Priestley‘Priestley House encourages not just academic excellence but individual participation and success in many other pursuits and aspects of school life. It also teaches people how to live with each other in a civilised and understanding atmosphere.’
The House is named after Thomas Priestley, erstwhile Headmaster of Mill Hill. Priestley was a Yorkshire man who came to Mill Hill as an assistant Classics master in 1818, and then became Headmaster in 1835 until 1853 when he retired. Priestley was highly regarded and liked. His impressive portrait hangs in the Dining Room today. Originally Priestley House was part of School House, a boarding house, but in 1976 it became a separate day House, located under the Marnham block. It was one of the first houses at Mill Hill to admit girls. In 2005 Priestley was relocated to the upper floor of the old sanatorium, situated by the main school gates overlooking the Ridgeway. The sanatorium was originally built in 1877 following an outbreak of scarlet fever, and today the upper floor accommodates the 80 pupils from Priestley House whilst the ground floor accommodates pupils from Cedars House.
Priestley House encourages its House members to be individuals who develop their own character and interests, making their way in life based on their experience and success at school. Endeavour, a desire to learn, realisation of talent, honesty, good manners, tolerance and consideration of others are but some of our aims.
If there were to be four adjectives used to describe Priestley they would be by consensus: civilised, good natured, easy-going and, most of all, friendly. It is a very social house although socialising is not just limited to members of your own year group but to members of the House as a whole. There is a real House spirit in Priestley which is reflected at all House events. Every interest and forte has a place in Priestley. There is no typical Priestley student but this is where its main strength lies, as a House in which everyone can belong, take part and most of all enjoy their schooling in a supportive atmosphere backed by the outstanding pastoral care provided by the tutors and house staff.
Priestley has a warm and friendly atmosphere. Everyone enjoys spending their free time in Priestley, whether playing table tennis or sitting chatting with friends. Everyone is friends in Priestley; we all care for each other.
Priestley is such a lively House that it is difficult to sum it up in such a short space, Where do I start? Life in Priestley is vibrant and ever changing. There is a strong sense of belonging and family between everyone in House, even inter-year relations are good. Pupils in Priestley tend to be friendly and make good contributions to School life.
Priestley is a welcoming and friendly house. In Priestley you never feel alone and everyone is positive. The teachers are always kind and helpful and are happy to talk to you about any problems you might have. As a House, we are always full of team spirit and energy. We have lots of fun everyday and we have great facilities like a pool table, a TV and a table tennis table which we all regularly use. We also have a tuck shop that has low prices and good food and drink. In conclusion Priestley is an awesome house!
