When the School finally acquired Ashburnham House, under the terms of the Public Schools’ Act of 1868, the ground floor was seen as the ideal space to house some of the increasing quantity of day pupils in the school – and the day house established there was known as Ashburnham for its location. Although Ashburnham relocated after the Second World War, first to parts of 17 and 18 Dean’s Yard and then to a house at number 6, Dean’s Yard, in 1956, the name has remained – giving rise to the typically Westminster confusion that the house called Ashburnham is not actually located in Ashburnham House.
Facts and Figures
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Housemaster:
Ms Gema Franco (French, Modern Languages, Spanish)| Founded | 1881 |
|---|---|
| House Type | Day |
| Total Pupils | 72 |
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"Ashburnham sits on the corner of Green with views over Dean’s Yard and the Abbey. A singular building spread over three floors, there's loads of space yet the house still feels cosy and welcoming. We’re close to everything: Weston’s, Little Dean's Yard (ideal for a quick game of football), Sutcliff’s, and the central hub of campus. We share facilities with Milne’s, which naturally builds connections across the two houses. The joint locker room and showers sit alongside some of the best day-house amenities, including babyfoot, ping pong, a piano, and a well-used kitchenette. Day rooms are set up by year group and linked between years to encourage genuine vertical integration. Older pupils offer advice on subject choices and will step in to mentor and help younger ones with prep and exam preparation. We’re generally known for having incredibly kind-spirited and warm pupils – we do insist on being nice to each other quite a lot of the time! There’s a real pride in belonging, which is reflected at house events. It’s a very friendly place, and pupils from other houses often spend a good amount of time here. Our calendar is busy in the best way, with the house Quiz, pizza making, the house concert, gingerbread house decorating at Christmas, karaoke, and the Fifth Form trip to Nenthead."
— Ms Gema Franco, Ashburnham Housemaster