Our Boarding Houses

There are 7 Senior school boarding houses and 1 Prep boarding house on our 220 acre woodland campus.

In every Senior boarding house there are a mixture of shared and individual rooms. Shared spaces include tea rooms, a mixed common room, bathrooms, laundry rooms, study spaces and dedicated outdoor areas.

Each house has its own distinctive character, and all have exceptional pastoral teams who devote their time, energy and expertise to developing, encouraging, advising and supporting the students in their care.

HOUSEMASTERS & HOUSEMISTRESSES (HMS)
HMs have overall responsibility for our students, living in the boarding house with their families. They are the pastoral leaders of a boarding house, responsible for creating a safe, caring and inclusive environment where every student feels known and supported. They oversee wellbeing, safeguarding, daily routines and behaviour, while also nurturing a positive house culture built on respect, belonging and personal growth. They act as the main link with families, monitor academic effort, and coordinate a team of house staff to ensure consistent, high‑quality care.
ASSISTANT HMS (AHMS)
The AHMs play a vital role in sustaining the warmth, consistency and care of the boarding community. They work closely alongside the HM offering daily support in nurturing a safe, inclusive and well‑structured environment for every student. When the HM is off duty, the AHM assumes full responsibility for the leadership of the House - overseeing routines, wellbeing, behaviour and pastoral support with confidence and compassion. As part of their weekly duties, the AHM typically leads the House for two evenings, ensuring continuity of care, maintaining high pastoral standards and acting as a trusted and visible presence for students during key moments of their day.
MATRONS
The house Matrons are the heart of the House and the people everyone turns to throughout the school day. Widely adored by students and families alike, they provide the steady, caring presence that helps the House feel like a true home-from-home. From supporting daily routines to offering a listening ear, Matrons are often the first to notice when a child needs reassurance, encouragement or simply someone to talk to. Matrons are also your main point of contact during the day, and no question is ever too small. Whether it’s about laundry, uniform, wellbeing, minor worries or day‑to‑day logistics, Matrons are there to help - warmly, patiently and with the kind of calm efficiency that makes life run smoothly for everyone. Families quickly discover why they are so treasured: Matrons know the children, care about the children, and help them feel safe, organised and looked after in every sense.
TUTORS
Tutors are a consistent champion for individual progress, wellbeing and personal growth. They help guide academic choices, support co‑curricular activities, and ensure students feel balanced, motivated and confident in every aspect of school life. Students meet with their Tutor formally once a week, in a dedicated lesson to review academic progress, set goals, and talk through any questions or concerns. In addition, Tutors will visit the boarding house one evening each week, giving students the opportunity to chat informally, check in on how things are going, and strengthen that all‑important link between school and home. Tutors are the main parental point of contract for academic matters, they celebrate your child's achievements and work closely with the House team and teachers to make sure every student is supported, stretched and thriving.

"My child is genuinely known, loved, supported, and appropriately challenged, and the quality of pastoral care has been exceptional."

- boarding parent

PREP BOARDING HOUSE

Our Prep School boarding house sits on the West end of campus, surrounded by playing fields, woods and countryside. Children all have their own dedicated space and share rooms with up to 3 other children.

Find out more about Prep boarding by filling in the form below to download our Prep boarding booklet:

Senior Boarding Houses:

Bruce - MALES
Bruce House blends history, character and camaraderie into a spirited boarding community. Although the current House opened in 1991, its story began in what is now Duffus House and is still fondly remembered by some as “Old Bruce.” Its motto, Na Toir Suas (“Never Give Up”), inspired by Robert the Bruce, captures the resilience at the heart of the House. The spider emblem echoes the famous legend and reflects the determination that defines Bruce boys. Among its notable former residents is Peter Phillips, grandson of Queen Elizabeth II, who was part of one of the strongest rugby teams in the school’s history, featuring six Scottish schoolboy internationals. Today, 67 boys call Bruce home, living in a warm mix of shared and individual rooms. Bruce is a supportive, energetic community built on heritage and pride.

Bruce - MALES

Bruce House blends history, character and camaraderie into a spirited boarding community. Although the current House opened in 1991, its story began in what is now Duffus House and is still fondly remembered by some as “Old Bruce.”

Its motto, Na Toir Suas (“Never Give Up”), inspired by Robert the Bruce, captures the resilience at the heart of the House. The spider emblem echoes the famous legend and reflects the determination that defines Bruce boys.

Among its notable former residents is Peter Phillips, grandson of Queen Elizabeth II, who was part of one of the strongest rugby teams in the school’s history, featuring six Scottish schoolboy internationals.

Today, 67 boys call Bruce home, living in a warm mix of shared and individual rooms. Bruce is a supportive, energetic community built on heritage and pride.

