Collinson HouseCollinson ‘provides an environment of continuity and support wherein each student can develop the self-respect and confidence that will afford them happiness allied with academic success’.
Further to the Headmaster John McClure’s decision that another boarding House was required on the school site, Collinson House opened in September 1903. There was no particular reason for the choice of name, though the number of trees around the house did make the name appropriate as the eminent botanist Peter Collinson had died some 35 years before the House was built. The House originally had not only a full complement of staff for the boys, but also a housekeeper who looked after the Housemaster and his family; she lived on the top floor of the three and mingled with all House members. This tradition lasted into the 1960s.
Collinson has been home to some famous people and there have been several eminent family connections. School Governor Herbert Marnham’s son, Hugh, was Head of House in 1915, but tragically died in battle a year later. Jim Roberts was a pupil from 1945 to 1950; he went on to represent Cambridge University and England at rugby. Austin Vince was Head of House in 1983 and then returned as Resident Tutor ten years later. Andrew Phillips was a boy here in the 60s and he returned thirty years later as Housemaster. Collinson has bred this sort of loyalty and devotion. Girls arrived in Collinson in 2000 and the House became fully co-educational in 2005. Currently there are 25 boys and 27 girls in situ, and tolerance, respect and a family atmosphere remain bywords of the House.
St Bees is the annexe to Collinson House and home to junior girl boarders at Mill Hill. It is a wonderfully friendly and quiet corner of the School. It has its own special atmosphere. In support of the Housemaster, Rachel Hyslop, the Senior Tutor, keeps a keen eye on all 14 girls. St Bees has been a superb acquisition for the House with every member contributing to its endeavours and to its ethos.
I joined Collinson House a couple of terms ago, having transferred from day status. I was amazed at how easy it was to make a new home in the boarding community. I moved to boarding because I was struggling with my journey to and from home and was finding it quite tiring. The energy I derive from not having to travel has had a really beneficial effect on my work. I did expect to find new friends and a less stressful school day, and was not disappointed, but over and above that, I find myself the member of a unique family. Is it too cheesy to say that? Not in my opinion. Collinson has helped me become immersed in not only boarding life but also in Mill Hill life as a whole; and I’m proud to say that I am a part of a House where birthdays are celebrated like at home.
The tremendous scope of opportunities that Mill Hill has to offer has helped me to realise how important active participation and commitment are in helping me to achieve my full potential. Boarding is so all-embracing, that all that opportunity is a whole lot easier to take advantage of, with constant support in every area. The boarding staff here are adults in charge, but they all seem to understand what it is to be a teenager. That means a lot. We never feel that the staff are tired of us. That means a lot as well. The School offers you a chance to develop the best parts of your individuality and encourages you to take up new challenges. However, what I’ve enjoyed the most is the friendly and warm atmosphere in my boarding house where everyone is like a member of one big family. I think that it’s wonderful to be a part of it.
The moment I walked into my House it felt like home because the atmosphere was so warm. Mill Hill, and boarding in particular, provides us with wonderful opportunities and things to aspire to. There are so many different stages here for us on which to perform e.g. in music, art and drama; I am interested in all three and there is now an annual boarders’ concert, bringing us all together. The ticket money raised goes to our partner schools in India and Nicaragua. It is so good to enjoy ourselves, knowing we are also helping others less fortunate than we are. The teachers here are very helpful and caring, and the EAL department could not do more to help people from backgrounds like mine. The teachers give up their own time to make sure all overseas students understand what’s going on. I love being a boarder and a Millhillian.
Although I have been at Mill Hill for a short time, I feel as if I am an important part of it. From the first day, you become involved in activities and each member of the School places a value on your opinion. That is especially important for overseas pupils like me as we are thousands of miles away from our families. Not only the teachers, but every single student – from Fourth form to Sixth Form - supports you and helps you integrate into daily life. That automatically enhances your attitude towards other people in your environment and teaches you to respect and help other pupils. I live in St Bees, the girls’ annexe to Collinson. It is great to belong here, yet to know that we can go over to the main House at any time. I am proud to be a part of all of this!
