The House System

Our House System at Greenbank High School
In 2012, the House System was proudly reintroduced, creating a vibrant sense of community and friendly competition across the school. Originally, there were six Houses, each named after an inspirational woman who made a lasting impact in her field. In 2020, pupils voted to add a seventh House, choosing Christiana Hartley as the new patron.
From September 2020, every pupil and their form tutor belong to the same House. Form letters indicate House membership – for example, pupils in 7B are in Bronte House, while those in 8H are in Hartley House. Pupils in Audrey Hepburn House will have the form letter A.
How It Works
All achievement points earned by pupils contribute to their House total. Points are awarded for:
  • Excellent effort and contributions in class
  • Following the ‘Greenbank Way’
  • Having the correct equipment and uniform
  • Attendance and punctuality
  • Participation in extra-curricular activities
  • Service to school and the wider community
  • Leadership roles
  • Taking part in special events and competitions
Leadership and Involvement
Each House is supported by dedicated staff and enthusiastic pupils. Every form elects one House Captain and two Vice-Captains, who help organise events, lead assemblies, share ideas, and act as role models.
Competitions and Events
Throughout the year, pupils work together to earn points through exciting House events, including:
  • House Talent Show
  • Inter-House Sports
  • Times Table Rock Stars
  • Creative Writing and Poetry Competitions
  • Art Competition
  • Bake Off
  • Topical quizzes during PDT
Certificates and prizes are awarded every half term, and at the end of the year, the House Cup is presented to the overall champions, who enjoy a special celebration.
Charity and Community
Fundraising is a vital part of the House System. Each House selects a charity to support – some remain the same each year, while others change based on pupil choice. Recent charities include:
  • UNICEF (Hepburn)
  • Southport Offshore Rescue Trust (Bronte)
  • RSPCA Southport (Pankhurst)
  • Queenscourt Hospice (Hartley)
  • Liverpool Bereavement Service (Keller)
  • Alder Hey Children’s Hospital (Seacole)
  • British Heart Foundation (Curie)
Fundraising & Civic Engagement
We believe that being part of our school community means making a positive difference to the world around us. Through fundraising, volunteering and civic engagement, our pupils are encouraged to develop a strong sense of responsibility, compassion and pride in their community.
Our fundraising activities take many forms, from traditional bake sales and raffles to sponsored challenges and creative, pupil-led initiatives. Over the years, the generosity and enthusiasm of our school community have helped to raise thousands of pounds for a wide range of worthwhile causes.
But our commitment goes beyond fundraising. We encourage pupils to get involved, speak up, take action and support others. Whether they are organising an event, volunteering their time, supporting a local charity or taking part in a community project, pupils have opportunities to develop the confidence and skills needed to become active and responsible citizens.
How We Make a Difference
Fundraising and civic engagement activities may include, but are not limited to:
  • Fundraising events – bake sales, treat stalls, raffles and tombolas
  • Sponsored challenges – runs, walks, skipping challenges and other pupil-led activities
  • Charity collections – including bucket collections and donation drives
  • Volunteering and community service – giving time and practical support to local organisations and causes
  • Pupil-led initiatives – encouraging pupils to identify issues they care about and turn their ideas into positive action
  • Community projects – working with local groups and organisations to support and strengthen our wider community
  • Awareness campaigns – raising understanding of important social, environmental and community issues
Through these experiences, pupils learn that small actions can create meaningful change. We want every young person to leave our school understanding that they have a voice, that their contribution matters and that they can play an active role in shaping a kinder, stronger and more connected community.

  • Charlotte Bronte plus-circle Created with Sketch Beta.
    Charlotte Brontë House
    Literary Role Model: Charlotte Brontë
    Charlotte Brontë was a courageous and determined writer who refused to let the expectations of her time stand in the way of her ambitions. At a time when women writers were often overlooked or discouraged, she persevered and went on to write Jane Eyre, one of the most enduring and influential novels in English literature.
    Bronte’s story reminds us of the importance of courage, resilience, creativity and believing in yourself. She dared to challenge expectations, find her own voice and pursue her dreams – qualities that we encourage every member of Charlotte Brontë House to develop.
    House Leader: Mr P. Wildman
    House Colour: Purple

