Our Houses

Boarders are always proud of their houses, whichever one they belong to. Our boarding community is large and well-established, and our eight well-appointed boarding houses are imaginatively managed.

Aisher

GIH

The IC

Johnsons

New House

Park Grange

Sennocke

Sennocke

School House

Park Grange

New House

Johnsons

The IC

GIH

Aisher

We have six boarding houses for pupils from ages 13 to 18: School House, Johnsons and Aisher House (boys’ entry), and Park Grange, Sennocke House and New House (girls’ entry). The International Centre and the Girls’ International House are Sixth Form houses.

Our houses are friendly places. In each one, there is an allocated quiet time for homework every evening, but outside this other Sevenoaks students are very welcome, and the kitchens are always a hub of activity. At Sevenoaks the boarding community is truly international, with many different nationalities represented in each house, helping our students establish a global network of friends for life.

Aisher

For 60 boarders aged between 13 and 18.
Boys’ entry.

Aisher opened its doors in 2019 and promptly won a prestigious architecture award. But that isn’t the only reason why the Aisher boarders love it.

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Aisher

Housemaster

Mr Tom Danby

For 60 boarders aged between 13 and 18 (boys’ entry).

One of our pair of super-modern houses, Aisher opened its doors in 2019 and promptly won a prestigious architecture award. But that isn’t the only reason why the Aisher boarders love it.

Aisher is an unassuming, relaxed and happy home to 60 boarders and their house staff. Diverse and with boundless potential, Aisher House students participate rather than spectate.

Aisher House is situated in the heart of the Park Grange estate, alongside Park Grange, New House and the International Centre, in the enviable position of being well located close to the school’s extensive facilities but also tucked away from the immediate hustle and bustle of the busy school. Study bedrooms are clustered around their own social and communal hubs, which link up to provide all year groups with light, modern facilities. Single and double bedrooms are en suite, while boarders in the younger years share larger rooms. The north lawn provides a great site for recreational sports while the sunny terrace is the perfect collective locale, with students spilling out from the kitchen to socialise.

Every student is encouraged to experience the wide range of activities that Sevenoaks School offers, while also feeling part of Aisher’s close-knit community. Respectful self-confidence is the goal, and each boarder has something special to offer, whether that is creative, athletic, academic or just being themselves.

Meet the Housemaster, Mr Tom Danby:

“I joined Sevenoaks in 2015 as a Geography teacher, and since then I have worked in three of the boarding houses, taking over the running of Aisher House in 2023. I coach a number of sports at the school and am always amazed at the facilities – they are a far cry from the prison in Bangkok that I once coached rugby in. Away from school my real interest lies in golf. Enjoying the challenge and drive for success is probably something that stems from my years as a disappointed Tottenham fan. I live with my wife, our two young daughters and two (poorly behaved but very friendly) cocker spaniels.”

GIH

For 61 boarders aged between 16 and 18.
Girls’ entry.

Delightfully diverse, the Girls’ International House, or GIH, often includes more than 25 nationalities under its roof and each individual is celebrated for the things they add to the community.

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GIH

Housemistress

Miss Emma Delpech

For 61 boarders aged between 16 and 18.
Girls’ entry.

Delightfully diverse, the Girls’ International House, or GIH, often includes more than 25 nationalities under its roof and each individual is celebrated for the things they add to the community.

Built in the reign of Queen Anne, GIH is one of the oldest buildings owned by the school, and one of our more traditional houses in terms of style, and yet its heart is thoroughly modern. A Sixth Form boarding house, it opened in 1977, admitting Sevenoaks School’s first girl boarders. We have come a long way since then. Now about 30 Lower Sixth boarders join the house at the beginning of each academic year, arriving from across the world and bringing an eclectic mix of culture, language and experiences with them. Situated close to the heart of the school campus, GIH is an ideal home for boarders of this age. Wood-panelled rooms and cosy nooks combine with bright, fresh decor to give this well-loved house a homely feel.

Our international boarders are spread evenly through all the houses, but the nature of this large Sixth Form house means that typically over 25 different nationalities are represented. The girls enjoy living as a community, and the kitchens, common rooms and gardens are always alive with enthusiasm. As each of the GIH entrants is new to Sevenoaks School, friendships are quickly forged and can last a lifetime.

