What is House life like?
Cranleigh boarding Houses offer a small, close community at the heart of the wider school. Each house has equal facilities and there’s a shared daily routine, strong relationships across year groups, and traditions that give each House its own identity. The House is a constant presence throughout the day for all pupils, not just a place boarders return to in the evening. Older pupils naturally look out for younger ones, creating a nurturing, supportive community.
Our Houses
Martlet
Since its opening in September 2019, Martlet has quickly become a warm and friendly community where the girls feel at home. The central location, which overlooks South Lawn, ensures that girls can maximise the opportunities on offer at Cranleigh. Martlet is a house for everyone, whether sporty, artistic, musical or an academic powerhouse, you’ll be welcomed to the Martlet family.
Cubitt
Cubitt is home to 100 boarders and day boys and is conveniently located on the edge of the South Field and Sanny Lane. They have magnificent views over the sports fields and the whole house has recently been fully refurbished; a perfect combination! The boys can regularly be found in the games room or TV room. Matron’s room is another social hub of the house, which leads to a large patio area; popular for BBQs in the summer!
Rhodes
Rhodes was the third girls’ house to open and we live in the building that was historically known as West. They are well known for our House spirit and for always giving our all, especially inter-House competitions.
East
Located at the very heart of the school, East is renowned for its Hogwarts-like feel. The rabbit-warren of hidden staircases and split-level rooms give a unique character which is incredibly popular with the boys. East has housed boys at Cranleigh since the earliest days of the school, but thanks to regular refurbishment, the house is modern and light. Unique names for spaces include The Ship and Old Day Res, which now houses a modern Sixth Form common room.
South
South was the first girls’ house which opened in 1999 and is home to 120 boarders and day girls. Housed on three floors in the Connaught Block, it is at the heart of the School which allows the girls to easily immerse themselves into life at Cranleigh. However, the girls would tell you that the main benefit is the ability to stay dry when going for meals!
Loveday
Loveday was designed to feel like a family home. When the building was commissioned in the late 70s, the development team sought to create the perfect boarding house. We think they did a good job! Loveday is centred around Wilson Quad, a large open-air space named after a previous Housemaster. The friendly feeling of Loveday is infectious and boys can regularly be found watching the super-sized smart TV or socialising in Matron’s room.
West
West was built in 2001 to accommodate boarders and day girls. It is a modern building with plenty of character and an open feel to it, which means you never realise quite how many girls are roaming our corridors! West have their own garden area which comes alive in the Summer term and offers the opportunity not only to light the BBQ when the English weather allows, but also an outdoor space to perform our informal summer music concerts.
North
North was built for Cranleigh’s 100th birthday in 1965 and has been enlarged and refurbished in more recent years. The House has an enviable view of the hockey, cricket and rugby pitches, where the Housemaster can regularly be found supporting boys on the touchline.
What time does the Senior day start and finish?
The Senior day runs from 8.00am to 5.45pm, with House life woven through everything. Boarders at our Senior School Houses in Surrey typically follow a routine that includes:
Wake up → breakfast → chapel → lessons → lunch → lessons → sport → prep → supper → evening programme → bed.
This rhythm keeps them connected to their House and gives each day a calm, familiar flow.
Who is the Housemaster or Housemistress?
Each House is led by a Housemaster or Housemistress, supported by a deputy and dedicated team of tutors and matrons. They get to know each child individually, offering consistent support with their wellbeing, daily care and academic progress. Communication between House, school and parents is clear and regular, so everyone knows what’s going on.
Frequently asked questions about House Detail
How do pupils get into a House?
House allocation happens during admissions, where preferences are considered and year groups are balanced.
Are Houses boys, girls or mixed?
Houses are single-sex, with separate Houses for boys and girls. Each boys' House is paired with a girls' House, and pupils regularly work together in a co-educational setting through House events, competitions and social activities.
Can siblings be together?
Yes. Where possible, siblings are placed in the same House to make life easier for families. However, parents can request for siblings to be placed in different Houses if they feel this would be preferable for their children.
How are conflicts resolved?
Pastoral issues are handled by tutors and House staff using clear processes.
Can parents visit?
Parents are welcome to visit by arrangement.