House System
Every student and member of staff join one of The Priory Witham Academy's five houses – Bronte, Johnson, Owens, Turner or Attenborough.
There are many varied competitions throughout the year, including at least one sporting event and one art's event per module.
Students are rewarded House Points for many different reasons, including any extra-curricular work they may participate in.
‘Believe and Achieve – The Witham Values Programme’ was launched in January 2018, and celebrates all aspects of life that our students participate in. The House system is intrinsically linked to this through celebrating sporting, academic, artistic and community events.
Charlotte Brontë, born in 1816, was a trailblazing English novelist best known for Jane Eyre, written under the name Currer Bell. Her work explores identity, morality, and social criticism, reflecting her challenges as a woman in a patriarchal society. Jane Eyre remains a powerful, complex heroine. Personal loss shaped Charlotte’s writing, which blends vivid imagery with psychological depth. Her legacy continues to inspire. Her values—courage, wisdom, and curiosity—mirror our school’s ethos, making her an ideal namesake. Charlotte encourages pupils to embrace individuality and challenge norms, reminding us all to find strength in our unique voices.
James Cleveland "Jesse" Owens esse Owens, born in 1913, was a legendary American athlete who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, defying Nazi propaganda and racial stereotypes. His achievements symbolised resilience and equality, inspiring generations. Despite facing racial discrimination, Owens became a motivational speaker and advocate for education and sports. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Congressional Gold Medal for his impact. Owens’s story reflects our school’s values of courage, passion, and generosity, encouraging pupils to strive for excellence, overcome adversity, and promote fairness—making him a powerful and inspiring namesake for one of our school houses.
Joseph Mallord William Turner J.M.W. Turner, born in 1775, was a visionary British painter known for his dramatic landscapes and masterful use of light and colour. His works, such as The Fighting Temeraire and Rain, Steam and Speed, reflect nature’s power and emotion. A key figure in the Romantic movement, Turner’s style influenced Impressionism. Despite fame, he lived modestly and remained deeply curious about the natural world. His legacy of creativity and exploration aligns with our school’s values of curiosity, wisdom, and passion, inspiring pupils to embrace artistic expression and see beauty in change—making him a fitting namesake for one of our houses.
Amy Johnson Amy Johnson, born in 1903, was a pioneering British aviator and the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia in 1930. Her 11,000-mile journey showcased extraordinary courage and skill, challenging gender norms in aviation. Throughout her career, she broke records, flew in air races, and served in WWII with the Air Transport Auxiliary, where she played a crucial role in ferrying aircraft for the Royal Air Force. Tragically, Amy 's life was cut short when she died in a plane crash on January 5, 1941, while on a mission during the war. However, her legacy endures as a symbol of bravery and determination. Amy’s story reflects our school’s values of courage, passion, and curiosity, inspiring pupils to pursue their dreams and break barriers—making her an inspirational namesake for one of our houses.
Sir David Attenborough, born in 1926, is a celebrated broadcaster and natural historian whose documentaries have transformed our understanding of the natural world. From The Trials of Life to Planet Earth, his storytelling and advocacy have inspired global awareness of environmental issues. Knighted in 1985, he has received numerous awards for his work in conservation and broadcasting. His passion, wisdom, and curiosity reflect our school’s values, encouraging pupils to explore, protect nature and think critically about the world around them. Attenborough’s legacy makes him a much loved household name inspirating our choice for Sir David's namesake to represent one of our school houses.