New Road Academy

Houses

The House System

plays an important part in our overall

Personal Development offer and provides opportunities for students to nurture a sense of belonging and wider identity as well as take part in activities and competitions that enrich the curriculum.

Purpose

At Burton Borough School, every student belongs to one of three houses, each named after a significant local landmark. These houses celebrate the rich history and natural beauty of our surrounding area while helping to build a strong sense of community within the school. 

Hawkstone is named after the Hawkstone Follies. Set within 100 acres of parkland, the Follies feature dramatic natural sandstone hills, gullies, caves, towers and bridges. In the 19th century, this remarkable landscape became one of the most visited attractions in Britain, known for its rugged beauty and unique features. 

Aqualate takes its name from Aqualate Mere, the largest natural mere in the English Midlands. Formed at the end of the last Ice Age around 10,000 years ago, this historic lake is an important natural landmark and wildlife habitat in the region. 

Chetwynd is named after Chetwynd Deer Park, which was once part of the historic Chetwynd estate. The estate is recorded in the Domesday Book, highlighting its long and significant history. Chetwynd was an important manor during Saxon times and was held by Leofric, Earl of Mercia, who founded Much Wenlock Priory around 1050. His wife, Lady Godiva, may also have lived at an earlier house or hall in Chetwynd. The Chetwynd family held the manor from the 12th century, and after several changes in ownership it was purchased by the Burton Borough family in 1803. 

Our house system encourages students to take pride in their house and work together as a team. Throughout the year, students represent their houses in a wide range of activities and competitions, helping to promote healthy competition, teamwork and a strong sense of belonging within the school community. 

Each House is led by a member of the teaching staff who supports and guides their House team. The team is made up of a House Captain, a Vice Captain and student representatives from each year group, ensuring that all students have a voice and an active role in House life. 

Students wear a tie with our fish motif matching their house colours Students wear a tie featuring our three fish emblem in their House colours, clearly showing which House they belong to. This helps to build pride in their House and further strengthens the sense of identity and belonging within the school community. 

Every House also has its own motto, house song and chosen charity. These are all selected through student votes, giving students the opportunity to shape the identity and values of their House. The charities chosen are linked to causes within our local community, allowing students to support and give back to the area around them

Houses

Chetwynd

  • Colour – red 
  • House song: Eye of the Tiger – Survivor 
  • Motto: Strength runs red through us all 
  • House Charity: Newport Food Bank 

 

Megan Robson – Chetwynd

This will be my fifth year at BBS, where I work as a PE teacher and proudly serve as the Head of Chetwynd House. My vision for Chetwynd is to build a supportive, inclusive, and motivated environment where every student feels valued and inspired to aim high. As Head of House, my role is centred around supporting students in all aspects of school life and celebrating every achievement – big or small. I’ll also be organising house events and responsibilities to ensure everyone has the opportunity to shine. I’m really excited to see the incredible talent within Chetwynd and to celebrate all your successes. Let’s combine hard work, teamwork, and house spirit and have fun while we’re at it!

Hawkstone

  • Colour – green 
  • House song: Thunder – Imagine Dragons 
  • Motto: Green and strong, it’s where we belong. 
  • House Charity: West Midlands air Ambulance 

 

Emily Giles – Hawkstone

I have been a history teacher at Burton Borough since 2022, I completed my teacher training here also in 2021, therefore Burton Borough is truly part of who I am. I am very excited to be Head of Hawkstone House. Hawkstone House has already proven itself to have a strong identity built on teamwork and ambition, proudly winning Sports Day for the last two years in a row. Now it is time to build on that passion and drive, working together to make Hawkstone House the best in the school – a family that students, families and staff can be proud to belong to. 

 

Aqualate

  • Colour – Purple 
  • House song: Don’t stop me now – Queen 
  • Motto: Purple with Purpose 
  • House Charity: Newport Hub 

 

Libby Preston – Aqualate

I have worked at Burton Borough for 3 years teaching geography. Our house is named after Aqualate Mere, the largest natural lake in the West Midlands, formed over 10,000 years ago by the glacial meltwaters at the end of the last ice age. Our aim is to instil purple powered character, leadership and resilience through House activities while contributing positively to our school and the wider community. I’m looking forward to a year filled with energy and purple spirit.