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Bamford Academy House System
At Bamford Academy our House System is a valued part of school life. It helps every child feel that they belong. From the moment pupils join the Academy they become members of one of our four Houses:
- Hollingworth Lake
- Noel Hill
- Healey Dell
- Ashworth Valley
Each House is named after a local place of natural interest. This builds children’s pride in both their school and the wider community in which they live.
Why the House System matters
Being part of a House gives children a strong sense of identity, teamwork and shared purpose. It brings together pupils from different year groups and encourages them to support one another, celebrate each other’s successes and contribute to something bigger than themselves. We want every child to understand that they have an important part to play in the life of Bamford Academy and that their individual actions can make a positive difference to others. This sense of belonging sits alongside our core values of Respect, Responsibility, Perseverance, Kindness and Acceptance, and supports the wider aims of our curriculum.
How children earn House Points
Throughout the school day, children can earn House Points by demonstrating the attitudes and behaviours we value. Points may be awarded for:
- Excellent effort and achievement
- Kindness and consideration
- Resilience
- Teamwork
- Good manners
- Responsible choices
- Taking pride in their work
House Points recognise not only academic success but also the many everyday ways in which children contribute positively to our school community. These behaviours link closely to the personal development and wellbeing work that runs through our pastoral care and My Happy Mind programme.
House Captains and pupil leadership
Each House is led by House Captains from Year 6. These pupils take on an important leadership role within the Academy. They help to build House spirit, encourage and support younger children, and act as positive role models. This gives our oldest pupils the opportunity to develop confidence, responsibility and leadership skills while strengthening relationships between children of different ages. Pupil leadership opportunities such as these form part of our wider commitment to developing the whole child, as set out in our Curriculum Intent, Implementation and Impact statement.
Competition, collaboration and celebration
Throughout the year the House System creates opportunities for friendly competition, collaboration and shared celebration. House Points are collected regularly, and successes are celebrated so that children can see that achievement is something we enjoy together.
At the end of the school year, we come together for a special House celebration. We recognise the effort, enthusiasm and contribution of pupils across the Academy. While the winning House is celebrated, the occasion is also a chance to acknowledge the achievements of all four Houses and the many ways in which our children have supported one another throughout the year. These moments of shared success sit alongside other whole-school events and enrichment opportunities that help children grow in confidence and pride.
Belonging at Bamford Academy
Above all, our House System is about belonging. It helps children build connections beyond their own class, develop pride in their local area, and experience what it means to be part of a caring and supportive community. We want every child to feel known, valued and proud to say:
“I belong at Bamford Academy.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How are children allocated to a House?
Children are allocated to one of the four Houses when they join Bamford Academy. We carefully balance numbers across year groups and take siblings into account so that brothers and sisters can usually be placed in the same House.
Can siblings be in the same House?
Yes. Wherever possible we place siblings in the same House so that families can share the same sense of belonging and celebrate successes together.
How are House Points awarded and recorded?
Teachers and staff award House Points during the school day for the positive attitudes and behaviours listed above. Points are recorded regularly and shared with children so they can see how their House is progressing.
Do House Points only recognise academic achievement?
No. House Points celebrate a wide range of positive contributions – effort, kindness, resilience, teamwork, good manners, responsible choices and pride in work – as well as academic success.
What do the House Captains do?
Year 6 House Captains help to build House spirit, support younger pupils and act as positive role models. They develop leadership skills while strengthening relationships across different year groups.
When are House successes celebrated?
House Points and successes are celebrated regularly throughout the year. At the end of the school year we hold a special whole-school House celebration to recognise the contribution of every House and every child.
Does the House System take time away from learning?
No. The House System runs alongside the curriculum and daily school life. It reinforces the values, behaviours and sense of belonging that support children’s learning and wellbeing. You can read more about how we develop the whole child in our Curriculum Intent, Implementation and Impact statement.
How can parents support the House System?
You can support by talking positively with your child about their House, celebrating the House Points they earn, and encouraging the values of kindness, effort, teamwork and belonging that the system promotes.
Related pages
You may also find these pages helpful:
- Curriculum Intent, Implementation and Impact – how we develop knowledge, skills and the whole child
- Our Values – Respect, Responsibility, Perseverance, Kindness and Acceptance
- Pastoral Care & Wellbeing – including the My Happy Mind programme
- Enrichment & Extra-curricular Opportunities – clubs, events and wider experiences
- School Life – daily routines, uniform and community life at Bamford Academy