St George’s House System

Miss Ruth Freer joined St George’s in 1920, succeeding the much-loved Miss Elizabeth Stevenson as Headmistress. She led the school until 1927. A history graduate from Oxford, Miss Freer had previously served as Second Mistress (Deputy Head) at a girls’ high school in Bristol. New to the Scottish education system, she quickly became accustomed to hearing how superior it was to England’s.

At first, students were slow to warm to her, noting her wispy hair and fondness for knotted stockings that wrinkled at the ankles. However, her high expectations, combined with kindness and consideration, gradually earned their respect. Miss Freer encouraged pupils to take responsibility and play an active role in school life. In 1921, she introduced the House system after a unanimous vote among students from P6 to UV1. The school was divided into four Houses, each with captains, colours, notice boards, constitutions, and elections. Students chose the names and colours:

Argyll House – Blue (Captain: A. Fyfe)

Buccleuch House – Purple (Captain: H. Elder)

Douglas House – Orange (Captain: A. Hodge)

Moray House – Green (Captain: M. Mathew)

The impact was immediate and school games records improved dramatically. Within six months, the House system became integral to school life, even influencing seating at mealtimes. By 1922, disorder marks resulted in loss of House points, and the Conduct House Trophy was awarded to the House with the fewest marks. Commendations for good work (“Signatures”) allowed less athletic students to contribute points as well.

By the time Miss Freer left in 1927, the House system was firmly established, fostering unity and bringing younger and older students closer together.