Petre House

Mr Meakin, Mrs Meakin and Wilf

In Petre House, our aim is to prepare and nurture our boys to develop new life skills and become well-rounded young gentlemen. With foundations rooted in care, trust and respect, we aim to help our students develop in personal and social maturity whilst maintaining a healthy sense of fun, adventure and inquisitiveness. Our house moto, Sans Dieu Rien (Without God, nothing), represents the importance of faith not only in God, but in ourselves and each other. Whilst our boarders are not expected to adhere to a particular faith, we do uphold and foster the distinctive values of our Catholic ethos.

Boarding in Petre House supports individuals in their pursuit of academic excellence. Resident teachers are on hand to guide students through these important years of their development, with set times in which to study, and with all boarders in Years 9 and 10 being allocated single study rooms. The students in Year 10 begin their formal examinations whilst in Petre and our staff strive to help them adjust to this transition through close support and guidance.

Whilst academic success is important to us, we recognise the significance of ensuring the boys are able to manage a positive work-life balance. Academic rigour is complemented by numerous activities for the boys in the evenings and at weekends. We understand the value of leisure time, and so have developed a full and varied programme for the boys which sits alongside their academic studies such as sports tournaments, outdoor pursuits, swimming, cultural activities, hobbies and craft. Inter-house competitions are popular and competitive. The Petre House football team maintains an on-going rivalry against Campion House. Events such as these inspire the boys to succeed and we encourage our young men to organise their own social events which promotes leadership and organisational skills.

Earle Wing, Petre House (Boys, Years 3-8)

Earle Wing is part of Petre House but is a dedicated site for Years 3-8 where boys enjoy an environment tailored to the needs of younger students but still benefit from the support and mentorship of older students. The wing has its own team of staff, experienced in caring for younger boarders, but has leadership and oversight from the same Housemaster.

We understand that being away from home for the first time can be daunting and we work closely with parents before the boys arrive to make sure the transition to becoming a boarder is as smooth as possible. Rooms are shared between three or four to develop a sense of peer support and comradery and to avoid isolation as the boys grow in independence and social integration. Study and academic rigour is still of utmost importance and boarders work under supportive supervision to complete study and to consolidate the learning from the day. Life skills are taught from the outset and our boys are encouraged to make meaningful contributions to our community.

We know that the early years of a boy’s life will have a lasting impact, so we provide the care and resources for our boys to flourish. The imaginations of the boys in Earle Wing provide more fun than any computer ever could and the friendships created will last a lifetime.

“Our boarding team are dedicated to ensuring that every student feels part of the New Hall community. It is the strong sense of family in Petre House that makes the boarders feel so welcome and at home”.

Mr J Meakin, Head of Petre House

BOARDING STAFF

Mr Meakin, Head of Petre House & Teacher of Music
Mr Meakin started his career as an industrial chemist. Following this, Mr Meakin undertook a research degree at the University of Keele, specialising in organ performance and the sacred music of France during the twentieth century, graduating with First Class Honours. After this, Mr Meakin worked at Halifax Minster as Assistant Director of Music, before joining The Duke of York’s Royal Military School as Head of Instrumental Studies, Chapel Organist & Deputy Housemaster (boys, Years 9-13). Mr Meakin joined New Hall School in 2016 and became Housemaster of Petre House in 2018. He has an interest in maintaining and restoring a collection of vintage vehicles and machinery. He enjoys walking and quality family time, with his wife, Philippa, and their Golden Retriever, Wilf.

Mr Bond, Assistant Head of Petre House & Teacher of Drama
Mr Bond enjoyed an upbringing on the coast, which has continued to influence his life. Mr Bond studied Drama & Theatre Studies at the University of Essex, before completing his PGCE at the University of Suffolk. Mr Bond joined New Hall School in 2017 and has enjoyed being a member of the boarding team, starting in Petre House, before moving to Earle Wing with the junior boarders in 2018. Mr Bond has had a lifelong passion for sailing, being a member of Brightlingsea Sailing Club, representing them at international level. He continues to enjoy performing and theatre.

Miss Gooderham, Assistant Head of Petre House & Teacher of EAL
Miss Gooderham was raised and educated in Essex, before studying Sport & Physical Education at the University of Bedfordshire. Miss Gooderham pursued her career in education, undertaking boarding roles in Devon and in Thailand. She has been a member of the New Hall boarding team for more than five years. Miss Gooderham enjoys following and participating in a variety of sports such as rugby, cricket, netball and football. She also has a passion for writing and often entertains the boys with her singing and dancing!

Mr Pipe, Assistant Head of Petre House & Head of Golf
Mr Pipe joined the boarding team in 2017 as Boarding Assistant in Petre House. Mr Pipe is a keen sportsman and a particularly skilled golfer. He has represented England competitively and we are very pleased that he will also be taking over as Head of Golf. He continues to play and compete as a high-level amateur. He grew up locally and was educated in a Catholic School. Mr Pipe understands and shares our ethos and encourages the boys to do the same. Mr Pipe takes great care in organising a range of activities for the boys, keeping them entertained during evenings and weekends.