Boarding
To view a short video about boarding at Charterhouse, click on the link below:
The boarding House is the centre of every Carthusian’s life, and the eleven Houses offer a strong sense of identity. The four old Houses differ in architecture from the seven new, but dormitories are a thing of the past, and all boys have single study bedrooms from their Fifth Form year at the latest.
Houses are named after their founding Housemasters (though Girdlestoneites is universally known as Duckites because of the peculiar gait of its founder!), and enjoy a high degree of autonomy and individuality.
House spirit is encouraged by competitions in a wide variety of activities, from art to water-polo, and House colours can be won for cultural as well as sporting achievement.
Girls have studies in the Houses, and are as much involved as the boys during the day. At night, they return to their halls of residence. Charterhouse is very proud of the achievements of the girls, and they form an integral part of the community.
The Housemasters and their families live in the Houses, and are supported by the Assistant Housemaster, the Matron (also residential) and a team of Tutors. Each Tutor has a small number of pupils with whom he or she meets at least once a week to provide the help and encouragement that enables every pupil to make the most of life at the School.
Housemasters share responsibility for discipline with the Assistant Headmaster (Pastoral) and, ultimately, the Headmaster. Clear policies are published on all disciplinary matters, and are enforced firmly but fairly.
The School encourages self-discipline and a sense of responsibility, and aims to create an environment which is co-operative rather than adversarial. In addition to the Housemaster, Tutor and Matron, Carthusians are free to approach the Chaplains, School Doctor, School Counsellors or any member of Brooke Hall for advice and reassurance.