What Makes a House Feel Like Home at Downe House 

At Downe House School, boarding is built on relationships. Each House is more than just a place where pupils stay during term time. It is a supportive community where girls are known as individuals, encouraged to grow, and supported through every stage of their school journey. 

Every House is led by a Housemistress and supported by a dedicated team including Assistant Housemistresses, Graduate Boarding Assistants, Matrons and Tutors. Together they create an environment where pupils feel safe, valued and able to thrive. Through close collaboration and constant communication, the House team ensures that academic progress, wellbeing and day to day life are carefully balanced. 

From morning routines to evening activities, the House becomes a place where girls can relax, build friendships and feel at home. This month we highlight members of our House staff whose roles help create that sense of belonging. 

Supporting and Guiding Every Day 

As Assistant Housemistress, Miss Jemima Potter plays a central role in supporting pupils through both the highs and challenges of school life. 

Her role combines pastoral care, mentorship and daily interaction, ensuring that the boarding house remains a safe and positive space for every girl. 

“As an Assistant Housemistress, my role varies from being a role model for the students to being someone they can turn to when they are struggling, as well as someone to share excitement and happy moments with.” 

Much of this connection happens through the small, everyday moments that build trust and familiarity. 

“Taking the time to get to know each individual in the House is essential. That might be through organised activities like Bingo Night or chocolate making, but also through smaller interactions such as grabbing a cup of tea together or bumping into them around school while walking my dog.” 

For Jemima, creating a sense of security and belonging is central to the role. 

“It is important to make the boarding house a place that feels safe, happy and familiar, somewhere students feel they can grow as individuals while also being part of the wider Downe House community.” 

A Listening Ear and Everyday Support 

As Graduate Boarding Assistant, Miss Em Hayes works closely with pupils throughout the day, offering encouragement, practical support and a friendly presence within the House. 

From morning routines to evening activities, her role helps ensure the girls feel supported throughout the rhythm of the day. 

“I support the girls from the moment they wake up to when they go to bed, helping with friendship issues, finding boot bags before lacrosse or doing something creative like baking together in the evening.” 

As a recent graduate, Em’s role brings another dynamic to the House team, offering pupils a mentor figure who they may see as slightly closer to their own stage of life. 

“We can lead by example and provide a big sister or mentor role for the girls. Having an open door and being approachable ensures that each girl has a space where she can talk and be herself.” 

Working closely with the wider House team is key to ensuring that pupils receive consistent support across both academic and pastoral aspects of their lives. 

“We collaborate constantly to make sure we are aware of any issues and how best to support the girls. As an academic tutor I also work with the House team to help pupils manage their time, develop revision techniques and get the most out of their timetable.” 

For Em, seeing pupils develop over time is one of the most rewarding parts of the job. 

“It is so special to see the girls grow up and find their feet, their friendships and their talents. Watching that development makes every day worthwhile.” 

The Heart of the House 

As Afternoon Matron in Holcombe, Miss Sam Broom is often the first point of contact for pupils, providing constant, practical and emotional support throughout the day. 

Her role is central to the smooth running of the House and to the wellbeing of every girl within it. 

“Day to day, the Matron is the go-to person in House for everything really – from ‘Where is my uniform?’ to ‘I don’t feel very well’ or ‘When is laundry back?’” 

Through regular interaction, Samantha builds strong relationships with the girls, creating an environment where they feel comfortable, supported and known. 

“Being there for the girls is what makes a House feel like home. At break time I often have a crowd sitting around chatting about everything. It’s about celebrating birthdays, recognising achievements and supporting them at House events like Drama, Music, Dance and Gym.” 

Her daily presence also means she is well placed to notice even small changes in behaviour or mood. 

“As we see the girls every day, we pick up if they are not quite themselves. Being approachable is key – sometimes they just want to talk, or share something positive like a good test result or even their new smile after getting braces off.” 

Collaboration across the House team ensures every pupil is consistently supported. 

“We write handover notes after each shift so everyone knows what’s been happening. Despite different working patterns, we stay connected and informed. Holcombe has a really strong pastoral team, including our evening assistants.” 

When asked what makes her role distinctive, Samantha turned to the pupils themselves: 

“They described me as joyful, nice, approachable, fun and a staple in Holcombe House.” 

For Sam, the greatest reward is seeing the girls grow over time. 

“I love my job. In Upper School we see the girls through an important stage – from UIV to UV, through mocks and GCSEs. It’s a huge period of growth, and it’s a privilege to support them through it. Downe House has also supported me with training and opportunities to work across other Houses, sharing best practice.” 

Building Community and Encouraging Ideas 

As Housemistress of AGS, Mrs Ruth Kingston leads the House community while encouraging pupils and staff to contribute ideas that shape daily life. 

Creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere is central to her approach. 

“We like to think of the House as one big happy family. Each girl is part of a house family group across year groups, helping younger pupils settle into boarding life.” 

House activities and shared experiences play an important role in strengthening these connections. 

“We organise a wide range of activities and events to make sure the girls have a wonderful time. From gardening projects to themed evenings celebrating different countries, there are lots of opportunities for everyone to get involved.” 

Sustainability and environmental awareness are also important aspects of life in AGS. 

“Our unofficial motto is #bleedgreen. We focus heavily on recycling and environmental initiatives, including our annual adopt a plant project where every girl takes responsibility for caring for a plant.” 

Behind the scenes, strong teamwork among staff ensures that everything runs smoothly. 

“We hold weekly house meetings, keep shared diaries and write handover notes so everyone knows what is happening. That communication helps ensure the girls always feel supported and prepared.” 

For Ruth, seeing the enthusiasm and creativity of the pupils is one of the most enjoyable parts of the role. 

“Every day is different and I love seeing the girls take an idea and run with it.” 

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A Team That Makes It Possible 

Behind every successful boarding House at Downe House is a dedicated team working together to support the girls in their care. From pastoral guidance and academic support to shared activities and everyday conversations, each member of the House staff plays an important role in creating a community where pupils feel secure, valued and encouraged. 

By working closely together and building strong relationships with both pupils and families, the House teams help ensure that every girl experiences boarding as a true home away from home.