Stanley House, 3 Barby Road, Rugby, CV22 5DN
Tel: +44 (0) 1788 556 200 | Email: asm@rugbyschool.net
ABOUT THE HOUSE
Stanley is a sixth form boarding house. All our girls are new to Rugby in the LXX, which can make the transition to a different school less daunting, especially for those girls who may be living away from home for the first time. We welcome students from a wide range of educational backgrounds and nationalities, and we have a reputation as an inclusive, grown-up and high-flying house.
Our aim in Stanley is to help our sixth-formers prepare for university. We have an experienced team of tutors and subject specialists who work closely with the girls on their UCAS applications and IB or A-level studies. We help the girls to take responsibility for their academic learning and extra-curricular involvement and to develop both independence and resilience.
Stanley girls are motivated and ambitious. They work hard, but they also play hard and we help new girls to integrate into the wider school community though a series of social events, from drink swaps to bingo nights. The girls often take leading roles in clubs, societies and sports teams. There is always strong Stanley representation on the leveé (prefect) body and our girls participate in a large number of music ensembles and plays.
With only two years to make the most of all that Rugby has to offer, life in Stanley is very busy. However, visitors often comment on the house’s homely atmosphere, and the girls’ well-being is always our priority.
Stanley is located centrally in the school, next door to the Temple Reading Room with stunning views of the Close and Chapel.
Housemistress
Alix arrived in Rugby in 2015 as an English teacher and was Keeper of Scholars before taking on the role of Hm of Stanley. As a published poet, Alix runs the creative writing group and is currently undertaking a practice-based PhD.
Originally from Bath, Alix studied Modern Languages at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, with a year abroad studying History of Art in Montpellier.
Alix is married to Dr Tim Coker, the School’s Artistic Director and they have two teenage sons who are students at Rugby. Their family also includes spaniel, Maggie and two cats, Stella and Stan. In the holidays, they head to Hay-on-Wye to kayak, walk and read.
When she is not teaching, Alix likes to be active and has run half and full marathons. In her less active moments, she is invariably found with her nose in a good book.
Deputy Housemistress
Catherine Barnett joined the School in 2021 to teach History. Since 2022, she has also taught in the Politics Department and is Rugby’s co-ordinator for partnerships with local schools.
After gaining her degree in History at Durham University, Catherine completed her PGCE at the University of Nottingham. She taught at a number of state schools across the country, including a long commitment to a local secondary school where she was senior assistant headteacher responsible for teaching and learning and staff development.
Catherine shares her Stanley home with Dave the cat, a handsome but shy old boy who can sometimes be spotted sunbathing in the House quad. Beyond school, Catherine loves to be outdoors, walking, running or visiting the local National Trust properties (and their tea rooms) and loves to travel further afield within and beyond the UK in the holidays. As a proud northerner, she understands the value of a restorative cup of tea and looks to bring people together to do this as she often as she can.