  • Marie Curie plus-circle Created with Sketch Beta.
    Marie Curie House
    Scientific Role Model: Marie Curie
    Marie Curie was a pioneering scientist whose groundbreaking work changed our understanding of radioactivity. She became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to have received Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields: Physics and Chemistry.
    Curie’s remarkable achievements were built on curiosity, determination, resilience and a passion for discovery. She continued her research despite the many challenges she faced, breaking new ground and inspiring generations of scientists who followed.
    Her story reminds us to ask questions, embrace challenges and never be afraid to explore the unknown.
    House Leader: Mr D. Burton
    House Colour: Dark Blue

  • Audrey Hepburn plus-circle Created with Sketch Beta.
    Audrey Hepburn House
    Humanitarian Role Model: Audrey Hepburn
    Audrey Hepburn was an Academy Award-winning actress and internationally recognised fashion icon who became equally admired for her compassion and commitment to helping others. As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, she used her fame and influence to raise awareness of the challenges faced by children around the world.
    Hepburn’s life demonstrates the importance of kindness, compassion, courage and using your influence to make a positive difference. She showed that success is not simply about personal achievement, but also about how we support and inspire others.
    Her legacy reminds us to look beyond ourselves, stand up for those in need and make a difference wherever we can.
    House Leader: Mrs A. Moran
    House Colour: Turquoise

  • Helen Keller plus-circle Created with Sketch Beta.
    Helen Keller House
    Inspirational Role Model: Helen Keller
    Helen Keller overcame extraordinary challenges to become an accomplished author, campaigner and advocate for people with disabilities. She was the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, achieving something that many believed was impossible at the time.
    Keller was also an outspoken political and social activist who used her voice to campaign for equality, education and the rights of others. Her life demonstrates the power of determination, resilience, courage and a belief in what is possible.
    Her story reminds us to overcome obstacles, find our voice and use our strengths to make a positive difference in the world.
    House Leader: Mrs C. Howard
    House Colour: Burgundy

  • Emmeline Pankhurst plus-circle Created with Sketch Beta.
    Emmeline Pankhurst House
    Equality Role Model: Emmeline Pankhurst
    Emmeline Pankhurst was a pioneering campaigner and one of the leading figures of the British Suffragette movement, dedicating her life to securing the right of women to vote. At a time when women had limited political rights and few opportunities to influence decisions that affected their lives, she refused to accept inequality.
    Pankhurst demonstrated courage, determination, resilience and a willingness to challenge injustice. Her commitment to creating change helped bring women’s suffrage to the forefront of public debate and inspired others to stand up for their rights.
    Her legacy reminds us to speak up for what is right, challenge unfairness and have the courage to make a difference.
    House Leader: Mrs G. Minshull
    House Colour: Orange

  • Mary Seacole plus-circle Created with Sketch Beta.
    Mary Seacole House
    Compassionate Role Model: Mary Seacole
    Mary Seacole was a pioneering British-Jamaican nurse and businesswoman who travelled to the Crimean War to care for wounded and sick soldiers. When she was unable to secure official support to join the nursing effort, she showed remarkable determination by travelling independently and establishing the British Hotel, where soldiers could receive food, care and medical assistance close to the front lines.
    Seacole’s life demonstrates the importance of compassion, courage, independence and perseverance. She saw people in need and took action, refusing to let obstacles prevent her from helping others.
    Her story reminds us to care for those around us, show courage in difficult circumstances and never give up when faced with challenges.
    House Leaders: Mrs H. Marshall & Miss R. Bond
    House Colour: Yellow

  • Christiana Hartley plus-circle Created with Sketch Beta.
    Christiana Hartley House
    Community Role Model: Christiana Hartley
    Christiana Hartley was a pioneering woman who became the first female Mayor of Southport. She dedicated her life to improving the lives of others, campaigning for social and welfare reform and championing the rights and wellbeing of women.
    Christiana was also instrumental in founding the local maternity hospital, helping to provide vital care and support for mothers and their families in the community.
    Her life demonstrates the importance of leadership, compassion, determination and service to others. She showed that one person can make a lasting difference by recognising the needs of their community and having the courage to take action.
    Her legacy reminds us to care for others, stand up for what is right and use our talents to make a positive difference in our community.
    House Leader: Mrs J. Hunter
    House Colour: Lilac

Skip to content