The House System

The House system at Sir John Nelthorpe School is more than just a tradition – it’s the heartbeat of our school community. It inspires friendly rivalry, rewards achievement, builds lasting teamwork, and brings every pupil and staff member together as part of something bigger.

From thrilling sporting showdowns to creative cultural challenges, the competition never stops. Houses battle it out all year long, earning points not only through events but also by collecting points for effort, achievement, and positive behaviour. Every point counts; and the race to the top is always electric!

Leadership opportunities shine, too. Each year group elects enthusiastic captains and vice-captains who lead their peers, organise teams, and drive participation. At the pinnacle, our dynamic Sixth Form House Captains and Vice Captains take charge, motivating their houses with passion and pride as they fight for ultimate victory.

At Sir John Nelthorpe, the House system isn’t just about competition – it’s about belonging, leadership, and unforgettable experiences that shape every pupil's journey.

Final House Point Standings 2024-25

The History of the House Names

Lardelli House

“Miss Lardelli – a great personality I have never met; lived for us, and to us gave the best years of her life!” These heartfelt words from a former Head Girl capture the spirit of the very first Headmistress of Brigg Girls’ High School, Miss Lardelli;  a woman remembered with deep respect and admiration.

From 1919 to 1935, Miss Lardelli led the girls high school with vision, determination, and warmth. She wasn’t just a Headmistress, she was a driving force who laid the foundations of the school we know today. With her unshakable pride, she shaped traditions, improved facilities, and fostered a culture of happiness, energy, and ambition that still lives on.

Her care for her pupils went far beyond the classroom. She established a foundation fund to support pupils in need, ensuring that opportunities were never out of reach. Even today, her legacy continues through financial assistance for pupils and the annual Sixth Form prize funded in her name.

Lardelli House is a lasting tribute to this remarkable leader. As members of the House, pupils are encouraged to carry forward her qualities; energy, compassion, and dedication,  drawing inspiration from the vivacious, charming, and pioneering woman who helped shape the history of our school.

Taylor House

Taylor House takes its name from Mrs. Gwen Taylor – a trailblazer, a scholar, and a lifelong supporter of our school.

As Gwen Dent, she was one of the very first 66 pupils when Brigg Girls’ High School opened its doors in 1919. Bright, determined, and full of ambition, she went on to study History at Birmingham University, an incredible achievement at a time when opportunities for women were limited. After graduation, she made her mark working in the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, proving herself in a competitive and demanding field.

Her journey eventually brought her back to Brigg, where she continued to dedicate herself to her old school, serving as a valued member of the Board of Governors. Even after her passing in 1972, her generosity and passion for learning lived on, she left a legacy fund to reward excellence in Art and History, inspiring generations of pupils to follow in her footsteps.

Taylor House stands for ambition, achievement, and loyalty. To be part of this House is to carry forward Mrs. Taylor’s spirit, to seize every opportunity, to aim high, and to give back to your community. As a member of Taylor House, you are part of a tradition of excellence and inspiration. Make your mark, just as Mrs. Gwen Taylor did.

Eccles House

Eccles House is named in honour of Colonel John Gerald Turton Eccles – a man whose life was defined by service, leadership, and dedication. Colonel Eccles was one of the oldest Briggensians, and right up until his passing on Boxing Day 1975, he remained a driving force in countless activities, both in the school community and far beyond.

His achievements were nothing short of extraordinary. A regular Army officer, he later built a hugely successful business; yet that was only the beginning. He served as a magistrate, County Councillor (and later Alderman), Deputy Lieutenant, and even High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. 

But his heart always remained with his school. He served faithfully on the Governing Body, supported the Old Briggensians, and even championed our own Scout Troop. No role was too big or too small when it came to making a difference.

Colonel Eccles was known for his sincerity, generosity, and his ability to lead with both strength and kindness. He demanded the highest standards; but only because he lived by them himself.

To be part of Eccles House is to be part of this legacy. It means striving for excellence, serving others, and leading with integrity. Just as Colonel Eccles gave his all, so too should every member of this House. Wear the name proudly, live up to the example, and carry forward the spirit of a man who embodied loyalty, courage, and dedication.

Pelham House

So, which explanation do you want? Which Pelham shall we choose or blame? Sir Edmun Pelham (died 1606), the first English judge to go on circuit in Ireland? Sir William, who raised the Dutch rebels in 1571, and eight years later we find helping to wage 'a pitiless war of fire, famine, and sword' against the Irish? The low-church enthusiast Henry Pelham, who was very briefly Speaker of the House of Commons in 1647 before some lower-church fanatic threw him out? George Pelham, Bishop of Exeter and Lincoln, 'notorious for his greed of lucrative office'? Herbert Pelham (1600-1673) who helped found the Puritan colony of Massachusetts? Edward Pelham of Battle Park, Sussex, 'a man very backward in religion, and his wife a professed recusant'? Peter Pelham (died 1751), who introduced mezzo-tint into America, where he 'executed a series of portraits of clergymen about 1727'? The Rev. Arthur Harvey Thursby-Pelham, who was in the Fifth Form at Eton in 1892?

The funniest by far was Sir Thomas Pelham-Holies, fifth baronet, first duke of Newcastle upon Tyne, and of Newcastle under Lyme, earl of Clare, second baron Pelham of Laughton, and first baron Pelham of Stanmer (1693-1768), politician, sort of head cook and bottle-washer to George I and George II. George III got rid of him. He never let a servant throw away old clothes, and at his death a lifetime's collection of used liveries was auctioned off, so that for years no coachman or common porter in London wore any but the very second-hand Newcastle colours. At George II's funeral he carefully stood on the Duke of Cumberland's train to avoid getting cold feet. Of his wife, a scholarly and learned lady, he remarked that 'a very wise woman is a very foolish thing'.

To be strictly accurate however you are asked to remember your allegiance is to the Brocklesby Pelhams, descended from Sir William whom we last met thumping the Irish in 1579 - for which Elizabeth I saw fit to knight him. As is the habit with the English landed class, the line of descent is indirect, and the first Baron Yarborough of Brocklesby, created 1794, was Charles Anderson. The name Pelham was re-attached later on. This branch tended to produce soldiers and minor statesmen, and also claim one of the oldest family hunting packs in England, the Brocklesby hounds.

Pelham House stands for boldness, tradition, and character. To be a Pelham is to embrace adventure, rise to challenges, and bring energy and personality to everything you do. With such a rich and daring history behind the name, members of Pelham House are called to carry that same spirit of courage and individuality into the future.