Built in 1848 this impressive Victorian family house provides arguably the most impressive setting of all the boarding houses of the school. With views over Cornwallis field on one side and the glorious gardens, Astroturf and the town's famous smock mill on the other, the environment is compelling.
The school acquired the premises in 1931 and the house seems to have retained its atmosphere and warmth into the 21 st Century. About twelve Year 10 boys (14+) arrive, usually, from the junior house, School Lodge to settle into the four years of Cornwallis life which will take them from adolescence to University entry - a daunting thought! The accommodation is in dual studies in a dormitory line. Year 11 (fifth form) are in double rooms or triples while year 12 and 13 (sixth form) are in singles or doubles. All rooms are internet linked with an additional bank of computers in the conservatory area for additional use. Many boys have their own laptops.
The house has a homely yet traditional feel with the Allen Room's walls laden with house photographs of past and present generations combining with the ornate yet functional TV lounge with every digital and Sky channel imaginable.
The Osborne Room provides another recreational haven while the lovely conservatory boasts greenery and stunning views.
The heart of the house lies in the current bunch of Cornwallisites. They seem to relish the traditional feel of the place and use it as a basis for a legendary house spirit! Features of the Cornwallis year include formal dinners, the grand Lenten Charity Appeal on Old Cranbrookian Hockey reunion day and the perennial Christmas Pantomime - a big hit with the whole school.
The team supporting the boys is experienced, caring and, we like to think, good fun:
Housemaster : David Turner
House Captain:
House MAC: Tigger Maclean-Martin
Assistant MACs : Pauline Fisher and Liz Woollett
Tutors: Year 13 Terry Davis, Year 12, John Russell, Year 11 David Turner, Year 10 Gavin Turner
Domestic Staff: Kathy Moon, Wendy Mills, Jenny Blackford, Anne Judd
The House Rep. system provides support to parents from those who live closer to the school. Penny Battell, Simon Aylett and Richard Greensted are the current parents who help with house functions and parent communication.
For those wanting up to the minute information on Cornwallis events, triumphs and disasters, please search for 'Cranbrook Portal - Cornwallis' (Google will get you there).
Cornwallis house can guarantee you a warm welcome. Come and see us!
Cornwallis House Review, May 2007
Cornwallis House is in good heart, run by an enthusiastic House Master and backed by an excellent House Mac and a good team of tutors. Mr Turner has been mindful to keep the positive traditions of the House, while successfully removing some of the archaic and hierarchical ones which had led to some unpleasantness. The House spirit is very strong, with both the boys and the whole staff team being proud to be a member of Cornwallis.
Mr Turner has seen some weaknesses and has already addressed some of these. It is good to hear the House Captain speak of a "more academic atmosphere". The boys show a lot of respect for Mr Turner, and seem keen to please him - most of the time! They really appreciate the social side of the House, and are starting to accept that these treats should be earned; a good life skill here. The family atmosphere has brought stability to the House and overall it seems to be in very safe and caring hands.
The building itself is overdue for refurbishment and issues to be addressed then are the number of toilets, House MAC's office and single studies. Also the school should look to provide proper accommodation for a live-in tutor.
J Taylor, May 2007
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