Tilly's House Handbook
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TILLY’S HOUSE HANDBOOK
1
TILLY’S HOUSE HOUSE HANDBOOK
JUNE 2025
ST EDWARD’S, OXFORD
JUNE 2025
WELCOME / THE HOUSE TEAM / HOUSE VALUES / STAYING IN TOUCH / THINGS TO BRING DAILY ROUTINES / HOUSE LIVING / SUPPORT FOR PUPILS AND PARENTS / A TO Z
TILLY’S HOUSE HANDBOOK
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WELCOME
Welcome to Tilly’s House We are all looking forward to welcoming you and supporting the transition into daily life at Teddies. The booklet aims to alleviate any concerns by covering some of the basics needed for the start of term and to give you important contact details. There is also an A–Z at the end which hopefully will answer specific points, for anything else please ask! If you have any concerns about your son, please do get in touch with me or one of the team (see the contact details below) by email, text or phone. We all aim to reply to emails within 24 hours but for anything more urgent please phone me on my mobile or the House phone. In an emergency, you can also contact the Sub-Warden. It is really important that we have up to date contact details for parents and guardians. Please do let us know if these details change or if you are out of the country or away from home and the nominated guardian during this period. Tilly’s House is known for its amazing house spirit and ‘having a go’ at all school activities from House shout, to leading chapel, sporting endeavours and academic school competitions. Shells will have a peer mentor when they arrive in Lower Sixth, this vertical tutoring system helps with settling in, providing a friendly face to turn to for advice. Tilly’s house has PODs with a POD Captain who leads and supports this smaller group. Although named before my time as a Biologist there are two main things that come to mind:
1) The POD is a protective covering for seeds helping them mature in the House with a safety net around them. 2) A POD is the description for a group of dolphins, where they build social interactions, with rich and varied opportunities, the PODs work together in House competitions and events to create and build great friendships in House. Our strong and experienced tutor team look to monitor and support pupils progressing through Teddies to leave fully prepared for their next step as well-rounded gentlemen who make a positive impact on the community they join next. We are excited to be part of this journey with you and I am committed to making Tilly’s a home away from home, full of laughter, kindness and, of course, hard work!
Rowena Ritchie Tilly’s Housemistress (HM)
I joined Teddies in September 2023 to take on the position of Tilly’s HM and teach Biology. I came from being a Head of Science at a large independent school in Oxford. In my role as the HM, I have overall responsibility for your son’s wellbeing at school. This includes their emotional and social wellbeing as well as their academic progress and involvement in the co-curricular life of the school. I am supported in this role by a fantastic team – the Assistant HM Andrew Rush, the House Matron Yasmin Dean, the Resident Tutor Jake Andrews and the entire House team. Email ritchier@stedwardsoxford.org House phone +44 (0)1865 319 257 Mobile +44 (0) 7921 816 686 Instagram @teddies_tillys
ST EDWARD’S, OXFORD
JUNE 2025
WELCOME / THE HOUSE TEAM / HOUSE VALUES / STAYING IN TOUCH / THINGS TO BRING DAILY ROUTINES / HOUSE LIVING / SUPPORT FOR PUPILS AND PARENTS / A TO Z
TILLY’S HOUSE HANDBOOK
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THE HOUSE TEAM
Andrew Rush Assistant Housemaster M +44 (0) 7921 816 702 E rusher@stedwardsoxford.org
My name is Andy Rush, and this will be my second year as AHM in Tilly’s. I am a Design teacher and have been teaching at Teddies for seven years and before that was at MCS. During my time at Teddies, I have been Resident Tutor in Macnamara’s and Cowell’s. Outside of school, I enjoy completing triathlons and anything to do with water sports and am a PADI divemaster, a qualified ski instructor and have some yacht sailing qualifications having sailed across the Mediterranean. I live in Tilly’s with my wife Maria, son Oscar and dog Eric. I look forward to meeting you all! Jake Andrews is an enthusiastic maths teacher who joined Teddies in September 2024. He has a passion for experiential learning and will always make time to ensure his students feel fully supported. Jake is newly a sports coach, namely for U15B boys’ rugby (alongside Andy Rush, AHM), U15A girls’ football and U16C boys’ cricket – usually found to be keeping score as the resident maths teacher. Outside of Teddies, Jake is the founder and curator of an international student short film festival, Buntingford Shorts, which is now in its ninth year. I have been the Matron in Tilly’s for ten years now. I love my job and adore the boys. I am a mother of five grown up children, three boys and two girls. I also have seven grandchildren. I am a retired police officer who served for 25 years so I like to think that not much fazes me. I love chatting with the boys about all manner of things which is the best part of the job. I am keen to support parents with their boys’ time at the school, and I welcome phone calls, emails or just pop in for a chat; my door is always open. Hours of work: 7.45am – 4.45pm
House Nurse The House Nurse is the link between Tilly’s House and the Health Centre where they are based and can be contacted. The Health Centre number is 01865 319 244. Cleaning Team We have a great team of cleaners who clean the rooms every day. We ask pupils to respect the cleaning staff by making their beds, putting all clothes away, leaving their desk spaces tidy and ensuring all rubbish is put in the correct bins.
