpose-built boarding houses, received the names we use today.
In 1994, Alanbrooke House was founded on the site of the former sanitorium, Centenary House opened in 2010 marking the centenary of the school moving from Chelsea to Dover, and in 2012 four new purpose-built boarding houses were built.
House life is caring, encouraging and safe, but it is also fun and exciting. Houses compete in music, sports, assemblies and charity events. All Houses have day rooms, kitchen areas, and leisure facilities. Students are encouraged to make these areas their own, with personal touches such as family photos and posters. Communal areas are bright and cheerful, with comfy sofas, large televisions and a range of other recreational facilities. There are cosy quiet corners for a peaceful read, and larger spaces for shared activities and fun with friends.
Senior Girls Houses
Houseparent – Mrs Sally Bruce
Joining the School in 2019, Mrs Bruce was a Deputy Houseparent in Clive and Marlborough Houses before becoming Alanbrooke Housemistress in 2021.
Teaching English from Year 7 to Year 13, Mrs Bruce aims to provide a calm and caring atmosphere in the House, facilitating a smooth transition into boarding life.
Previously, Mrs Bruce spent four years travelling around the world, working as a holiday rep. She uses stories from her travels and knowledge gained to influence her teaching and to encourage inclusivity in the House.
Mrs Bruce enjoys baking, and is passionate about reading, travelling, canoeing, and most recently, crocheting after an Alanbrooke student taught her and Matron!
Houseparent – Mrs Amy Carey
While also working as a Dance Teacher, Mrs Carey started her journey as a Deputy Houseparent of Centenary before transition to a Houseparent. Mrs Carey ensures there is always a friendly face, a warm welcome, and someone the girls know they can come to if they have any worries, no matter how big or small, within the House. With an ethos of guiding all girls within the House to be the very best they can be, the House offers a variety of opportunities. While not working, Mrs Carey enjoys reading and attending theatre shows. She lives within the House with her husband and Peppa Pig & Bluey obsessed young daughter.
Houseparent – Miss Christine Lawrence
Beginning her Dukie career teaching A Level Psychology, Miss Lawrence joined the School in 2016, balancing her teaching with the role of Deputy Housemistress. She became Marlborough Houseparent in September 2017, and introduced bingo and mini cultural food celebrations to the girls.
Miss Lawrence has a background as a PE Teacher, delivering A Level Sport Psychology and Games to all Key Stages. She enjoys cross fit, hockey, rugby, hiking, bike riding, and criminal psychology!
Houseparent – Mrs Samanthan Trimby
Since graduating, Mrs Trimby has always followed a teaching pathway, taking a break to raise her children before joining the School in 2013. She has a passion for Art, History, and Poetry, bringing these interests into her teaching. She also loves to hike and ski!
Senior Boys Houses
Houseparent – Mr Stuart Hall
Haig was formed as a boy’s house in September 2018, with Mr Hall becoming Houseparent that December. Prior to this, Mr Hall was a Housemaster at Windsor School, Rheindahlen and King’s School, Guttersloh, both in Germany. He is a big Man United fan and enjoys football and basketball.
Mr Hall also works as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead within the school.
Houseparent – Miss Stephannie Taylor
Miss Taylor joined the School in 2018 as an MFL teacher, becoming Housemistress of Kitchener in September 2023 after being a Deputy Houseparent in Wolseley beforehand.
Houseparent – Mr Joshua Stedman
Mr Stedman joined the Dukie team in January 2019, becoming Deputy Houseparent in Wolseley followed by Acting Houseparent in Trenchard, and eventually taking up residence as Roberts Housemaster in September 2023.
Prior to this, he worked as a Teacher of English in Maidstone and Ashford. Mr Stedman enjoys football and golf, and lives with his wife and three children within Roberts.
Houseparent – Miss Sarah Fox
Having worked at the Duke of York Royal Military School for 11 years, Miss Fox has undertaken many different roles of responsibility in order to ensure the students all settle and feel at home. As a houseparent, she strives to give every student the highest standard of care in order to ensure they receive the best support for their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing requirements during their time at school.
Her son, Zack, and Labradoodle, Joey, are also members of the Wellington family. With a great love for the outdoors and trying new experiences, they spend their half terms camping and exploring.
Miss Fox also works as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead as well as a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award instructor/ assessor.
Houseparent – Mr Steven Bird
Before joining the School as an English teacher in 2014, Mr Bird worked for the Royal Engineers and was a factory manager. Originally in Wolseley House when he arrived, he moved to Centenary then Wellington as a Deputy Houseparent before becoming Wolseley Housemaster in 2017.
Along with teaching English, Mr Bird coaches rugby and is an Officer in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF).
His passions are rugby, golf, whole nut chocolate, his dog (Finn), and Grimsby Town Football Club!
Sixth Form House
Housemistress – Mrs Sarah Castle
Before joining the School, Mrs Castle worked for Kent Police. She joined us as Houseparent to Sixth Form girls only in 2014, becoming the full Centenary Housemistress in 2018.
Mrs Castle enjoys walking her dogs in the local area and spends most school holidays renovating her French farmhouse in Charente, France.
House parents are ‘second parents,’ approve parents, and are the first port of call with ‘very pragmatic and easy’ communication.
– Good Schools Guide