Cumming - MALES
Cumming House, built in 1938, holds the distinction of being Gordonstoun’s first purpose‑built boarding house. Its origins reflect the school’s pioneering spirit: the inaugural Housemaster, Freddie Spencer‑Chapman, led Gordonstoun’s first overseas expedition to Lapland that same year, travelling on sledges made by students themselves. The House badge features the Cumming family crest - a lion holding a sword - paired with the enduring motto “Courage,” which continues to underpin the House’s character today. Home to up to 59 boys, Cumming is known for its wooden facade and uniquely named rooms, many christened by former residents, including Houssemayne du Boulay, Bellochantuy, Horden and the delightfully eccentric Asparagus. Cumming House is celebrated for its kindness, calmness and friendliness, fostering strong bonds across year groups.

Cumming - MALES

Cumming House, built in 1938, holds the distinction of being Gordonstoun’s first purpose‑built boarding house. Its origins reflect the school’s pioneering spirit: the inaugural Housemaster, Freddie Spencer‑Chapman, led Gordonstoun’s first overseas expedition to Lapland that same year, travelling on sledges made by students themselves.

The House badge features the Cumming family crest - a lion holding a sword - paired with the enduring motto “Courage,” which continues to underpin the House’s character today. Home to up to 59 boys, Cumming is known for its wooden facade and uniquely named rooms, many christened by former residents, including Houssemayne du Boulay, Bellochantuy, Horden and the delightfully eccentric Asparagus.

Cumming House is celebrated for its kindness, calmness and friendliness, fostering strong bonds across year groups.

Duffus - MALES
As Gordonstoun’s original boarding house, founded in 1934 under the guidance of Kurt Hahn himself, Duffus House blends proud history with a vibrant, modern spirit. Home to 57 boys - known fondly as the Bulls - Duffus is a place where Spem Vigilantia Firmat (“vigilance strengthens hope”) is more than a motto; it’s a way of life. Here, we believe that greatness is found in the everyday details “get the little things right” is one of our guiding sayings. Our colours - black and white - carry through everything we do, including our distinctive house tradition centred around “Ziggy,” the Pictish-inspired bull who emblazons our crest. The legendary war cry of “Ziggy Black!” rings out during inter house competitions, uniting Duffus boys in spirit and purpose. At the heart of Duffus lie our four pillars: Pride, Excellence, Confidence, and Zeal. Whether we’re stepping into familiar strengths or tackling fresh challenges, Duffus House shows up with determination, good humour, and a readiness to give our best. Historic, spirited, and proudly individual - Duffus is more than a house; it’s a legacy. And every Bull who passes through its doors becomes part of its story.

Duffus - MALES

As Gordonstoun’s original boarding house, founded in 1934 under the guidance of Kurt Hahn himself, Duffus House blends proud history with a vibrant, modern spirit. Home to 57 boys - known fondly as the Bulls - Duffus is a place where Spem Vigilantia Firmat (“vigilance strengthens hope”) is more than a motto; it’s a way of life. Here, we believe that greatness is found in the everyday details “get the little things right” is one of our guiding sayings.

Our colours - black and white - carry through everything we do, including our distinctive house tradition centred around “Ziggy,” the Pictish-inspired bull who emblazons our crest. The legendary war cry of “Ziggy Black!” rings out during inter house competitions, uniting Duffus boys in spirit and purpose.

At the heart of Duffus lie our four pillars: Pride, Excellence, Confidence, and Zeal. Whether we’re stepping into familiar strengths or tackling fresh challenges, Duffus House shows up with determination, good humour, and a readiness to give our best.

Historic, spirited, and proudly individual - Duffus is more than a house; it’s a legacy. And every Bull who passes through its doors becomes part of its story.

Hopeman - FEMALES
Named after the Lodge in nearby Hopeman village, which used to house Gordonstoun students, Hopeman House is now more conveniently located in the centre of campus. This girls boarding house is home to around 60 girls, all of whom have their own room in their H-shaped home. Hopeman House has a strong affiliation to the sea and house emblems have included fish and stingrays. The house colour, fittingly, is an ocean blue and worn proudly during inter house events.

Hopeman - FEMALES

Named after the Lodge in nearby Hopeman village, which used to house Gordonstoun students, Hopeman House is now more conveniently located in the centre of campus. This girls boarding house is home to around 60 girls, all of whom have their own room in their H-shaped home.

Hopeman House has a strong affiliation to the sea and house emblems have included fish and stingrays. The house colour, fittingly, is an ocean blue and worn proudly during inter house events.

