At Newington students are known, supported and challenged to become the best version of themselves. As the College grows and becomes co-educational in the Senior School from 2028, the addition of four new Houses will continue to ensure every student experiences the close relationships, strong pastoral support and sense of belonging that sit at the heart of a Newington education. 

At Newington, our House system is how we do belonging, connection, leadership and pastoral care.  It is through our Houses, made up of dedicated and intentional cross-year mentor groups who stay together from Years 7 to 12, that students develop trusted relationships with staff and peers, build a sense of identity, and experience the support and encouragement that enables them to thrive. 

The House structure has evolved several times throughout Newington’s 163 year history to reflect the changing size and needs of the College community. The addition of four new Houses continues that tradition. 

What this means for current students

Students in Years 8, 9 and 10 in 2028 will remain in the House they were allocated when they started at Newington. This approach allows existing House connections, friendships and traditions to continue, while creating opportunities for new students to help establish the College’s next four House communities. 

Students entering Year 11 in 2028 will have the opportunity to express interest in becoming founding members of one of the as yet-to-be-named new Houses. These students will help shape House culture, establish traditions and build a legacy for future generations, creating a unique leadership opportunity during an exciting period in the College’s history. 

How will the new Houses be established?

The model we are using is quite different to what we did in 2022, when we increased from eight to 16 Houses by dividing each existing House into two. This time new Houses will begin by welcoming some of our new Year 7 and Year 11 students. In 2029, the new houses will be made up of students from Year 7, 8,11 and 12. The Houses will be made up of all six year groups by 2031.  

More information about the house allocation process – including immediate family connections to houses – will be shared in Term 1, 2027. 

Why we’re doing it this way

Newington is proud of its strong traditions as its looks to the future.To preserve the strengths of our pastoral model while supporting current and future generations of students, the creation of our four new Houses will:  

• help ensure Heads of House continue to know students well and provide the high level of support, guidance and connection that is central to the Newington experience 
• create exciting opportunities for students joining the College to become founding members of new House communities, helping to shape their culture, traditions and identity from their first days at Newington
• give students in the new Houses the opportunity to be part of a close-knit pioneering community during its formative years. 

We will ensure House competitions continue to be conducted in a way that is fair and engaging for all students. 

What happens next?

Over the next 14 months, the foundational work it takes to create, build and establish any new House will take place across the Senior campus. Some Houses may ultimately have to move into new buildings, and the task to find four new colours and name the new Houses will be the source of much exciting discussion and collaboration.  

Whatever the new titles and colour palettes, this decision has been guided by a simple but important principle: every student should feel known, safe, valued and connected at Newington. The addition of these four Houses will ensure the College continues to deliver strong pastoral care and a great sense of belonging as we enter this exciting new chapter. 

---

To learn more about pastoral care at Newington, read our blogs The grace of gratitude and Finding your passion at Newington.