College Life
Life at Victoria College is dynamic and varied
We offer our boys a truly enhanced educational experience where they are encouraged to take up as many opportunities as they possibly can, gathering great experiences and creating happy memories of their time here.
On an average school day, we have more than 80 staff and 660 boys in Years 7 to 13 learning and moving throughout our large campus. In addition to normal lessons, we offer clubs, societies and co-curricular activities that add colour and dimension to our school.
Our House system adds an extra sense of belonging to the school days and provides a team base for a range of activities.
Victoria College Prospectus
To view the Victoria College Prospectus, click here.
The Tutor System
Each year group has five classes of 23 to 24 students and have a dedicated Form Tutor who monitors the academic progress, behaviour and welfare of each student.
This teacher is the main point of contact for the boys in his class and sees them twice a day for registration. They are also the first and central point of contact for parents and other staff.
We encourage boys to develop their talents, discover new interests and prepare themselves for the world beyond school. Maintaining good academic progress is important, and every student is closely monitored by his Form Tutor as well as the Academic Head of Year.
The Academic Head of Year works with the five Form Tutors in each Year. Their role is to:
- Raise expectations and instil confidence in students
- Improve individual performance
- Keep students and parents informed about progress and anticipated grades
- Identify and underperformance and provide support
Our Houses
Our five Houses - Braithwaite, Bruce, Diarmid, Dunlop and Sartorius.
Named after Old Victorians who served in the World Wars and were honoured with the Victoria Cross for distinguished military service.
The House system continues traditions that promote teamwork, leadership opportunities, competition, celebration and community.
Boys from all year groups mix in the Houses and get to know one another as they put together House teams for events. The Head of House is pivotal in the success of this aspect of College life. They coordinate House activities including volunteering and competitions in sport, music, drama and other areas.
The Head of House is responsible for:
- The development of a culture of celebration and achievement
- Enhancement of a House spirit and "can-do" culture
- The smooth running of the weekly House Assembly
- Supporting the allocation of House Tutors with the Assistant Head - Pastoral
- The organisation of all House events
- Attendance at and support of House events
- Maintaining high standards of behaviour within the House and school
- Annual House charity events
Heads of House
- Braithwaite: Mr Tom Smith
- Bruce: Miss Holly Shrimpton
- Diarmid: Mrs Stephanie Kellett
- Dunlop: Mrs Eimear Pallot
- Sartorius: Mr Andy Royle
Flags and Ties
Our flags and unique ties add to the sense of community here and the spirit of healthy inter-House competition.
The House flag flying proudly on the east tower of the main College building celebrates something different and special each month:
- September - Winner of the Blomfield Trophy
- October - Winner of the Knight's Shield
- November - Winner of House Drama
- December - House that raised the most funds for their House charity during the previous academic year
- January - House with the most reward points in the Autumn term
- February - Leading House in the Blomfield (as at 31 January)
- March - Winner of House Music
- April - Newly appointed Head Boy's House
- May - Overall winner of the Cross Country
- June - Winner of House Art
- July - Winner of the Landick Cup
- August - Winner of Sports Day Award Ties
The following ties are awarded to boys who go the extra mile and stand out in specific areas:
- Ten Clubs: For students who gain 10 or more 9-7 grades in their GCSE
- Arts Colours: For contribution to the artistic life of the College
- Music Colours: For contribution to the musical life of the College
- Junior Sports Colours: For team commitment or outstanding performance in Years 7 and 8 College sport
- Colts Sports Colours: For team commitment or outstanding performance in Years 9 and 10 College sport
- Senior Sports Colours: For team commitment or outstanding performance in Years 11-13 College sport
- Co-curricular Colours: For showing leadership, personal endeavour and work in the community, outside the curriculum or in the student's own time
- House Colours: For significant contribution to the life of their House in Years 11-13
Student Council and Student Voice
We encourage our students to participate fully in their school life and community. The Student Council allows boys to have their voices heard, to explore issues and solutions and make a meaningful contribution to the development and direction of their school.
At the start of the academic year, each form group or class elects a Form Rep whose role is to represent the views of their peers at House Council meetings and Whole School Council meetings. School Council representatives also take their proposals to the Headteacher and the Senior Leadership Team, so this role provides valuable leadership experience for the boys.
Contact Elise Falla, Student Development Coordinator for further details.
Bistro Victoria
A healthy, nutritious diet is essential for growing and active young people. Flourish from Caring Cooks are the catering provider for students and staff of Victoria College and our Preparatory School, and provide a Break Menu and Hot Lunch menu option which is rotated every three weeks each term. The Bistro menu can be viewed here.
Students are provided with a pre-pay card, which is topped up online and College boys can choose and pay for their own food each day.