Jake Andrews Resident Tutor M +44 (0) 7921 816 617 E andrewsj@stedwardsoxford.org
Yasmin Dean Day Matron
T +44 (0)1865 319 445 M +44 (0) 7546 415 178 E deany@stedwardsoxford.org
ST EDWARD’S, OXFORD
JUNE 2025
WELCOME / THE HOUSE TEAM / HOUSE VALUES / STAYING IN TOUCH / THINGS TO BRING DAILY ROUTINES / HOUSE LIVING / SUPPORT FOR PUPILS AND PARENTS / A TO Z
TILLY’S HOUSE HANDBOOK
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THE HOUSE TEAM
Other useful contacts in the school If you cannot get hold of any of the House Team and need to speak to someone urgently, please contact the Sub-Warden, Mrs Clare Hamilton. Her mobile number is 07739 021 643. For a list of other useful contact numbers, please see the up-to-date list on our website. School information Our Parent Page is kept fully up to date and has lots of useful information.
Our 2025–2026 Pupil House leadership team
Head of House Ed Adnitt
All pupils are encouraged to support each other, but there is a devoted team of Upper Sixth pupils with leadership roles in the House. As well as being role models for the rest of the House, the team organises events and socials and helps new pupils find their feet. Parent ambassadors There is a parent ambassador for each year group in the House – your HM will share their details so please do get in touch with them directly. Their role is to help connect parents with each other and the School and to welcome new parents and families. More information can be found on the parent section of the website
Deputy Head of House Sheldon Joe Udofia
stedwardsoxford.org/parents The password is Teddies1863
Peer Listener Alex Matchilski
ST EDWARD’S, OXFORD
JUNE 2025
WELCOME / THE HOUSE TEAM / HOUSE VALUES / STAYING IN TOUCH / THINGS TO BRING DAILY ROUTINES / HOUSE LIVING / SUPPORT FOR PUPILS AND PARENTS / A TO Z
TILLY’S HOUSE HANDBOOK
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HOUSE VALUES
Integrity THE VALUE OF HONESTY TO OURSELVES AND TO EACH OTHER
The House values are the School values.
We seek to earn and to deserve the trust of others, by acting rightly and justly; we take responsibility for our words and actions; we acknowledge our mistakes, and we learn from them. Kindness THE VALUE OF LOVE We feel and show compassion for others, always listening and seeking always to understand; we value, respect and include others without regard for differences; we treat others as we would have them treat us. Courage TRUTHFULNESS TO OUR VALUES AT THE TESTING POINT We stand up for what we believe to be right, speaking up for ourselves and for others; we seek to bring out the best in others; we persevere with resilience, with forgiveness and with patience .
ST EDWARD’S, OXFORD
JUNE 2025
WELCOME / THE HOUSE TEAM / HOUSE VALUES / STAYING IN TOUCH / THINGS TO BRING DAILY ROUTINES / HOUSE LIVING / SUPPORT FOR PUPILS AND PARENTS / A TO Z
TILLY’S HOUSE HANDBOOK
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STAYING IN TOUCH WITH YOUR CHILD
Visiting Tilly’s House We welcome visitors to Tilly’s but please always see a member of staff on arrival. Visitors may not go into pupils’ rooms unless accompanied by a member of staff. Whenever possible, please let us know in advance if you are planning to visit us. Visiting Teddies We warmly encourage parents to come and support pupils in sport and other co-curricular events. Sports fixtures and the school calendar are on the Parent Page . Taking pupils out of school Please email both HM and Matron for requests to take pupils out during the week. HM will email to ask parents and guardians to confirm Saturday night and Sunday arrangements by the preceding Thursday.
