The house system is a traditional feature of schools in England.

Every school is
divided into subunits called "houses" and each student is allocated to one
house at the moment of enrolment.
Historically, the house system was associated with established public schools
in England, especially full boarding schools, where a "house" referred to a
boarding house at the school. In modern times, in both day and boarding
schools, the word house may refer only to a grouping of pupils.

Houses is named after saints, famous historical alumni, animal names or

colours. Each house has its own symbol, logo, or colours.

At co-educational boarding schools, there may be separate houses for boys

and girls, as at the Lawrenceville School, whose house system is itself based
on that of Rugby School. Students may also be grouped by year groups or
status as boarders or day students. There have also been cases, for example
at Cheltenham College, of pupils being allocated to different houses according
to their religion.

Competition between houses

One of the features of house systems is the competition between houses. For
example, the traditional school sports day is usually an inter-house competition.
Debating competitions and charity drives are also often organised along inter-house
lines. Merit points for behaviour and academic achievement may also be totalled up
for comparison between houses.

Some schools have a year-long programme of inter-house events, in which each

house "hosts" an event at which all houses compete, with points contributing to the
award of the House Cup at the end of the year.

Membership and roles

Pupils are usually assigned to houses randomly, perhaps with the aim of balancing
the houses in order to increase competition. However once a pupil has been
assigned to a house, any younger siblings may become members of that house.
(This tradition sometimes extends to the children of former pupils.)

One notable feature of the house system is the appointment of house captains, who
exercise limited authority within the house and assist in the organisation of the house.