Meet the Housemistress, Miss Emma Delpech:

“I became an Art teacher in 1999, and I am a practising artist with sculpture and paintings in collections globally. My passion is for collaborations and working with community groups, including those in hospice care and the homeless, facilitating creative expression. Since 2005 I have worked in boarding, connecting to the community in terms of developing good mental health care, self-esteem, and self-care as a core to flourishing academically and in all other ways. I have a Master’s in Fine Art, gained while working in boarding and raising a son. Multitasking is always needed in boarding and I am determined to continue working as an artist alongside my career in education. I have an adult son who studied at Sevenoaks, and I am vegan, cruelty free and devoted to my cats.”

The IC

A Sixth Form house with an international intake.
Boys’ entry.

In the 1950s Sevenoaks School took the then unusual decision to offer boarding to international students seeking a British Sixth Form education and entry to UK universities. The International Centre accordingly opened in 1962. 

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The IC

Housemaster

Dr Steve Owen

A Sixth Form house with an international intake (boys’ entry).

In the 1950s Sevenoaks School took the then unusual decision to offer boarding to international students seeking a British Sixth Form education and entry to UK universities. The International Centre accordingly opened in 1962. 

Now it is known as the IC and our international students are more than ever spread throughout the whole school, but a strong global outlook combined with understanding remains a core principle in all aspects of life at the IC.

Originally based in Oak Lane, the IC and moved to its present purpose-built building in 1997. On the edge of the Park Grange estate, close to Aisher, Park Grange and New House, the IC has superb views over the sports pitches and is just a short walk from the main school campus. 

The IC draws boys from all over the world to study the International Baccalaureate. Some 25 nationalities are typically represented, with a substantial complement of British students. Boarders reside in comfortable study bedrooms, in pairs for the Lower Sixth and with single bedrooms for their Upper Sixth year. The experience of sharing with such a diverse population leads to tolerance and understanding of a great range of cultures and forges friendships for life.

The students’ opinions on the running of the house are greatly valued and the elected chairman and committee hold a weekly meeting also attended by the Housemaster and his assistants.

Meet the Housemaster, Dr Steve Owen:

“Since joining Sevenoaks School in 1997, I have been Head of Chemistry, Assistant Housemaster in the International Centre and now Housemaster. In fact I have now lived in the IC for over a quarter of my life and am very proud to have been a part of such an international and interesting community of young people. I am also in charge of badminton in the school and have written Chemistry textbooks at IGCSE, IB and degree level. For fun, I play badminton and tennis and juggle.”

Johnsons

For 50 boarders aged between 13 and 18.
Boys’ entry.

Oak panelled and set in beautiful grounds, Johnsons welcomed its first Sevenoaks School boys in 1927. It is now the much-loved home of over 50 boarders and staff. Originally a family home, it was presented to the school by Charles Plumptre Johnson, a former governor and great friend to the school, and one of our most generous benefactors.

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Johnsons

Housemaster

Mr Ian Fletcher

For 50 boarders aged between 13 and 18 (boys’ entry).

Oak panelled and set in beautiful grounds, Johnsons welcomed its first Sevenoaks School boys in 1927. It is now the much-loved home of over 50 boarders and staff. Originally a family home, it was presented to the school by Charles Plumptre Johnson, a former governor and great friend to the school, and one of our most generous benefactors.

Johnsons boarders are a close-knit group who are justifiably proud of their beautiful house and its place at the heart of the school’s history. Set in a peaceful residential part of Sevenoaks, close to School House and a short walk from the main campus, Johnsons has its own five-a-side football pitch and a tennis court, as well as all the usual indoor facilities of our houses. The smallest of our houses, with just 50 boarders, Johnsons offers plenty of leadership opportunities within the house, and the bonds between year groups are particularly strong. More than half of the boarders live overseas, and diversity of all types is celebrated. 

Meet the Housemaster, Mr Ian Fletcher:

“Arriving in Sevenoaks in 2009 as a Chemistry teacher, I have held a variety of posts within the school. I am a keen sportsman: before teaching I played hockey in the national league and unsurprisingly I thoroughly enjoyed my role as master in charge of boys hockey. I have also held roles as the Director of Service and Assistant Housemaster in the International Centre. I love the variety that teaching can offer, both academic and sporting. I have enjoyed coaching a wide range of sports, hockey, football, tennis and golf, while in 2022 I completed a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from UCL. I live in the boarding house with my wife and two children, enjoying golf and listening to vinyl records in my spare time.”