Email All pupils will have an email address from the start of term, in this form. Shell: 25
Postal address Pupil name Tilly’s House St Edward’s School Woodstock Road Oxford OX2 7NN
ST EDWARD’S, OXFORD
JUNE 2025
WELCOME / THE HOUSE TEAM / HOUSE VALUES / STAYING IN TOUCH / THINGS TO BRING DAILY ROUTINES / HOUSE LIVING / SUPPORT FOR PUPILS AND PARENTS / A TO Z
TILLY’S HOUSE HANDBOOK
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THINGS TO BRING
Mobile phones Pupils may bring their mobile phones to school but have limited access to them and must hand them in to the House Team at the required times. Please do not let your son bring an additional mobile phone to school. Do not bring • Computers or iPads etc – pupils lease laptops through the school and no other devices are permitted, for safeguarding reasons and to ensure pupils can focus on making friends and their academic studies without distraction • Large amounts of cash – pupils have access to lockable safes for valuables, but we do not recommend having excessive quantities of cash • Any additional medicines or supplements without consulting the Matron • Any medicines that are not licensed in the UK
Essentials • Full set of uniform – all clearly labelled, check the Uniform list on the Parent Page for additional essential items (e.g. a pillow, a single duvet, two duvet covers, towels etc.) • Medicines in original packaging – please hand all medicines to Matron • A small set of home clothes – all clearly labelled • Toiletries – including toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo. (Pupils can get these and other essentials from Summertown. Houses also have limited supplies available to purchase in the case of an emergency.) • Stationery • An alarm clock • A bank card • Headphones (wireless ones) Please label everything clearly with the pupil’s name and House initial (F), woven labels tend to last longest. Please bring some spares.
ST EDWARD’S, OXFORD
JUNE 2025
WELCOME / THE HOUSE TEAM / HOUSE VALUES / STAYING IN TOUCH / THINGS TO BRING DAILY ROUTINES / HOUSE LIVING / SUPPORT FOR PUPILS AND PARENTS / A TO Z
TILLY’S HOUSE HANDBOOK
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DAILY ROUTINES
All days are different at school but here is a rough guide to the school week.
Monday–Saturday
Games (sport) Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday Societies/Music/Dance Monday, Wednesday & Friday 4.30 – 6pm Pre-season Sport
Starting the day 7.15am wake up Breakfast
For all pupils (Day and Boarding), from 7.15am in the Dining Hall, Sixth Form may eat in House 8.10am for the whole House (8.10am Monday for House assembly, one morning will be chapel and this will alternate termly). Day pupils should arrive by 7.50am 11.30am – 1.05pm (Fourth Form games on a Tuesday) Shells have early lunch on Tuesday and Thursday at 12.15pm A register will be taken in the Dining Hall during House lunch
Monday or Wednesday depending on year group Tuesday & Thursday after Shell Games Between 5.30pm & 7.00pm In House from 7.00 – 8.00pm Shells, Fourths & Fifths have quiet time in House. Sixth Form may go to the gym or visit other Houses. All pupils must remain on site 8.00 – 9.00pm
Call-over
Shell Activities
Supper
Periods 1, 2 & 3 8.30 – 10.55am Break 10.55 – 11.30am Periods 4 & 5
Protected Prep Prep/Quiet time
After prep
Lunch
Call-over
You can access your child’s timetable via the Parent Portal (soon after the academic year starts)
Assembly
Monday only, 2.10 – 2.45pm Friday only, 2.10 – 2.40pm
Tutor period Periods 6 & 7
2.45 – 4.20pm Monday & Friday (Tuesday for Fourth Form), (2.10pm start on a Wednesday)
ST EDWARD’S, OXFORD
JUNE 2025
WELCOME / THE HOUSE TEAM / HOUSE VALUES / STAYING IN TOUCH / THINGS TO BRING DAILY ROUTINES / HOUSE LIVING / SUPPORT FOR PUPILS AND PARENTS / A TO Z
TILLY’S HOUSE HANDBOOK
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HOUSE LIVING
Being part of a boarding house, whether you are day or boarding, is a wonderful opportunity to make friends and be part of a fabulous community. Houses have great team spirit and pupils are proud to be part of them. Advice for new pupils joining a House • Look after each other, especially in the first few weeks • Make friends in your own House, before you start making strong friendships out of House • Give everyone a chance. Have an open mind and try to accept someone, even if you don’t think you have much in common with them – their opinion of you matters too! • Make a real effort to meet and get to know other people, even if it’s hard to do at first • Be kind to people in your own year. You are all going to be together for five, four or two years
• Respect other people’s belongings – ask if you want to borrow anything • Respect other people’s space – ask if you want to go into someone’s room More generally in boarding school you are very busy – these ideas will make life easier: • Be organised and on time for lessons and call overs • Work hard and get prep done the night it is set, so that you can hand in your work on time and not get behind • Wear the right uniform and avoid customisation • Listen to the advice you are given, particularly from older years. Talk to your HM, AHM or Matron or a prefect if you have a problem. We are all here to help you • Enjoy yourself and have a great time in your first year in Tilly’s!
