A guide to the language, traditions and terminology of Worksop College
Every school has its own language. At Worksop College, some of our terminology reflects traditions that have been part of school life for generations, while other terms simply describe the routines and communities that shape everyday life at the College.
For families new to Worksop College, this guide explains some of the names, phrases and traditions you may hear around the school, from year group terminology and House competitions to the places and routines that are part of daily life.
Year Groups & Forms
Year 7 & Year 8
Our younger senior school pupils are known simply as Year 7 and Year 8.
Shell
The traditional Worksop College name for Year 9. Pupils may be referred to as Shells or a Shell.
Remove
The traditional Worksop College name for Year 10. Pupils may be referred to as Removes or a Remove.
Fifth Form
The Worksop College name for Year 11.
Lower Sixth
The Worksop College name for Year 12.
Upper Sixth
The Worksop College name for Year 13.
House Competitions
House competitions are an important part of life at Worksop College, bringing pupils together across the school year and encouraging participation, teamwork and House spirit.
Portland
The House competition for Year 7 pupils.
Yearlings
The House competition for Years 8 and Shell.
Colts
The House competition for Remove and Fifth Form.
Seniors
The House competition for Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth.
Places Around the College
Great Hall
Our main dining hall, where pupils eat together each day.
Antehall
The area at the entrance to the College, before the Enquiries Office.
Congers
Short for Congregation, Congers is our weekly whole-school gathering in the Chapel. Best known for hymn practice, it brings the whole College community together each week to sing hymns that have been part of our traditions for generations. It is a special and much-loved part of the school week.
Cuthbert’s Coffee House
Once known as Bert’s Bar, Cuthbert’s has been transformed into a bespoke Sixth Form café. Open each morning, it provides Sixth Form pupils with fresh coffee, smoothies, breakfast and pasties in a relaxed space designed with them in mind.
Cloisters
The traditional name for the corridors of Worksop College. The Cloisters connect the main school buildings with the Chapel and form an important part of the College’s historic architecture and daily life.
House Life
House
Every pupil belongs to a House – a smaller community within the wider school. Houses may be day or boarding houses and are organised by gender.
House is an important part of life at Worksop College, giving pupils a strong sense of belonging and a community that extends beyond their year group.
Housemaster & Housemistress
The Head of a House, with responsibility for the pastoral care and wellbeing of the pupils within it. Housemasters and Housemistresses act in loco parentis while pupils are in our care and are supported by assistant house staff and a team of tutors. This is also often abbreviated to Hsm.
Housekeepers
Our Housekeepers play an important role in boarding life, looking after the day-to-day running of our boarding houses and taking care of boarders' laundry. They are also a familiar and reassuring presence within the Houses, offering practical support, a listening ear and plenty of care along the way.
House Time
A dedicated period for pupils to spend time with their House community. Activities vary from week to week, but House Time provides an opportunity for pupils to come together, build relationships and strengthen the sense of community within their House.
School Life & Traditions
Prep
Homework. At Worksop College, pupils will often refer to their homework as Prep.
Dorm Run
An annual Worksop College tradition held on the final day of the Spring Term. The historic run is a longstanding part of the College calendar and a memorable way to mark the end of term.
Exeat
A designated weekend when the school community closes for a break. Boarding houses close and no co-curricular activities take place, allowing pupils and staff time away from the usual rhythm of school life.
Old Worksopian
The name given to a former pupil of Worksop College. Once a pupil leaves the College, they become an Old Worksopian – and will remain one for life. Being an Old Worksopian is about more than having attended the College; it is a lasting connection to the school and to the wider Worksop College community.
Purple Gowns / Blue Gowns
The distinctive gowns worn by our school prefects – Year 13 pupils who take on positions of leadership within the College. Our prefects play an important role in supporting the pupil body, representing the College and setting the highest example of what it means to be a Worksopian. Purple gowns are worn by the Captains and Vice Captains.