Newby is at the heart of the school, both in its location and its welcoming atmosphere.  The common room is large and has its very own snooker table; this, and the constant supply of ‘spreads’ to the kitchen, means that it is always buzzing with people.  It has a warm atmosphere and great community spirit.

The house is run by our very efficient house mistress, Mrs. Rowland, who is helped by our two noble house assistants, Mrs. Barrington and Mrs. Whitehead. The L6 team are always at hand to assist the house staff and are there to comfort and encourage the younger members of the house.
 
You enter into the main houses in U4 (year 9), and coming up to Newby is a welcome escape from the cubies.  At last you have a door to your room offering that essential privacy and a quiet place to gather your thoughts amid your hectic school life, though this is a rare occurrence, as there are always things going on and things to talk about.

Newby offers spacious rooms for all ages, with up to three beds in a room in U4 (years 9) and two L5 (year 10). Single rooms are provided for U5 and L6, enabling these years to study for their exams in peace, and preventing arguments breaking out over what music to listen to. All the rooms are on one floor, making Newby even more of a community as all years can mix.

The occasional ‘Happy hour’ on Friday nights offers the chance for the whole house to come together and watch a film, with lots of food and drink and these lead everyone nicely into the weekend while helping all of us forget the stresses and strains of the previous week. Mrs. Rowland also provides a time for us to get together with our own year, as Hot Chocolate evenings in her flat are a common event.

report by Celia