ST EDWARD’S, OXFORD
JUNE 2025
WELCOME / THE HOUSE TEAM / HOUSE VALUES / STAYING IN TOUCH / THINGS TO BRING DAILY ROUTINES / HOUSE LIVING / SUPPORT FOR PUPILS AND PARENTS / A TO Z
TILLY’S HOUSE HANDBOOK
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SUPPORT FOR PUPILS AND PARENTS We’re here to help In the normal course of teenage life, your son may well need further support if for example, he is ill, is homesick or is having friendship troubles. Health Issues Pupils should tell the HM or Matron about any health issues so that we can help. We have a House Nurse and the Health Centre who can support us and, if needed, a School Counsellor and Psychologist. Sometimes it can be hard for children to tell others if they are unwell – in particular if they are experiencing issues with their mental health – please always be open with us and we will call you if we are concerned. However, it is important to remember that pupils may speak to members of staff in confidence, although we do always encourage them to share their issues with appropriate adults. Friendships While we are sure that your child will make great friends at Teddies, children also often experience friendship troubles at school, which is a part of growing up. Again, we are here to help and listen and will seek to resolve any difficulties. If any trouble becomes more serious and turns into bullying, the House and School will take robust action. It is vital that you tell us and encourage your son to speak to an adult at school.
School Rules Pushing the boundaries and breaking the rules is something that teenagers do! From time to time the School organises talks on current issues and the House team will always be happy to talk through any specific issue of concern. If your son breaks rules at school, he may face consequences ranging from a quiet word with the HM, to a conversation with the Sub-Warden, community service and, if very serious, periods of exclusion. Depending on what pupils have done, it can be hard for them to own up, especially if they feel they are letting parents and family down. However, it is very important that they take responsibility for their actions and learn from them. Please try to allow your children the space to make mistakes and be honest.
Homesickness Homesickness is very common for children, and for many adults, when they are first away from home. It can be a combination of missing home and home comforts, missing their last school and friends, and struggling to adjust to their new life. Luckily, it tends to be short-lived and it is helped greatly by being busy in the first few weeks. While we can help at school – with settling-in activities, keeping busy and being available to listen to pupils – pupils and parents can help too. In our experience, we think that: • Pupils can help themselves by joining in and keeping busy, decorating their rooms with things from home and turning to others in the House to talk to • Parents can help best by acknowledging feelings their child has and by being reassuring and positive that home has not changed and that the homesickness will ease. It is important you talk to us, too, if at any point you think that your child needs more support • Although a phone call home can be reassuring, too many calls and too often can prevent pupils from finding people in the House to connect with, which ultimately will help with settling in
ST EDWARD’S, OXFORD
JUNE 2025
WELCOME / THE HOUSE TEAM / HOUSE VALUES / STAYING IN TOUCH / THINGS TO BRING DAILY ROUTINES / HOUSE LIVING / SUPPORT FOR PUPILS AND PARENTS / A TO Z
TILLY’S HOUSE HANDBOOK
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A TO Z
Shells do not have access to their mobile phones, but they can call home on the house phone. They have access to WhatsApp, WeChat and Teams on their laptops at break and lunch time to support ease of communication. Please do support us by only sending your son back to school with access to a phone, the school device and no access to a VPN or router. These reduce our ability to safeguard on the school network and have school sanctions associated with them. Dining: All boarding Shells, Fourth and Fifth Form pupils must attend breakfast, lunch and supper in the Dining Hall. Day pupils are warmly invited to join the rest of the year at breakfast and supper. Tea is optional. Sixth Formers can have breakfast in House if they wish. Each House has a kitchen area where snacks can be made – we provide bread, spreads etc. Please remember we are a nut-free school. Drinking Alcohol : Sixth Form pupils who have written parental permission are allowed to have two 125ml wine or two bottles of beer with a meal at Saturday night events which are run by the school. We request that parents do not allow pupils to return to school having drunk alcohol, for example over Sunday lunch.
