House Shield 2024–25: A Year of Passion, Participation and a Shared Victory

If there is one word that sums up the 2024–25 House Shield competition at Mill Hill, it’s relentless. From the first House Hockey match in September to the final track event on Sports Day, pupils poured their energy into every challenge thrown their way. What unfolded was a year-long battle of talent, tenacity and teamwork that went right down to the wire - and ended with a remarkable result: a shared House Shield victory for McClure and Atkinson.

The House Shield is no ordinary trophy. Pupils earn points through a rich and varied mix of House events, commendations, and the average of individual effort grades across the year. With such a broad framework, the competition rewards not just athletic ability, but creativity, consistency, and character.

This year began with a bang. McClure made their presence felt early, taking the House Hockey title and putting in a commanding performance in the much-loved biennial House Music competition.

Their rendition of Where is the Love left a lasting impression, while victories in events like Netball and the Farrow further cemented their early lead. Meanwhile, Atkinson were building quietly but steadily, keeping within touching distance through strong classroom effort grades, podium finishes in General Knowledge and Top of the Bench, and their always-reliable team spirit.

Across the year, pupils took part in an incredible range of competitions: the Newcastle parade (won by Murray), the new House Golf (claimed by Priestley), and the fiercely contested Spelling Bee - which Atkinson eventually won, finally knocking Collinson from their longstanding spot on the podium.

Innovation was also in the spotlight this year, thanks to the launch of Dragon’s Den: Pitch Your Idea 2025. Led by Mrs Stoll, with Mr Malik, Ms Joplin and a Lower Sixth judging panel, the competition encouraged entrepreneurial thinking. Burton Bank took top honours with their QR-coded silicone food storage idea, “Store and More”, while Atkinson impressed with their “Smart Pass” ID system and McClure rounded out the top three with their “Snap Safe” valuables case.

While McClure looked poised to run away with the title, the final weeks of the summer term told a different story. Under the strategic eye of Mr Bingham, Atkinson House rallied. They clawed back points through commendations, effort grades, and mass participation, coming into Sports Day trailing McClure by just eight points. It all came down to the athletics finals - and in true Atkinson fashion, they delivered. With a final surge on the track, Atkinson matched McClure’s tally exactly.

It was a moment of stunned celebration (and some quiet disappointment): joint champions. A fitting conclusion to a year defined by perseverance, inclusion and House pride.

We also celebrate the incredible team effort of Cedars, who were crowned Sports Day champions. Their all-in approach - where everyone contributed regardless of previous experience - was a perfect reminder of what the House system stands for.

Congratulations to McClure and Atkinson, our 2024–25 House Shield winners. Whether leading from the front or charging from behind, both Houses showed us the power of collective belief and unshakeable determination. This was not just a competition - it was a celebration of everything we value at Mill Hill.