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Watson's House

To provide a safe and secure family environment where every boy is able to thrive, and achieve to the very best of his ability.

Founded in 1878, the House has a long tradition of academic success. There is also a distinct family feel to the House, with a young family in residence and another married couple very much involved in the House, helping to create a very warm, caring, and open atmosphere. One in which boys are as likely to mix across year groups as within. The House has a civilised nature: the boys are considerate and purposeful. They enjoy the balance of independence and support provided by a boarding house and have the ability to excel in all areas of school life be it academic, sporting, dramatic, musical, artistic etc. When they leave they are well-prepared for the next stages in life – for university and beyond.

Staff

Housemaster:

Mr Simon Heard

Assistant HoM:

Mr Matthew Kendry

Matron:

Mrs Jane Payne

Tutors:

• Mr Robert Beever
• Mr Noel Doran
• Dr Matthew French
• Mr Bjorn Hoffmann
• Dr Clive Jones
• Mr Owen Lewis

Our home is a fabulous mix of the old and the new. Imaginative architecture provides warm, airy and light accommodation. The boys enjoy relaxing in several common rooms, a library and on the roof garden. Study-bedrooms all have comfortable beds and desks with internet access: all sixth form rooms are singles with their own sink or en suite shower; junior boys share double or triple rooms. The house team is very forward thinking - always searching for ways to improve the boarding experience in the 21st century, yet still valuing the traditional and long distinguished history of Watson's.

House Activities

House sport includes football, rugby, cricket, running, basketball, water polo, fives, squash, sailing, pool, chess, table football and much more. Sunday afternoons may see trips to go-karting, Bristol rugby matches, paintballing, football matches, bowling etc. Both Housemaster and Assistant are keen to get into the great outdoors as much as possible. We have taken on the maintenance of a small plot of woodland in the nearby Mendip Hills, where we have enjoyed nights camping under our own shelters and cooking on open fires. There is very much an emphasis on sport and healthy living and we encourage participation by all.

Old Watsonians

Photo gallery

Recent leavers: University destinations include Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, Exeter, Leeds, Cardiff, KCL, Southampton, Manchester, Durham, Warwick and many others. Courses range from Engineering or English to Mathematics, Medicine or Pharmacy.

Famous Old Watsonians include: Sir John Kendrew, scientist and winner of the Nobel Prize for Chemistry; Sir David Wilcocks, composer and conductor (who opened the new music school in 2010), and Simon Russell Beale, actor and director.

House Motto

Fratres in Unum – Brothers together.

Contact

Watson's House Guthrie Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3ET
Email Housemaster SHeard@clifton-college.avon.sch.uk
Telephone +44 (0)117 315 7340
Fax +44 (0)117 315 7101

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