Academic Matters : For all academic questions, the House Tutor is the first person to talk to – for pupils and for parents. Tutors can advise on progress, subject choices, extra support etc. Dates for parents’ meetings and reports are on the Parent Page . Alarm Clock : you need an alarm clock to wake yourself up in the morning (you will not have access to your phone to wake you up) Bags : Lower school will be issued with a school bag with your initials on when you arrive in September. Bedding : Please bring a single duvet and two duvet covers. You will be provided with a pillow but if you like a particular type of pillow you might want to bring another, if you do please bring two extra pillowcases. Many pupils like to have a mattress topper too. If you choose to bring your own fitted bottom sheet please do not bring white ones as these can get lost amongst the House washing. All bedding must be labelled clearly. Please label duvet covers on the outside of the seam opening.
Bicycles: You are permitted to bring a bike to school these are helpful to get down to the boat shed if you are doing rowing as a sport. Please clearly label these and send a picture to Mrs Ritchie at the start of the academic year. Calendar: The school calendar is available on the school’s website. The calendar and school’s website give details of matches, outings, Chapel services and other events. Cashless: We encourage pupils to keep as little cash on them as possible but they can have a bank card. If additional uniform is required this can be put on the school bill by Perrys or ordered through Serious Stuff. Casual Wear: This can be worn at the end of the formal school day, in the evenings and weekends. Start by bringing in a few changes of clothes, as on Tuesdays and Thursdays pupils end up often staying in their school sports kit. You can always bring more back at leave weekend. Please make sure these are all labelled clearly for when they are washed. Devices: Pupils are issued wit a Microsoft Surface Pro 8 with core i5processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB Storage. They will be issued with a Signature Type Cover (Keyboard), SlimPen2 (Stylus), Charger and a case. Second devices are not permitted.
Bedtimes: Shell
9.30pm in rooms, lights out 9.45pm 9.45pm in rooms, lights out 10.00pm 10.00pm in rooms, lights out 10.15pm
Fourth Form
Pupils are not allowed to bring alcohol into school.
Fifth Form
Sixth Form
10.30pm in rooms and quiet
ST EDWARD’S, OXFORD
JUNE 2025
WELCOME / THE HOUSE TEAM / HOUSE VALUES / STAYING IN TOUCH / THINGS TO BRING DAILY ROUTINES / HOUSE LIVING / SUPPORT FOR PUPILS AND PARENTS / A TO Z
TILLY’S HOUSE HANDBOOK
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A TO Z
Medicines: If your child has been prescribed medicines of any sort, they should be handed in to our Matron in the original packaging, including the pharmacist’s label. Please let the Matron know as soon as possible of any changes to prescriptions or medical requirements. Pupils should not hold any medication themselves except for asthma inhalers and EpiPens which should be carried with pupils at all times. Mentors : The mentors for the new Shells are the Lower Sixth; new Lower Sixth pupils will have an Upper Sixth mentor. Mentors will assist individual new pupils over the first few weeks to settle in, to understand their timetables, get to classes, find games fields etc. This system helps to ensure cohesion within the House from top to bottom and provides a friendly face for new pupils to turn to for advice or help. We also have an academic support system whereby older pupils are available to help younger ones in those subjects the older ones have specialised in. Merits/Tickets/Warden’s Commendations : These are awarded by teachers for good work (Merits), or if a pupil has not met the required standard for work/ organisation (Tickets). They can also be awarded for exhibiting school values and for extra-curricular contributions. If a pupil completes a particularly good piece of work, a teacher may ask them to show it to the Warden for a Commendation on Friday morning at 8am.
