British International School Admissions in Muscat | The Royal Grammar School Guildford Muscat

Admissions: +968 9012 1414

Houses History

In 1919, when the Royal Grammar School transitioned from boarding in the Old Building to a day school, the House system was retained to ensure all students particularly those not involved in sports could actively participate in school life.
Originally, four Houses were created based on OTC numbers. In 1921–22, the modern House system was established. Houses were renamed after key benefactors Austen, Beckingham, Hamonde, and Nettles assigned colours, and honour badges were introduced to recognise service and achievement.
As the School expanded, two additional Houses, Valpy and Powell, were introduced in 1964/65 to provide further opportunities for student involvement. In 1969, House assemblies began and Tutors were formally attached to Houses, strengthening participation, awareness, and House spirit.

Houses

The Houses

Austen

Named after John Austen, Mayor and MP for Guildford, who in 1557 secured the School’s legal right to exist when the settlement of Beckingham’s will was challenged. He also oversaw construction of the Old Building.

Beckingham

Named after Robert Beckingham, whose 1509 will funded the establishment of a free grammar school in Guildford. His endowment of £20 per annum led to the School’s foundation by 1520.

Hamonde

Named after William Hamonde, who bequeathed his home and wealth to the School during the reign of Elizabeth I. The Old Building was constructed on his land in the 1560s.

Nettles

Named after Thomas Powell and the Powell family, longstanding benefactors and Governors. In the 1880s, Thomas Powell’s £1000 donation prevented financial collapse, while Herbert Powell gifted land for playing fields.

Powell

Named after Joseph Nettles, who in 1691 endowed the School with land to fund its first university scholarship, supporting pupils progressing to Oxford or Cambridge and helping secure the School’s financial stability.

Valpy

Named after Arthur Sutton Valpy, Rector of Holy Trinity and St Mary’s Church. In the late 1880s, he led efforts to secure the School’s future during financial difficulty and became Chairman of Governors in 1889, guiding it into a more stable and prosperous era.

A Community of Excellence and Inclusion

The Royal Grammar School Guildford Muscat is a community of excellence and inclusion, where inclusivity, scholarship, respect, courage, and collaboration shape our identity and guide our actions. We are a kind, tolerant, and diverse community that values every individual, encourages intellectual curiosity and academic achievement, promotes mutual respect, inspires courage in personal growth, and fosters strong collaborative partnerships. These core values underpin all that we do and define who we are.