Our Houses

At East Hunsbury Primary School, our House System is one of the many ways we bring our values - Be Kind. Work Hard. Believe. - to life every single day.

Much more than teams or colours, our houses form mini communities within our wider school family. They help pupils feel a deep sense of belonging, pride and connection to both our school and the beautiful county we call home.

Our Four Houses:

·      Everdon, 

·      Whittlewood, 

·      Harlestone and 

·      Salcey

Our houses are all named after woodlands in Northamptonshire. We chose these sites because they are places of local natural beauty, rich in wildlife, history and landscape. They represent strength, growth and resilience - qualities we nurture in our children.

Children wear their house badges with pride, work together as teams and celebrate each other’s kindness, effort and achievements.

Throughout the year, houses earn points, take part in exciting events and, ultimately, compete for the highly anticipated House of the Year title.

Why Woodlands? A Celebration of Our Northamptonshire Roots

Northamptonshire is home to some of the most beautiful and historic woodlands in the country. These natural spaces are woven into our local landscape and heritage, and choosing them as our house names helps us:

  • Celebrate local beauty

  • Connect children with where they live

  • Promote appreciation of nature and the environment

  • Encourage personal growth, much like the trees in our forests

Each woodland has its own story  and each house reflects the character and wonder of the place it represents.

Our Four Houses

Everdon

Everdon Stubbs is a stunning ancient woodland near Daventry, well known for its breathtaking spring bluebells. It is a site of Special Scientific Interest and home to oak, beech and field maple. The house leaf for Everdon is the beech leaf, symbolising wisdom, learning and renewal - a perfect match for our hardworking pupils.

Did You Know?

  • The woodlands around Everdon have existed since at least medieval times.

  • Its bluebells are among the most impressive in the county, carpeting the forest floor every spring.

Everdon won House of the Year in 2025 - will they be able to retain their crown?

Whittlewood

Whittlewood Forest stretches across South Northamptonshire and into Buckinghamshire. Once a royal hunting forest, it is rich in history and wildlife. The house leaf is the oak leaf, representing strength, courage and deep roots - a symbol of standing tall and believing in yourself.

Did You Know?

  • Whittlewood appears in the Domesday Book.

  • Its ancient oaks provide homes for hundreds of species, making it a biodiversity hotspot. 

Whittlewood won House of the Year in 2024 - will they take the crown again?

Harlestone

Harlestone Firs, just outside Northampton, is a much-loved local woodland popular for family walks, dog walking and outdoor adventures. Its distinctive pine trees inspired the house leaf - the fir needle - symbolising resilience, growth and reaching for the sky.

Did You Know?

  • The tall pines were originally planted as part of a larger forest management plan.

  • Despite being close to the town, Harlestone feels like a peaceful escape into nature.

Salcey

Salcey Forest is one of the largest and most magical ancient woodlands in Northamptonshire. With its veteran oaks, ponds and wildlife, it inspires curiosity and exploration. The house leaf is the oak (acorn) leaf, symbolising potential, adventure and new beginnings.

Did You Know?

  • Some of Salcey’s “druid oaks” are over 500 years old.

  • It once housed a famous treetop walkway that offered spectacular views across the county.

How Our House System Brings Us Together

Our houses act as four vibrant communities within the whole school, helping children:

  • Build friendships across year groups

  • Feel a sense of pride and belonging

  • Support younger pupils as role models

  • Live out our values - Be Kind. Work Hard. Believe.

  • Each house is led by a brilliant member of staff and two specially selected Year 6 House Captains, who inspire, motivate and champion their teams throughout the year.

Events, Competitions and Proud Points

Children can earn House Points in two key ways:
1. Daily Proud Points – Doing the Right Thing!

These reward kindness, effort, teamwork and determination. Reaching 30 Proud Points adds to the overall House total.

2. Whole-School Events Throughout the Year
These are a highlight of school life, and house spirit shines through during:

  • The legendary Pancake Race

  • Book & Biscuit events

  • Christmas decoration competitions

  • Intra-sports tournaments

  • Team challenges and themed days

And so much more!

Winner!

At the end of the academic year, the house with the highest total is crowned House of the Year!

  • 2024 Winner: Whittlewood

  • 2025 Winner: Everdon

Who will win this year? We can’t wait to find out!
 

To see the house points total and who is in the lead - click here- home page

More than a House System

Our House System goes far beyond friendly competition. It binds our community together, teaches children to support one another, and celebrates the beauty of Northamptonshire’s natural heritage. Through Everdon, Whittlewood, Harlestone and Salcey, our pupils learn what it means to belong, to persevere, to show kindness and to take pride in themselves and their school.

At East Hunsbury Primary, our houses don’t just represent woodlands - they represent who we are.
A community that cares. A community that grows. A community that believes. Together.