Electrical Equipment: You should bring an alarm clock and may wish to bring your own desk light, radio, hairdryer etc. Please do not bring electrical cooking equipment, fridges or multi-socket adapters. All electrical equipment must be less than three years old and will be PAT tested for safety. All equipment and chargers must comply with British standards. Games Kit: Make sure you have enough T-shirts for games. You will have games practice three times a week, plus activities on Mondays and Wednesdays if you are a Shell. A minimum of three sports tops is recommended. Sports kit can be purchased from www.Serious-stuff. com (password: teddies). Please don’t bring games kit from your old school, or old St Edward’s kit from friends or family members – you won’t be able to wear it! Hair: Should be natural in colour and sensible in style. Long hair must be tied back for games, science and DT. House Subs : Are charged at £20 per term and are collected via parents’ bills. They help to cover the cost of Sky TV, ‘goodies’ for special occasions (barbecue, cinema trips, pizza etc.) and miscellaneous items in the House. The aim is to put as little as possible on the school bill as ‘extras’. The exceptions are pizzas/curries at local restaurants – parents will be asked in advance when we take a group out for a meal, say once a year, for a treat.
Insurance: The school insurance does not cover personal possessions, so please make sure that anything valuable is covered under your home insurance. Laptops, phones and passports are stored by Mrs Ritchie. Internet Safety : Internet usage is monitored and we have filters in place to keep pupils safe. We also teach pupils about how to stay safe online and can support pupils if they have concerns. We strongly advise parents to put in place internet safety measures at home and on mobile devices. Laundry and Dry Cleaning : Dirty laundry can be left daily in the washing baskets; clean clothes are then returned to pupils’ pigeonholes. Ordinary washing incurs no charge. Dry cleaning is charged for on the bill and can be arranged through the Matron. Please bring a pop-up type laundry bin, as it keeps all your washing in one place. You will need to empty it into the main washing bins in House on a regular basis. Please also bring a labelled net bag as all underwear must be placed in it to be sent to the laundry. Meals: We aim to provide good and healthy food. Pupils can visit Summertown at various points during the week and use the House kitchens for snacks, but these should not be a replacement for attending school meals.
ST EDWARD’S, OXFORD
JUNE 2025
WELCOME / THE HOUSE TEAM / HOUSE VALUES / STAYING IN TOUCH / THINGS TO BRING DAILY ROUTINES / HOUSE LIVING / SUPPORT FOR PUPILS AND PARENTS / A TO Z
TILLY’S HOUSE HANDBOOK
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A TO Z
Pupils move around rooms each term (sometimes at Exeat in the long Autumn Term). They are asked for their sharing preferences in a Microsoft Form at the end of each term. Boarding life is all about learning to live harmoniously with others and so although we will take pupils’ preferences into account we can’t guarantee them. Safes: Each pupil has access to a hotel-style safe which they can programme with their own number. It is their responsibility to report if it is not working (almost always due to batteries which will be replaced free of charge). It is also their responsibility to use the safe for valuables. We do rely on trust in a boarding house and it works well, but it is not right or fair to tempt people due to carelessness. School Coach: The Teddies Coach is a school service running from London to Oxford every Sunday evening. Parents can book places online . Shoes : Pupils must have black, polishable leather shoes, which have a proper heel (between 2–5cm). Trainers are not acceptable. It is a good idea to wear your shoes at home before you start school to soften them and wear them in. A packet of blister plasters is a good idea for the first couple of weeks as you get used to walking around the school site. Showers: There are plenty of showers in House! Please bring your own shower gel and shampoo etc. We advise that the pupils shower every day and always after games.
Mobile Phones and Video Call Apps:
Pocket Money: Pupils are encouraged to keep as little cash in school as possible. As pupils will not have access to their phones and so will not be able to use any payment apps, we strongly recommend that they have a bank card in School. As a guide, a maximum of £10 a week is more than enough for Shells. We try to encourage pupils to live within their means and budget accordingly. Haircuts and taxi journeys can be added to the school bill but such purchases must be made with the approval of a member of the core House Team from whom a chit must be sought in advance. Posters: Pupils are encouraged to personalise their bedroom spaces. No posters should be attached to the walls as blu-tack and drawing pins can cause damage. Each room is equipped with a large pinboard and plenty of drawing pins. Please do bring in posters and pictures of family. Rooming: • Shells and Fourth Form share dorms with a maximum of four boarders. • Fifth Form and Lower Sixth have single rooms and some pairs. • Upper Sixth have their own room and day pupils share a room with their own bathroom.