New House

For 60 boarders aged between 13 and 18.
Girls’ entry.

New House is, as its name suggests, our newest house, increasing our boarding population to 450, from Year 9 to the Upper Sixth. The sister house to Aisher in its design and location, New House combines spacious, modern boarding with wood panelling and other traditional materials to create a cosy home.

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New House

Housemistress

Mrs Tara Edwards

For 60 boarders aged between 13 and 18 (girls’ entry).

New House is our newest boarding house, increasing our boarding population to 450, from Year 9 to the Upper Sixth. The sister house to Aisher in its design and location, New House combines spacious, modern boarding with wood panelling and other traditional materials to create a cosy home.

The house features en-suite double rooms for Year 11 and the Lower Sixth, while the Upper Sixth have single en-suite rooms. Years 9 and 10 share rooms of three or four, with separate bathrooms and showers nearby. The facilities inside the house are first rate, with a large common room, a large, bright and airy modern kitchen, workrooms, computer rooms and common room spaces. The position of New House puts it at the centre of our boarding community, close to Park Grange, Aisher and the IC.

New House has been built with a sustainable approach: the structure is of cross-laminated timber, on a thin concrete raft, which minimises embodied carbon: the house is all electric, has MVHR ventilation systems and its heat comes from an air-source heat pump installation.

Meet the Housemistress, Mrs Tara Edwards:

“I arrived at Sevenoaks in 2012, immediately taking on the role of ABHM in Sennocke and teacher of Chemistry. I still enjoy teaching, but after seven years as the BHM of Sennocke House, I am delighted to be taking on the challenge of opening Sevenoaks School’s eighth boarding house, New House. I am passionate about helping all of our community develop and maintain good mental health and helping our teenagers blossom into well-balanced adults. My aim is for New House to be a thriving mix of personalities and backgrounds, where each individual’s kindness and compassion are celebrated.”

Park Grange

For 54 boarders aged between 13 and 18.
Girls’ entry.

Built in 1869, Park Grange (PG) has been a boarding house since 1948. It is in a wonderful position, in close proximity to the main campus, adjacent to three other boarding houses and with views across Knole, the school grounds and the rooftops of Sevenoaks.

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Park Grange

Housemistress

Mrs Astria Trigger

For 54 boarders aged between 13 and 18 (girls’ entry).

Built in 1869, Park Grange (PG) has been a boarding house since 1948. It is in a wonderful position, in close proximity to the main campus, adjacent to three other boarding houses and with views across Knole, the school grounds and the rooftops of Sevenoaks.

The main house is home to all of Park Grange’s Middle School boarders. It retains many of its original features and is full of character, combining the friendly atmosphere of a family home with excellent facilities. There is also an attractive, purpose-built Sixth Form wing set around a peaceful courtyard. The superb central kitchen, complete with the old cast iron stove, is the hub of Park Grange, providing a focal point for different age groups and nationalities to meet and socialise. After school, boarders gather to share snacks and catch up on the day. They also spend time socialising in evenings and on Sundays. 

Alongside the usual theatre and ice skating trips, cooking activities and dinners, Park Grange is known for its annual outdoor lunch, at which the boarders host 1000 students and staff. These guests forego lunch in the Dining Hall in favour of a picnic on PG lawn, supplemented with a mountain of homemade cakes, all contributing to the charitable work of the house.

Meet the Housemistress, Mrs Astria Trigger:

“I’m originally from a small rural town in Western Australia, where I grew up living the farm life with my six siblings. I always had a passion for travel and adventure and I have been living in the UK for over 18 years. I arrived at Sevenoaks School in 2004, and have been associated with boarding since day one. I went to boarding school myself and loved the experience, so I have always been drawn to that aspect of the school life. I am a teacher of PE and Games and was Head of Netball for 12 years. I live at Park Grange with my husband and sons.”

School House

For 52 boarders aged between 13 and 18.
Boys’ entry.

School House was our very first boarding house, dating back to the 1500s, we think. For over 400 years it was located at the centre of the campus, from 1732 in the building now known as Old School. In 1997 the School House community relocated to a beautiful Victorian estate not far from the school grounds.

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School House

Housemaster

Dr Tom Findley

For 52 boarders aged between 13 and 18 (boys’ entry).

