Eton house masters

[ClaraHB]

DS got bumped up from waitlist a few weeks ago and offered a place for September which we’ve accepted. We’re now beginning the House process. With a smaller pool to choose from than if he’d got a place earlier of course. Would be so grateful if anyone have any advice on ones to avoid or pursue? We’re not fussed about eating in or out.

Colleague has been talking about this. She aimed to go for a HM who is not going to leave whilst her DS is still there (or any younger siblings) but one whose profile she likes and who had history of teaching at the school previously. She is very happy with her choice, it seems. You should have been given a profile sheet.

Forgot to say in the end she chose a house that other children from her DS’ prep seemed to have gone to as she managed to get reassurance that way. DD knows a boy from nursery who went to Eton and they are still in touch and he loves it and his mum just let the school choose (but I think he got an offer straight up so maybe they allocated a best fit at that point).
I think in most boarding schools you don’t get a proper choice and it seems to usually work out anyway.

Thank you for your reply. Yes we do have the profiles which are a good steer but always good to hear of any personal experiences.

I think narrow it down based on profiles of the ones that have places and then insist on video calls to see if you click with the person (if they have offered that). I think this is what is most important. The HM is in loco parentis, you need to get on. So other people’s favourite choice of house is not necessarily going to be your favourite.

Also do not assume that the best houses won’t be available right now. Some of the top performers may have dropped out quite recently due to VAT/increased cost of boarding etc so they may previously been given their first choice (and now staying at a London independent or grammar etc or moving to College).

Completely out of touch with who the HMs are now, but the principles are the same now as in our day. Parents spend a lot of time thinking about which house they will choose, but it's pretty much a complete waste of time as actually it's the HM who chooses, not you

If you like the look of an HM and the Dame then you need to give the impression that your son will chip in and contribute to house life, excel in at least one area (whether arts or sports doesn't really matter) and you must on no account look like a worried parent who is going to be fussing on the phone every other day, and they will be delighted to include your son!

My DS was a wait list boy too, and had a perfectly good, nice HM. I don't think the boys always thought that much of him, but he was kind and was always available to us when necessary, and was a strong advocate for DS when he got into scrapes a couple of times.

Thank you for all these helpful notes - very much appreciated.

what constitute a good house ? I’ve been pondering this question. It seems difficult to tell the houses apart just based a small profile we get sent of housemasters. And after much agonising over the decision, sometimes HM seems to change unexpectedly too.

Yes, all this is true, but in the final analysis it really doesn’t matter nearly as much as you think it will at this point in the process.

All the houses are good - it’s Eton. None are perfect, the boys manage very well.

For those in this round of house hunting, how is it going so far ? Ours are scheduled for the end of this week.