School House System & Merits

With the help of God, we are flourishing together in faith, courage and love.  

Aspiration, Resilience, Respect and Kindness

At St Michael’s Middle School we run a House system under the names of Hanham, Bankes, Gulliver and Paget, all local families or individuals who contributed to the local community of Colehill and Wimborne in the past. 

Each House has two Year 8 House Captains who have the responsibility of leading their Houses throughout the year. It is always a pleasure seeing leadership skills develop along with confidence and initiative as the House Captains lead assemblies, organise events and make sure that their House gives their best.

At St Michael’s we value the way in which the House system enables year groups to mix and support each other. Year 5 students learn so much from older students in the school who frequently become role models for the younger students. Assemblies and competitions generate opportunities for students from different year groups to collaborate and support each other.

Students are awarded points for their hard work, positive approach to their studies, recognition for an aspect of their contribution to school life and these points are recorded as merits in Arbor. You will see these in the Arbor app. Students' points all come together to create a sense of competition and at the end of each term the Head teacher announces the winning House and presents the House trophy. We also use merit points to celebrate individual success and tutor group success.

We value the House system for the opportunities it offers our students as they prepare for the challenges of moving onto new schools and the general demands of everyday life.
To be able to have that sense of belonging, contribute in a positive way and feel you are making a difference are important experiences for our students. We also know that placing students in leadership roles enables them to manage challenging situations and, in the long run, be better-prepared young adults for the world of employment.

2025-26 House charities

PAGET CHARITY: INTERNATIONAL CHARITY - SAVE THE CHILDREN  

BANKES CHARITY: NATIONAL CHARITY - RSPCA 

GULLIVER CHARITY - LOCAL CHARITY - DORSET AIR AMBULANCE 

HANHAM CHARITY: SSMS SUPPORTED CHARITY - SOUTHAMPTON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL