The House System

The House System

St Joseph’s College is a De La Salle Catholic school established in 1855. It is the oldest non-selective Catholic boys' school in London. Once a boarding school, it is now an Academy educating over a thousand students annually. (optional – for newspaper))
Between 1941 and 1969 our House system was a key aspect of life at the College. In September 2017, this important part of our history has returned. A new House System has been introduced to embody the values and ethos of the school and it aims to be an integral part of our whole school community. Our new house names represent the school’s journey from its birth in 1855 to our present location. The house names represent the original buildings from our six school locations.

Our first house ‘Netherton’, originated in 1855, when six De La Salle brothers arrived from France and set up the first De La Salle school in England at the ‘Redemptorist St Mary’s Church Elementary school’. The brothers lived nearby in ‘Netherton House’. Then, in 1856 the school roll expanded and the school moved to ‘Brooklands’ at 49 Clapham High Street. In 1895, after just over 30 years, the school moved to ‘The Grange’ in Upper Tooting. A brief stay then led to another move in 1897 to ‘Dane House’ in Denmark Hill. 7 years later, in 1903, our ever-transient brothers bought a beautiful property at ‘Beulah Hill’ called the ‘Grecian Villa’. It is the gateway for our modern school today and has seen thousands and thousands of De La Salle students pass through.

The House System at St Joseph's College is a pivotal part of our students’ learning experience.
Being part of a House enhances a student’s sense of identity and purpose aside from the curriculum. It adds to the sense of belonging to a group outside of a year or tutor group. It gives clear leadership pathways and opportunities to support the local community.

Our aim is to provide every pupil in every house with the following:
• A sense of belonging to the whole school community
• Opportunities to develop social, intellectual, physical, and practical skills
• A sense of achievement inside and outside of the classroom
• Fun and excitement in competitions
• Opportunities for leadership
• Awareness of individual and collective responsibility

Our overriding House system ethos is based on the following principles:
• A sense of accomplishment and fun, excitement, and competition
• Curiosity and creativity
• Spirit of adventure
• Leadership
• Confidence
• Pride

House Information and Contacts:
(please click on the charity to be taken to their website)