When pupils join Wanstead High School, they become part of one of our eight Houses: Mallard, Wren, Brambling, Kestrel, Skylark, Hobby, Redpoll and Gadwall. Each House is named after a bird commonly found in and around our local natural spaces, such as Wanstead Flats and Epping Forest. These names echo our school emblem, the Heron, a striking bird that can often be seen in the waterways and green areas surrounding our community.

A Tradition Reimagined

Our House System has deep roots in the school’s history. When Wanstead was known as Wanstead County High School, pupils also belonged to Houses. Boys were assigned to Vikings, Celts, Romans or Saxons, while girls were placed into Lime, Oak, Beech or Willow. When the school became a comprehensive in the 1970s, this system was phased out.

We are proud to have recently reintroduced and modernised the House System, bringing back a tradition that celebrates community spirit, friendly competition and shared identity.

Our House System helps foster a strong sense of belonging, pride and identity—not only as a Wanstead High student, but as a valued member of a smaller House community within the school. It also underpins our character education curriculum, encouraging pupils to develop:

• Healthy competition
• Aspiration and motivation
• Teamwork and collaboration

Throughout their time with us, pupils will take part in a wide range of physical, academic, creative and scholarly activities, all contributing points to their House. House Points are collected and tallied across the school, building an overall total for each House and celebrating collective success.

A Whole‑School Community

We believe that a strong House System is essential in helping pupils develop a sense of community. Every member of the school community—including all teaching and support staff—is assigned to a House, reinforcing the idea that we succeed together.