House System
Houses at MPS
At Merstham Park School we have six houses. These are Buckland, Earlswood, Gatton, Mercers, Nutfield and Priory which comprise one Learning Group per year. Each student belongs to a house and we promote a sense of unity within each house. The houses were chosen by our Founding Headteacher, Martin Beard, and they take their names from local areas of natural beauty.
Buckland is one of the oldest villages in England and appeared in the Domesday Book of 1086. It is situated on the A25 between the towns of Reigate and Dorking. The North Downs Way, Pilgrim’s Way and Greensand Way footpaths all pass through this pretty village.
Earlswood is a suburb of Redhill. The area south of the common was formerly a wilderness containing many clay pits that may be linked to the reputed Roman remains. In 1863 Earlswood joined Meadvale, Redhill and Reigate to become part of the newly formed municipal borough of Reigate when it was granted this status by royal charter.
Gatton lies to the west of Merstham on the crest of the North Downs Way. Dating back to 880 AD, Gatton was a local Parish, known as Gatton Park. It is a very picturesque area and popular with visitors. Students in Gatton House can be identified by a yellow tie and blazer trim.
Mercers is a local country park, south of Merstham. It offers a wide range of activities including water sports on Mercers lake and nature watching in the nature reserves. Students in Mercers House can be identified by a blue tie and blazer trim.
Nutfield is a village south east of Merstham. The area dates back to 1086 AD when it was a farming community. Today Nutfield comprises three areas; Nutfield, South Nutfield and Nutfield Marsh. Students in Nutfield House can be identified by a green tie and blazer trim.
Priory is a Manor and Park situated in Reigate, south west of Merstham. It is 65 acres of open parkland with a pond, woodland and playing fields. This area has a vast history. Students in Priory House can be identified by a red tie and blazer trim.
The sense of unity within each house is very important and is highlighted during house competitions. You will get to know your peers in your Learning Group very quickly within the first few months, as well as getting to know older students in your house who will be there to support you at the start of, and throughout, your secondary school experience.
House Competitions
Students will compete for House Points in subject, sporting and creative challenges that will be regularly set, as well as by demonstrating actions that deserve rewarding. Some house competitions include Arts, Sports, Maths Challenges and Spelling Bees to name a few. The range of competitions allows students’ specific abilities to thrive. During house competitions, students will be rewarded with house points which, along with those points achieved daily, will go towards the grand total. The house with the most points at the end of the academic year will be awarded the coveted House Cup.
House Charities
We are delighted to announce that at MPS, each house raises money to support a local charity.
Buckland: Stripey Stork - https://stripeystork.org.uk/
Earlswood: The Lily Foundation - https://www.thelilyfoundation.org.uk/
Gatton: Sparkfish - https://www.sparkfish.org.uk/
Mercers: Connie's Crusade - https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/conniescrusade
Nutfield: The Breck Foundation - https://www.breckfoundation.org/
Priory: Loveworks https://www.loveworks.org.uk/
Please look out for information about special days on which you can show your support by donating to these worthy local causes.
