This is a REALLY long shot…
It’s a boys’ school story, from the 1970s at latest but probably earlier. Two friends, Page and Harper, try to end the boarder / day-boy feud by getting as many boys as possible to adopt mottoes. There’s a superstitious prefect called Beale & a junior called Gilly.
It’s one of the funniest things I’ve ever read (in a meant-to-be-funny way, not a so-bad-it’s-good way). But I lost it in a move & I can’t remember the title or author. 😡
I think the title might start ‘The Trouble At…’ but I’m not sure. I’ve Googled & not got anywhere.
Anyone?…..