“So, what apart from its outstanding cross-dressing netball team and its reputation for always having the best cakes in the afternoon makes Robinites recognisable? It is often said by other members of the School how surprisingly well year groups get on and how pleasant it is that a Year 10 pupil can have a chat to a Year 13 pupil as if speaking to a peer. Just as notable as our friendliness is our popularity. Robinites is probably the most visited House in the School, with the top floor swarming with Year 12 pupils, spilling out of the common room and into the corridors, and with our Year 9’s pizza evenings filling the first floor.
There are many scholars in our midst; academic, music, art and Peter Attenborough award winners. The Lack of Talent Variety Show is one of the most widely anticipated theatrical events in the School calendar, and without Robinite inspiration it wouldn’t be quite the same.
We’ve had victories in recent years, in House art, music, drama, sport, and even general knowledge competitions. Putting victories aside, when it comes down to it, Robinites is, and always will be, a friendly environment and the social centre of the School.” (Year 13 House Monitor)
“Our Housemaster inspires the House with his energy and enthusiasm. Our Matron is always helpful and her friendly face has become a part of Robinites that would be sorely missed. No-one else can make cakes as tasty as hers!” (Year 9 pupil)
“Robinites is a great house with a brilliant Housemaster in Mr Brinkley. In Robinites, we act as if we are a family. Once a Robinite always a Robinite! After 5 years in Robinites I can tell you one thing for sure and that is that we never fail to try. We always get teams out to every event or competition, but we don’t care if we win. We just enjoy playing together as a team which I believe really helps create our family spirit. If you have never been in a boarding house it is hard to imagine, but having just left I feel I have just lost 50 brothers and I’m not sure any other House in Charterhouse has this kind of spirit.
As Head of House I can tell you that I feel Robinites is by far the greatest House in the School due to our chemistry.” (Year 13 Head of House)
“Pupils contribute exceptionally well to their boarding houses and to the School. They actively support one another, recognising individual differences and needs. Older pupils take on leadership conscientiously, contributing to their preparation for later life as responsible citizens. Senior pupils take on roles as peer mentors in their House, and support younger pupils extremely well in their duties.” (Independent Schools Inspectorate)
Robinites was founded in 1872 by Mr GH Robinson, the Music Master, when the School moved to Godalming from London. In 1972 the House moved to its present site in purpose-built accommodation on Northbrook. The House provides single-room accommodation and internet connection throughout. There is also an IT room and library containing 6 networked PCs, a games room and a TV and common room on the ground floor.
Andrew joins us from Worth School, where he currently teaches History and is Housemaster of a boys’ boarding house. He graduated from the University of Oxford with an MA in Modern History, and has six years’ full time teaching experience in co-educational boarding. Prior to making the move into teaching, for 10 years, he worked in marketing, business development and politics in the UK and internationally.