The house system is a traditional feature of British schools, similar to the collegiate system of a university. Historically it was associated with established public schools, where a 'house' referred to a dormitory. The system has been common in the state sector for many years. Here, however, the word 'house' refers only to a grouping of pupils, rather than to a particular building.

Pupils are likely to be divided into three or four houses, which are often named after saints, famous historical alumni or notable regional landmarks. (Other more arbitrary names - animal names or colours, for example - may be used where the house system is adopted by a primary school.)

Today, the house system exists largely for the purpose of competition. The traditional school sports day is usually an inter-house competition. Debating competitions and charity drives are also often organised along inter-house lines.

In theory pupils are randomly assigned to houses to ensure a balance of numbers. Traditionally, however, once a pupil has been assigned to a house, any younger siblings he or she has will automatically become members of that house when they arrive at the school. (This tradition sometimes extends to the children of former pupils.)

One notable feature of the house system is the nomination and election of house captains for the junior and senior school, whose job it is to rally fellow house-members and to pick individuals for team events. Large schools may have a house captain for each year group (with vice-captains in the largest schools).

In boarding schools the term housemaster is held by the member of staff responsible for pupils living in a particular dormitory. In state schools, members of staff are appointed as (or volunteer to become) head of house