Winchester House Masters

[kerrygrey]

The GSG says it's important to chose a 'good' one. Any advice, please? pm me if you'd rather. How long do they remain as HMs?
HappyG - you gave me some hints on this topic earlier, but my new computer has eaten everything!

[kerrygrey]

And the ones to avoid, of course. Probably more important

[Mummyinggnome]

It seems a bit personal to names on here...

[kerrygrey]

I know - that's why I suggested responses should perhaps be PM-ed to me...

[happygardening]

Winchester HM's do 10 years although one is doing 15 this is pretty standard for boarding schools. It is important to find the right one for you and you DS because not only do they have quite a lot of autonomy in comparison to others schools creating significant variations on a theme which some parents don't like. They unlike others where responsibility is often divided between HM's and tutors are responsible for "the pastoral academic and disciplinery well being" of your DS although they do have a tutor and the equivilant of a form teacher the HM is the most significant person.
We've yet to meet a parent who has a bad word about their chosen HM all seem to thinks there's is the best although of course we know ours is but if you are able to spend time chosing the right one then it's definitely worth it.

[kerrygrey]

I suppose if all the HMs are liked by the parents whose sons are in their care then there isn't one (or more) to be avoided at all costs. Or am I wrong there?

[happygardening]

Will PM you.

[kerrygrey]

Thanks HG. Look forward to hearing from you.

[kerrygrey]

HappyG - did you PM me? 'Cos if so I didn't get it. Would you mind trying again, please?
Thanks

[grovel]

Of more importance than the HM is the cohort of boys who join the House at the same time as your DS. That is out of your control (as it is at every boarding school). A good bunch and your DS will thrive. An iffy bunch and the experience will be different.
In an ideal world I would choose a HM with 2 or 3 years in office. They will be young enough to have the required stamina, will have got their feet under the table and will not change in your son's time.

[TRL]

We're in the same position - trying to work out which housemasters to meet, where to have lunch etc. We went round Fearon's on the Open Day so would like to check out others. Son is very musical, loves drama, main interest is anything historical. Anyone who could pm me with advice would be much appreciated.

[happygardening]

"Of more importance than the HM is the cohort of boys who join the House at the same time as your DS."
grovel generally I would agree but not at Winchester where I believe uniquely the HM interviews your child for the school and his house therefore each HM is not only looking for a boy who is suitable for the school but also the general ethos/atmosphere of his house. You can be offered a place at the school but not in the house you originally registered for as the HM deems you to be unsuitable for his house. They have considerable autonomy and there are many variations on a theme and different rules between houses which I understand causes some frustration between the boys but such is life. The other key difference and of course most well know the variations in the quality food.

[TapirBackRider]

sigh