Combe House

Chris and Janice Bateman – Houseparents

Combe House is situated a short distance away from the main school with fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. This enables students to feel that they have come away from the school at the end of the day to their ‘home’. The house itself was originally built as a family home and this is emulated in the relaxing homely environment. There is room for twenty one students aged between eleven to nineteen in shared dormitories of two of three so everyone gets to know each other very quickly in this small and friendly house.

Chris and Janice Bateman have been joint Heads of Combe House for the last nine years and both teach in the senior school. They are assisted by a resident Matron, Linda Townsend (between them have over fifty years’ experience of working in boarding schools), and a Boarding Assistant. All the house staff endeavour to create a warm and supportive atmosphere for the students where their welfare and safety is paramount. The students know what is expected of them and great emphasis is put on the need to respect others. It is not always easy living with other people but everyone gets a chance to air their views at regular house meetings so that any problems or issues that do arise can be resolved as quickly as possible.

The House team at Combe all feel that looking after and guiding youngsters through the difficult teenage years is one of the most rewarding and satisfying jobs. It requires a great deal of energy, commitment, patience, respect for others and of course, a sense of humour. The dedicated staff work together with the pupils to create a safe and secure environment where each individual can flourish and feel part of a unique community.

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