GATE HOUSE
Houseparents: Mark and Romey Tottman
T 01242 258015
E rtottman@deanclose.org.uk
· A Sixth Form House: “great preparation for university”
Being a Sixth Form only boys’ house makes Gate House unique, giving it a different feel from the other boarding houses. We prepare the boys for life beyond School by encouraging them to take responsibility for themselves. Given its smaller size (around 30 boys), we are able to do this in a close and caring structure, encouraging independence within a supportive environment.
· A focused learning environment: “excellent academic results”
In the last two years, Gate has been the top performing House for academic results, even with its broad range of abilities; in the last three years, four boys have gone on to Oxford or Cambridge. Less able boys have also boosted their results, benefiting from Gate’s strong work ethic in which the whole House works hard towards A Levels. There is also a strong culture within the House of Upper Sixth boys coaching Lower Sixth boys and passing on good study skills advice.
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A variety of backgrounds and nationalities: “friends for life”
The vast majority of boys starting in Gate are new to Dean Close so make friends with each other very quickly. A buddy system means Upper Sixth boys look out for after the Lower Sixth helping them to settle in and enabling the two year groups to merge quickly and form strong friendships. Gate is a diverse House with many different nationalities (10 at the last count!) providing valuable opportunities to learn about different cultures. Gate has welcomed boys from the state and private sectors who were looking to make a fresh start to their Sixth Form studies; recently three boys from state schools became School Prefects and one became Head Boy.
· A wide range of opportunities: “opt in and get involved”
Being in a smaller House offers more opportunities for taking part in House teams, giving the boys the chance to acquire a new interest or skill, from public speaking to basketball, from rugby to chess. Gate boys have also been very successful beyond the House; in recent years we have been home to the Captain of Hockey, the Captain of Swimming, the School Chess champion, regional rugby and hockey players and an international hockey goalkeeper.
· The Gate Team: “one big family”
Houseparents, Mark and Romey Tottman, have been at Dean Close for eight years. Both graduated from Oxford University and worked in the business world (Mark in industry and management consulting, Romey in publishing) before deciding to move into education. Mark is also Deputy Head Academic and teaches in the Economics and Business Studies department. He has coached the 1st XV rugby team for seven years and is an accomplished chess player. Romey teaches History and works in the Learning Support department. They have two children who are both at the School.
The Gate family also has two resident tutors, Iain McGowan (Head of Economics and Business Studies) and James Hutter (member of the Religious Studies department), as well as a matron, Barbara.
We would very much like to welcome you to visit Gate and/or for your son to join us for a taster day. Please contact our Admissions department to arrange a visit.
QUOTES:
From past pupils:
“I really miss Gate. It was an incredible privilege to be part of such a prize House.”
“Thank you for putting up with me! You’ve been fantastic House parents.”
“Mr and Mrs Tottman are people who have really looked after me, and I feel that Gate House has been like a family to me.”
From parents:
“Our son has really enjoyed living in Gate and the camaraderie in the House.”
“Thank you very much for all your input and for all your encouragement and advice you gave both to our son and the parents!”
From a grandmother:
“He has been very happy and made so many good friends... you contributed greatly to ensuring he adapted quickly to a way of life so completely different from anything he, or anyone else in our family, have ever experienced.”