Plewlands - FEMALES
Plewlands House opened in 1987, is a purpose‑built girls’ boarding house known for its warmth and energy. Its emblem, the rose, reflects the House’s blend of strength and charm, while its much‑loved chant - proudly delivered at every inter‑house competition - has become a defining tradition of the Plewlands spirit. Girls in Years 9 and 10 share cosy rooms of two or three, while older students enjoy single rooms. As Gordonstoun’s largest boarding house, Plewlands also boasts the school’s biggest Mixed Common Room, a lively hub where students gather for games, news and collaborative work. Although the House is painted purple, Plewlands proudly wears pink for House events - complete with 60 pink tutus - and its unofficial mascot, the ever‑popular House dog, further enriches this welcoming, joyful community.

Plewlands - FEMALES

Plewlands House opened in 1987, is a purpose‑built girls’ boarding house known for its warmth and energy. Its emblem, the rose, reflects the House’s blend of strength and charm, while its much‑loved chant - proudly delivered at every inter‑house competition - has become a defining tradition of the Plewlands spirit.

Girls in Years 9 and 10 share cosy rooms of two or three, while older students enjoy single rooms. As Gordonstoun’s largest boarding house, Plewlands also boasts the school’s biggest Mixed Common Room, a lively hub where students gather for games, news and collaborative work.

Although the House is painted purple, Plewlands proudly wears pink for House events - complete with 60 pink tutus - and its unofficial mascot, the ever‑popular House dog, further enriches this welcoming, joyful community.

Round Square - MALES
Round Square House is one of the most distinctive elements of Gordonstoun’s heritage, taking its name from the original and iconic Round Square building, the birthplace of the global Round Square Association. It also holds a special place in the school’s royal history: HM The King spent a term in Round Square while serving as Guardian (Head Boy), adding to the House’s legacy of leadership and service. Today, the boys of Round Square enjoy the comforts of modern boarding in Altyre, their contemporary home, which offers a mixture of shared and individual rooms designed to promote comfort, independence and community. The House colour is red, and its guiding motto, “Vorwärts und Aufwärts” - forward and upwards - captures the ambition, resilience and optimism that define the Round Square ethos. Round Square has long welcomed an eclectic mix of students, each contributing uniquely to the character and success of the House. Its boys achieve widely and confidently - whether in academics, sport, music, drama, service or leadership.

Round Square - MALES

Round Square House is one of the most distinctive elements of Gordonstoun’s heritage, taking its name from the original and iconic Round Square building, the birthplace of the global Round Square Association. It also holds a special place in the school’s royal history: HM The King spent a term in Round Square while serving as Guardian (Head Boy), adding to the House’s legacy of leadership and service.

Today, the boys of Round Square enjoy the comforts of modern boarding in Altyre, their contemporary home, which offers a mixture of shared and individual rooms designed to promote comfort, independence and community.

The House colour is red, and its guiding motto, “Vorwärts und Aufwärts” - forward and upwards - captures the ambition, resilience and optimism that define the Round Square ethos.

Round Square has long welcomed an eclectic mix of students, each contributing uniquely to the character and success of the House. Its boys achieve widely and confidently - whether in academics, sport, music, drama, service or leadership.

Windmill Lodge - FEMALES
Windmill Lodge, built in 1959, is one of Gordonstoun’s historic boarding houses and is proudly known as the former home of His Majesty King Charles, its most distinguished past resident. Originally housing around 60 boys before the school became coeducational, Windmill became a girls’ house in 1974, beginning a new chapter in its story. A unique tradition continues today: the House Captain, a Year 13 student, is honoured with the King’s former bedroom, which still contains several original pieces of his furniture alongside more modern touches. The Windmill Lodge motto is, “In the winds of change, we find our strength”. The house colour is yellow and the emblem is a wasp, chosen for its properties as a totem animal in some cultures, symbolising and encouraging spiritual growth, self-reflection, protection, loyalty and community. Similarly, wasps represent healers and female warriors in Shamanism. Warm, supportive and welcoming, Windmill Lodge is a true home‑from‑home, where friendly faces, strong pastoral care and a nurturing community help every student settle quickly and thrive throughout their time at Gordonstoun.

Windmill Lodge - FEMALES

Windmill Lodge, built in 1959, is one of Gordonstoun’s historic boarding houses and is proudly known as the former home of His Majesty King Charles, its most distinguished past resident. Originally housing around 60 boys before the school became coeducational, Windmill became a girls’ house in 1974, beginning a new chapter in its story.

A unique tradition continues today: the House Captain, a Year 13 student, is honoured with the King’s former bedroom, which still contains several original pieces of his furniture alongside more modern touches.

The Windmill Lodge motto is, “In the winds of change, we find our strength”. The house colour is yellow and the emblem is a wasp, chosen for its properties as a totem animal in some cultures, symbolising and encouraging spiritual growth, self-reflection, protection, loyalty and community. Similarly, wasps represent healers and female warriors in Shamanism.

Warm, supportive and welcoming, Windmill Lodge is a true home‑from‑home, where friendly faces, strong pastoral care and a nurturing community help every student settle quickly and thrive throughout their time at Gordonstoun.