Cornwallis (Boys)
“Osborne Lodge was bought and occupied by the school in the spring of 1931. It was decided to call the new house Cornwallis in recognition of the many benefits bestowed upon the school by Lord Cornwallis during his chairmanship of the Governing Body. By a double coincidence Mr C.H.C. Osborne was appointed as the first housemaster and P.H.G. Newhouse as the first Captain of the House. The remaining eleven pioneers culled from among the old Houses were as follows: – A.K.L. Stephenson, J.H.L. Taylor, M.H. Stapleton, J.C. Ramshaw, D.H. Thomas, F.W. Mosden, P.J. Coates, D.R.K. Cotter, I.C. Newton, P.C. Holmes, G.R. Blakely.
This little band of pilgrims was regarded esoterically as the pick of the school, exoterically not so much. Which was the more correct valuation shall be discreetly left to the judgement of future ages.“
Chronicles of Cornwallis 1931 Volume 1, page 1 Mr C.H.C. Osborne
Cornwallis has built on humble beginnings over the years and is now a house with a long and distinguished history and a very strong sense of identity which unites all who have been associated with it. The ethos of the House is respect – for the House, for each other and for oneself. Honesty and courtesy underpin all that we do within Cornwallis House.
Whilst the journey into adulthood is not always a straightforward trajectory, we encourage the boys to develop and grow at their own pace in an environment where individualism is held in high esteem.
Cornwallis boys have a broad range of interests and can often be found throughout the school, involving themselves in the many extra-curricular activities on offer, taking a lead in many areas of school life.
The house itself has a comfortable, traditional feel with the Allen room’s original wood panelling, the conservatory boasting vibrant greenery and stunning views and the Osborne room providing the space and facilities for the boys to practise their cooking skills.
Outside there are stunning views of the Astroturf alongside Crane Valley and of course Cranbrook Union Windmill, reminding us about the importance of the link between the school and the historic market town.
Just through the conservatory, the garden is equipped with a BBQ, sun loungers and plenty of garden games.
The boys sleep in dormitories which decrease in size as they advance through the years, and this helps with the all-important social aspect that is part of the boarding house experience. Cornwallis takes up to 12 boys in each year, from Year 9 to Year 13 and the majority stay in Cornwallis until they finish the Sixth Form.
The house is staffed during the day by the matron and her team who take on the mammoth task of keeping the house clean and the laundry up to date but also find time to make warming snacks for the boys at the end of the school day. In the evenings, duty staff return from school to take over and make sure the boys are keeping active, on top of their studies and being respectful to each other.
Paired with Cornwallis, Webster Day House provides a dynamic and inclusive environment where day students are fully integrated into Cranbrook’s wider boarding community. Strong house ties ensure that students benefit from shared traditions, mentorship and house competitions.
Head of House – Mr M Copping
