Welcome to South House
Our Third to Fifth Form boarding boys belong to South House.
The house is located on the second floor of the south wing of the main school building. The house is equipped with a common room (known as ‘The Jungle’), kitchen and a computer work area. Younger boys sleep in newly-fitted dormitories, whilst our older Fifth Form boys typically occupy smaller rooms in groups of twos or threes.
Josie Davis is the Head of South House, looking after the boy boarders from Third Form and Middle School. Josie is also the Head of Business & Economics. South House is a truly family affair, with Josie’s family there to help, alongside their dog Jasper who enjoys walks and fusses from students on the school site. The House aims to provide a safe and happy home, where the boys work hard, achieve well and are encouraged to throw themselves into all areas of College life.
Josie joined Denstone College in 2017 after five years in an inner-city comprehensive school. She has been involved with boarding since 2019, acting as a boarding tutor in Moss Moor (girls) and Junior Boys Boarding Houses.
During her time at Denstone College Josie has been involved in coaching hockey and netball but her main sporting interest is ju-jitsu and martial arts. She is a 3rd Dan black belt in Kempo Ju-Jitsu, one of a handful of women to hold this rank in the UK.
Head of South House: Josie Davis
Assistant Head of South House: Alex Dawson
Welcome to North House
North House boasts spacious and well-equipped social areas, including two common rooms, an IT work area, lounge, a large kitchen and a bar that is open to both senior boys and girls.
We have a number of ensuite rooms, which are complimented by a mezzanine providing access to upstairs study areas.
North House boarders are encouraged to enjoy themselves, work hard and aim high; we want them to embrace all that is on offer inside and outside the classroom, and take full advantage of all the academic, developmental and social extras given by boarding.
Alastair Falconer is the Head of North House, he is the Director of Hockey at Denstone and also a PE teacher. Only joining the school in 2022, he has thoroughly enjoyed working in the boarding community, particularly with the older pupils in North House and is very much looking forward to taking over from Nic Horan in running the House. A very keen sportsman, who played national league hockey for 10 years, Ali is also a very keen runner and has completed 6 marathons including London 4 times. Away from sport he is a keen piano player and reader, with a particular interest in the history of football and the work of Jonathan Wilson. He is married to Kate, who teachers Sport at the Prep School, and has two children, Daisy and Sophie.
Head of North House: Alastair Falconer
Assistant Head of North House: Gemma Ridley
Welcome to Moss Moor
Welcome to Moss Moor the home of our Third to Upper Sixth Form girl boarders. The girls board across three houses, Endways, Moss Moor and Green Wing. Each boarding house has its own kitchen and common room areas, but we all come together in our main common room in Moss Moor each evening. Moss Moor girls thrive in their interactions with each other, which cross over the full age range and really do have the feel of a large and well-functioning family.
Clare Furnival joined Denstone in September 2010 as a teacher of Mathematics. Since joining, she has had various roles; Head of Learning Support, Woodard House, and Mathematics, and since September 2019, Clare has had the pleasure of looking after the girls in Moss Moor.
Clare’s two sons, William and Ben, came to the College in 2007 and loved it here, Clare was then lucky enough to join the community a few years later. In her spare time Clare enjoys reading, running, golf and, when possible, skiing.
She says
“Our aim in Moss Moor is to create a sense of warmth and community, a home from home atmosphere. The girls are encouraged to work hard, play hard and to be the best they can be in everything they take on.
Together with my superb tutor team and Ginny (our resident dog), we would be delighted to welcome you to Moss Moor and have the opportunity to show you around.”
Head of Moss Moor: Clare Furnival
Assistant Head of Moss Moor: Xzena Hawksworth
Welcome to Hartley House
Our newly-renovated Lower School Boarding provides a stimulating and caring environment for our youngest boarders (7-13), enabling them to establish themselves in our boarding community and thrive. Boys and girls share common room space, but have separate accommodation and facilities, all adjoined to staff accommodation.
Social engagement and study support are carefully managed, ensuring that a strong sense of belonging, fun and academic progress blend effectively, and solid foundations are poured for future success. Boys and girls have access to a wide variety of activities in the evenings and trips over weekends, giving rise to the enrichment of learning, cultural appreciation and social skills.
Our boarding packages offer a great deal of flexibility; we offer full boarding in Hartley House, as well as a range of flexi options, giving the opportunity to benefit from boarding whilst also spending significant time at home.
