History of the House System at BMS

The House System at BMS, was first conceived in 1882, as a focal point for internal competition, mainly for sporting events. In it's earlier years the names of the fours Houses, North, South, East and West, represented the quarters of the town from which boys travelled to school. County House, which had it's own headquarters in The Crescent, was added in 1924 for boys who lived further a field, outside the Borough boundary. United Boarders, largely comprising boys whose parents were serving in HM forces overseas, made up the final House. The school was located in the centre of town and most boys lived in the Bedford Borough, creating a natural identity with the House, which was exemplified by the wearing of the House tie.

House rivalries were intense for much of the 20th century, resulting in many a current OBM still closely identifying with a particular House when remembering his days at BMS. In the 1990’s the school had evolved in a number of ways. There was a change to independent status, a move from the town centre to Manton Heights, a dramatic change in catchment area and a reduction and rationalisation of boarding facilities, all of which made the original House conception and structure somewhat dated and in need of regeneration.

A decision was made in October 1997 for the House system to play a more central role in the school and to reinvigorate internal competition whilst upholding its fine traditions. Six Heads of House were appointed from the staff under the direction of a Senior Head of House, with the brief to establish a modern House system, to be integrated into a new school structure and working week, beginning in September 1998.

The New House System

A competition was launched to establish the new house names, the final decision being reached by a committee comprising OBM and PA governors, boys, the Headmaster and the Senior Head of House. The Houses were named in honour of six of our most prominent OBMs who had gained national or international recognition in their field. All deceased, they also have the advantage of having fairly short names, each beginning with a different letter: Bell, Farrar, Mobbs, Oatley, Rose and Tilden. Click on the House Logos below to find out more about the OBMs.