In 1921, the girls at St George's school, Edinburgh from Lower 4 (age 14-15) to Upper 6 (age 17-18) voted on implementing a house system. The vote was almost unanimous in favor. The school divided students into four houses and the paraphernalia of captains, colours, meetings, constitutions, elections, notice boards, and mottoes began. The goal was to encourage friendly competition and bonding between older and younger pupils.

Within just six months, the house system was considered an essential part of school life. Interschool house matches were introduced in academics, arts, music, and sports. A misconduct demerit system was implemented, where house points were deducted for misbehavior. An annual Conduct House Trophy was awarded to the house with the best conduct. Students sat with their houses during meals, competing to be the quietest table.

The signature commendation system enabled less athletic students to earn points for their houses through academic achievements or community service. In a Lower 5 debate in 1922, the motion “Competition is good for you” won by an overwhelming majority.

By the time Miss Freer retired as headmistress in 1927, the houses were described as “the dominant factor in school life.” Their purpose, according to the history mistress, was “uniting all students from the oldest to the youngest in friendly rivalry to build community.”