Mobiles: We restrict pupils’ access to mobile phones depending on the year group. For further details please refer to our Mobile Phone Policy. In order to ensure a healthy relationship with mobile phones, please do consider data limits and parental controls and please do not allow pupils to bring in a second phone. Mobile phones are confiscated if used at the wrong times or inappropriately. Video call apps : Pupils can use video call apps on their school-issued laptops at the following times:
The Shell, Fourth Form and Fifth Forms 8.15 – 8.30am 10.55 – 11.30am 1.05 – 1.55pm From 8.30pm until laptop hand-in time
Lower Sixth 1.05 – 10pm Upper Sixth 7am – 10pm
All pupils have access on the school’s Wi-Fi on the weekends from 12.15pm on Saturday until 9pm on Sunday.
ST EDWARD’S, OXFORD
JUNE 2025
WELCOME / THE HOUSE TEAM / HOUSE VALUES / STAYING IN TOUCH / THINGS TO BRING DAILY ROUTINES / HOUSE LIVING / SUPPORT FOR PUPILS AND PARENTS / A TO Z
TILLY’S HOUSE HANDBOOK
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A TO Z
Boarders can go home on weekends, unless it is a specified ‘Big Teddies Weekend’ which is when the whole House stays in for organised events. On regular weekends, pupils are allowed to go home once they have completed their games commitments on Saturday afternoon or they may go home for the day on Sunday. You can collect your children from away fixtures, but you need to request permission from the HM if you wish to do this. Notification of your child’s weekend plans must be sent to the HM on Thursday each week. All boarders need to return by 9pm on Sunday evenings. Sundays in school are, in general, restful days. There is no set wake-up time. Some pupils prefer to go to early breakfast, some will have a lie-in and go to brunch. Please respect those that wish to rest and keep the House quiet early on a Sunday morning. Brunch is served from 10.30am – 12.30pm. Occasionally there will be music concerts in the evening and there is House Compline once a year which all boarders should attend.
Signing Out: It is vital that we know where pupils are at any time during the school day. Everyone must sign out when leaving the House during prep (for example to go to the Art Block, IT and Design Centre, Music Department or Library). They must also sign out if leaving the School premises at any time (except for school matches or sports competitions). They must then sign in upon their return to House. Spare Keys : A copy of any spare keys (usually for bicycle locks or storage padlocks) should be given to the HM for safe keeping. Stationery : Some work will be on your laptop – teachers regularly use OneNote. Exams are still handwritten though, so please expect to use a pen and paper for your work. You should bring usual stationery items including pens, pencils, colouring pencils and a maths set. Tidiness: We do understand that some pupils are naturally tidier than others. We are a little more tolerant at weekends but by Sunday night the rooms must be tidy. During the week we do expect the rooms to be left tidy and beds made by morning registration so that the cleaners can access the rooms to clean. It also sets the day off to a more organised start. Television: There are Common Areas for each year group in the House, each of which is equipped with a television for use in non-study, non-activity time. Televisions are not permitted in bedrooms.
Towels: Towels need to be named and have a hanging loop. Tuck: This should be kept in tuck boxes or desk drawers and secured with a padlock. Each year group has their own kitchen area in the House with a fridge, microwave and toaster for the pupils’ use. School policy is that we do not allow high energy drinks, for example Red Bull, or protein supplements. Leave Weekends: There are two Leave Weekends during each term in addition to the Half Terms which we call Exeats. Following a Leave Weekend, the House will open at 6pm. An early arrivals scheme operates in Willows Café from 2pm on the Sunday for international pupils who may be flying in. There will be no access to the House before 6pm so please do not arrive before then. It is expected that pupils will spend these weekends with parents or guardians. The dates of Leave Weekends and Exeats are given in the school calendar and on the school website. Weekends: There are lots of events for different year groups on Saturday nights, organised by the School and by the House. On Sundays, pupils are allowed into Oxford town centre in the afternoon – they should go with at least one other pupil and must sign out. Shells are only allowed into Oxford, with a friend and with the permission of their HM, after they have been with staff as part of the induction process.
Worry: Please don’t. We are all here to help. If in doubt, ask!
ST EDWARD’S, OXFORD
JUNE 2025
TILLY’S HOUSE HANDBOOK
15
ST EDWARD’S, OXFORD
JUNE 2025
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