School House was our very first boarding house, dating back to probably the 1500s. It was originally located at the centre of the campus, from 1732 in the building now known as Old School. In 1997 it relocated to a beautiful Victorian estate not far from the school grounds.

There is a tremendous spirit of respect and cooperation within School House, reflecting the house aim that each boarder should aspire to be the best they can be, both to others and to themselves. The building and house staff provide a comfortable, friendly and supportive environment, with good facilities and a small ratio of boys to a room. The addition of a multi-sport court in recent years means that the boys have access to tennis, five-a-side football and basketball on their doorstep, as well as beautiful grounds with space for croquet. 

There are a large number of common activities, trips and charity work, all of which encourage a sense of unity and strong relationships across year groups. These range from the ever-evolving School House Band to cookery lessons with our Modern Foreign Language Assistants, and from film nights to sports clubs. Boarders are encouraged to initiate their own charity work. School House boarders have spearheaded the school’s support of Movember, and are strong advocates of the importance of talking about mental health in young men.

Meet the Housemaster, Dr Tom Findley:

“I joined Sevenoaks in 2009 as a Chemistry teacher and Lower School tutor. I have played an active role in sports teams, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and Learning Support. I became Housemaster at School House in 2018 having been Assistant BHM for the previous five years. I love working in boarding and the kind community at Sevenoaks is truly special. I am passionate about student mental health and wellbeing and active involvement in co-curricular activities. Each student aspiring to be the best version of themselves is one of our core values at School House. I thoroughly enjoy living alongside the boys with my wife and three children; boarding is like having an extended family of 52. I enjoy following and playing sport, supporting Tottenham Hotspur and playing the odd round of golf during school holidays.”

Sennocke House

For 58 boarders aged between 13 and 18.
Girls’ entry.

Sennocke House is purpose built, providing light, airy and comfortable rooms. Its position on the main school site puts it within easy reach of both the centre of the campus and the town.

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Sennocke House

Housemistress

Mrs Charlotte Smith

For 58 boarders aged between 13 and 18 (girls’ entry).

Sennocke House is purpose built, providing light, airy and comfortable rooms. Its position on the main school site puts it within easy reach of both the centre of the campus and the town.

Sennocke is a welcoming house, and boarders talk of how accepting their peers are. Upper Sixth students each have their own room, Year 11 and the Lower Sixth share rooms for two, and there are larger dorms for Years 9 and 10 to encourage integration amongst new boarders. Sennocke overlooks an extensive garden, ideal for volleyball and croquet in the summer, and is within easy reach of all the school facilities, while having beautiful views over Knole. It is a very short walk into town.

Life within the house sees a friendly mixing of year groups as the Sixth Form supports the younger girls, and organise house activities for all to get involved in. Sennocke is also a diverse house, with nationalities from all over the world. The house is fortunate to have two family kitchens where the girls enjoy baking and cooking at weekends. There is a very large common room, providing enough space for the whole house to gather, or for house events. Sennocke is a lively and stimulating place in which to live and learn, where girls feel happy, secure and confident.

Meet the Housemistress, Mrs Charlotte Smith:

“I joined Sevenoaks in 2011 as part of the Physical Education and Sport department. I quickly took up a role in Sennocke as a non-residential tutor, followed by Assistant Housemistress in 2018 and now Housemistress. I am originally from the Lake District, but Sennocke has been my home away from home during my time at Sevenoaks. Sennocke is a happy and thriving home for its boarders, where the staff team helps them flourish and grow into independent young people. My passions are hockey, skiing and equestrian, and I held the position of Head of Tennis for ten years, but I enjoy all sport and always encourage the girls to be active. I live with my husband and young daughter.”

Hear from our Boarders

“Joining Sevenoaks in the Sixth Form, I was delighted by how welcoming the school community was. Alongside the academic support I received, I made friends with day students and other boarders and look forward to staying in touch for years to come.”

Ryan - Upper Sixth

“I think we are more than just boarders – we are a very tight community. Certainly the most enjoyable thing I’ve done in my life so far!”

Year 11 boarder

“I love living in Sennocke; it’s such a welcoming, friendly and diverse community.”

Sennnocke House boarder - Year 10

“It’s great to be around girls who push you to be the best version of yourself.”

Aliya - Lower Sixth

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