At our school in Snarestone, near Coalville and Swadlincote, we have a vibrant house system that encourages teamwork, leadership, and a strong sense of community across all year groups.

 

Why Do We Have a House System?

Our house system supports children across Snarestone and the surrounding areas of Coalville and Swadlincote by creating mixed-age teams from Reception to Year 6. This approach helps pupils build friendships across year groups, develop teamwork skills, and take on responsibility within a supportive school community.

Being part of a house encourages children to support one another, strengthens their sense of belonging, and provides opportunities to take part in a wide range of school activities, including competitions, sports, and fundraising events.

The History Behind Our House Names

Our house names reflect the rich local heritage of Snarestone and the surrounding Leicestershire area:

• Pares House and Varnham House are named after bridges on the Ashby Canal, which runs through Snarestone village. Pares Bridge is number 59, and Varnham Bridge is number 60.
• Minorca House and Rawdon House are named after historic local coal mines. Rawdon Colliery, located in nearby Moira, operated for around 150 years before becoming the site of the Conkers National Forest Discovery Centre. Minorca Colliery, near Measham, is now an opencast mining site.

This connection to local history helps children in Snarestone, Coalville, and Swadlincote develop a deeper understanding of their community and heritage.

How Are the Houses Managed?

Each house is led by Year 6 House Captains, giving older pupils valuable leadership opportunities. All houses are balanced and inclusive, with children from Reception through to Year 6, and siblings are placed in the same house.

Pupils work together in their house teams during key school events such as Sports Day, inter-house competitions, and fundraising activities.

How Do Children Earn House Points?

Children at our Snarestone school can earn house points in a variety of ways, including:

• Following the Snarestone Way, which is rooted in our core Christian values
• Demonstrating positive learning behaviours and completing work at school and home
• Showing effort, determination, and resilience
• Achieving personal goals and celebrating success
• Working well with others, showing teamwork and organisation

All staff members can award house points. Children who demonstrate exceptional work or behaviour may be recognised by the Headteacher, earning a star and a place in the Golden Book.

How Is the House Trophy Awarded?

House points are collected as tokens and displayed in each classroom. At the end of every half-term, the tokens are counted, and the House Trophy is awarded to the winning team.

The trophy is proudly displayed in our school hall, alongside coloured ribbons representing each winning house. The winning house also receives a special reward, celebrating their teamwork and achievements.