Sennocke House was built in 1986 in the grounds of The Old House, now the Girls’ International House. It is a purpose-built, modern boarding house, which provides light, airy rooms for 60 girls in the 13-18 year group with entry points into both Year 9 and the Lower Sixth. We overlook an extensive garden and enjoy views of Knole Park though we are situated very much on the main campus: we lie within easy reach of school facilities for art, sport, music and computing.
Pastoral Care
Life within the House sees a friendly mixing of year groups as the Sixth Form supports the younger girls and organises House activities. We are also a diverse House, reflecting the international feel of the school. The Housemistress, Mrs Kris Lewis, who teaches Sport and CCF, and Assistant Housemistress, Mrs Tara Edwards, a Chemistry teacher, are resident, each occupying one end of the House. There are non-resident Tutors providing support both pastorally and academically to the students: Miss Nathalie Fayaud who is Head of French, Miss Charlotte Pearson who teaches PE and Miss Julia Sassen, the Head of German. During the working day the House is looked after by Matron, whose responsibilities are wide ranging, including arranging taxis and medical and dental appointments, looking after ill girls and often baking! The House also has its own dedicated House keeping team and a Houseman.
Our aim is to ensure that all girls feel secure and confident and are able to develop individually, both in their academic and their co-curricular pursuits. Sennocke House is a lively and stimulating place in which to live and learn. The vast experience of the staff ensures there is always someone that the boarders can turn to for advice or comfort.
Accommodation
Sennocke is a modern building with a very large common room providing enough space for the whole house to gather for House events or simply to watch TV together. There is a small quiet room adjacent to the common area which allows smaller groups to gather to chat, watch movies or practise instruments. There is a computer room and small library on the top floor; in addition the House benefits from a wireless network system. There are two large, family style kitchens which can be used for baking or cooking at the weekends or evenings. The study bedrooms are also spacious and comfortable. Years 9 and 10 live in dorms of 4, 5 or 6 students. The Year 11 and Lower Sixth girls share a double room and the Upper Sixth enjoy a single room. All bedrooms have built in wash basins and there are 4 bathrooms providing a total of 12 showers.
Annual House Events
Michaelmas Term – Thorpe Park, Big Sister/ Little Sister Social, Christmas Ball
Lent Term – Boarders’ revue, Boarders Plays, Carnation Charity Event, Leavers Supper
Summer Term – Boarders BBQ, House Outing
There are also regular weekend outings which are optional but can vary from cultural events to ice skating, pottery or shopping.