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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Our House system plays an important role in building community, leadership, and healthy competition within the school. Each House has its own identity, colours, and crest, reflecting both the School’s heritage and elements of the culture and landscape of Oman. The house crest designs were student led, under the leadership of the House Captains and Vice Captains.

The Austen crest incorporates the outline of Oman on a gold shield, representing the School’s presence and identity within the Sultanate. The crown symbolises leadership, honour, and responsibility, reflecting the values of the House and the importance of guiding students to become positive contributors within the Omani community.

The Beckingham crest features a camel set against a desert sunset with palm trees. The camel is a powerful symbol of Omani heritage, resilience, and endurance, representing the historical importance of camels in trade, travel, and daily life across the desert. The palm trees and desert landscape reflect Oman’s natural environment and cultural roots.

The Hamonde crest displays a watchtower rising among mountains beneath a crown and sunburst. The tower represents the traditional Omani forts and watchtowers found across the country, symbolising protection, strength, and heritage. The surrounding mountains reflect Oman’s dramatic landscape, while the rising sun represents progress, aspiration, and a bright future for the House.

The Nettles crest features a traditional Omani fort dome topped with the national flag of Oman. The fort design represents Oman’s rich architectural heritage and the historic forts that protected communities across the country. The Arabic-style lettering and crescent reflect the region’s language, culture, and identity, symbolising respect for Omani traditions and values.

The Powell crest includes a falcon soaring above a date palm tree against a desert sunset. The falcon is a powerful cultural symbol in Oman, representing strength, courage, and pride. The date palm reflects one of the most important plants in Omani life and agriculture, symbolising prosperity, resilience, and the country’s connection to its land and environment.

The Valpy crest features the iconic khanjar dagger set within the RGSG rose emblem and topped with a crown inspired by traditional Omani design. The khanjar is a national symbol of Oman, representing honour, heritage, and national pride. The floral design reflects natural beauty and growth, symbolising the development of students and their connection to the culture and traditions of Oman.