Our six Houses – Lovekyn, Queen’s, Walworth, Taverner, Stanley and Hosking – are at the heart of school life. The House is a student's ‘family within the school’ and tutor groups are organised along House lines to strengthen bonds and friendships and to provide a clear sense of identity with the House.
Throughout the academic year, students participate in a range of competitions. Some of these are within their own year group, some involve multiple year groups and others involve the whole House! Events include Drama, Dance, Art, Music, Hockey, Football, Debating, the General Knowledge Quiz, CCF, DT, Table Tennis, Poetry, Chess and Tug of War. The competition culminates in July with the Sports Day at Ditton Field.
The ethos of the House system is all about getting involved, supporting your House and having fun. Points are awarded for each event and at the end of the year, the House with the most points on the House Championship Board is crowned the winner.
Here’s a little more about the history behind each House.
Lovekyn House (est. 1914)
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Lovekyn House is named after Edward Lovekyn, a wealthy Kingston merchant who built the chapel, the oldest part of our school. He once hosted a feast for King Edward I, and when the King couldn’t pay, his son gave Lovekyn permission to found the chapel instead!
Queen’s House (est. 1914)
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Queen’s House is named after Queen Elizabeth I, who granted the Royal Charter to our school in 1561. Her reign is considered to be a golden age for England, encompassing political stability, exploration and developments in the arts and culture.
Walworth House (est. 1914)
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Walworth House is named after Sir William Walworth, a powerful Mayor of London who helped shape the city. He once stopped a rebellion by defeating its leader, and he gave land and money to support the Lovekyn Chapel, which later became part of the school.
Taverner House (est. 1921)
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Taverner House is named after Richard Taverner, a writer and translator who made one of the first English versions of the Bible. He helped secure land for our school and may have used his royal connections to make it happen!
Stanley House (est. 2016)
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Stanley House is named after Stanley Shoveller, Kingstonian and Olympic hockey champion. He won two gold medals and was so good at hockey that people called him “The W.G. Grace of Hockey”! He also served in World War I and was awarded the Military Cross for bravery.
Hosking House (est. 2024)
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Hosking House is named after Sophie Hosking, a former KGS student and Olympic champion. She won gold in rowing at the 2012 Olympics, became a lawyer, and now helps young people get into rowing. She’s the only living person with a KGS house named after them, proving that hard work can take you anywhere!
