Community
Situated at the centre of our beautiful grounds, Junior House has the benefit of being self-contained while feeling part of our wider school community. The children love playing in their large garden and astroturf and are lucky to have thousands of acres of gorgeous Yorkshire countryside at their disposal for exploration and learning about nature. At this age, children need space to grow and develop, and Junior House provides exactly that.
Junior House is a lively and happy community. A dedicated team of staff supports the children’s pastoral needs, nurturing and accompanying each of them on their journey towards the Senior School.
House Staff
Mike Slingsby, the Head of Junior House, is responsible for the pastoral care and wellbeing of the children and for their academic progress. He is ably supported by Assistant, Eilidh McKell, and a dedicated team of staff who all work to nurture and accompany each of the children on their journey towards the Senior School.
Five other members of staff also live in House, providing academic and pastoral assistance outside of lessons and helping to run sporting and other activities. In addition, two very experienced Matrons are on duty seven days a week, helping the children settle into House life and providing everyday assistance with things such as laundry and medication. Spiritual guidance is offered by the Chaplain, Fr Ambrose, who helps with the daily prayer and sacramental life of the House.
Every child has a Tutor who keeps a close eye on their academic progress and helps them flourish in all aspects of school life. Tutors forge close relationships with the pupils and are in regular communication with parents about their child’s progress and achievements. To give our pupils the best support we possibly can, we build a strong partnership between parents and the school team, with the child at its centre.
Subject specialist staff teach the Junior pupils and also visit the House regularly to run activities or provide support. This means Junior pupils foster strong relationships with staff who go on to teach them over the years to come, helping smooth the transition to the Senior School.
In their final year at Ampleforth, some Senior students are chosen to be Junior House Monitors. They visit regularly, playing with the younger children, helping with prep, acting as big brothers and sisters and as role models. The younger pupils love this and it helps them grow in confidence socially and feel more connected across the College.
Within the House, Year 7 and 8 mix freely together, with Year 8 mentoring the Year 7 pupils when they first arrive to help develop friendships. Investing in these relationships across the year groups engrains a strong sense of community and greatly helps with transition into the Senior School in Year 9.
Year 8 pupils also take on positions of responsibility within the House, including Head Girl and Head Boy, and Prefects with leadership roles in sports, chaplaincy, and co-curricular activities. Junior House is also represented in the whole school Student Council, enabling them to contribute their thoughts and ideas as well as gain a greater understanding of the wider school.
