Edmonstone

Meet the Housemaster

The first thing you notice walking into Edmonstone is the fun and happy atmosphere. Just like a good family home; it truly is a place where boys can feel valued and encouraged.

Thomas Blampied Housemaster of Edmonstone

Tom Blampied became Housemaster of Edmonstone in 2021, after serving as Edmonstone Assistant Housemaster for 2 years. He is married to Sandy, who teaches Biology at Haileybury and tutors in the Lower School.

Tom was educated at Monmouth School for Boys and the University of Exeter, where he read History & Ancient History, before going on to the University of the West of England to complete his PGCE. He started his teaching career at Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, before teaching in South Africa at St Alban’s College, Pretoria and arriving at Haileybury in 2018.

As well as teaching History, Tom coaches rugby, squash, and athletics. He is an avid Gloucester and England rugby fan and enjoys nothing more than a good BBQ with family and friends.

As Tom says: “I am hugely privileged and proud to be involved in such a kind and uplifting house. The culture of the House is, quite rightly, proudly academic, however, far more importantly, it is grounded in respect and support of one another. We as a house team aim to inspire boys to develop a selfless and considerate attitude towards those around them, whilst always pushing themselves to fulfil their potential. I would encourage all parents and relations to feel that they are an important part of the Edmonstone family. Their support in attending dinners, drinks and matches is always appreciated. Fundamentally, the boys are at the core of everything we do; Edmonstone parents know that there is always someone on the other end of the phone to talk to about their son.”

House character

The first thing you notice walking into Edmonstone is the fun and happy atmosphere. Just like a good family home; it truly is a place where boys can feel valued and encouraged. Edmonstonians take pride in their achievements, their good manners and their consideration for others.

Edmonstone encourages a sense of strong community where boys get on and are encouraged to contribute to the wider success of the school. We pride ourselves on offering a range of evening activities which help to foster team-building, conversation and interaction between year groups. These include off-syllabus ‘interest talks’ from expert members of staff, pilates sessions, games of kubb, year group BBQs, movie nights, frequent events with our sister House (Alban’s), termly year group dinners and Upper Sixth Friday drinks.

We are proud of our boys, whether in the XV or Yearlings D; whether in the Chamber Choir or CCF. Getting stuck in and giving everything one’s ‘best shot’ is what matters most – it is effort and enthusiasm that are valued most highly in Edmonstone. Time and again, we have found that cheerful and willing participation breeds confidence and success in whatever field you can think of.

House facilities

The House itself is a lovely light and open building with its modern facilities and wonderful setting on the north side of Avenue, surrounded by greenery yet adjacent to the main College buildings.

Central to daily life is Edmonstone’s large Common Room. We are particularly lucky to have such a large and well lit room that can accommodate all boys in the House. It is a popular meeting place for boys from all years, with its TV, PlayStation, ping-pong and football tables, kitchen, and the sounds of boys practising on our piano. Other social spaces in the House include a film room complete with a projector and screen, as well as a day room with a pool table and a boxing bag. Removes’ boys benefit from a dedicated study space and open-plan sleep and social area, where lifelong friendships are made.

History

Edmonstone was opened in the second year of the College’s existence but today it is a much more modern building dating from 1993.

House colours are the blue and white of Trinity College Oxford, the college of Henry Couchman, Edmonstone’s first Housemaster.

Tutors and HPA representative

Tom is greatly appreciative of the support offered to him by the experienced team of Tutors, many of whom have been in the House for a number of years. Additionally, the boys have the invaluable support of the House Matron, Sam, who is also highly involved in their pastoral care and the day to day domestic management of the House. Edmonstone also has superb representation from the Haileybury Parents’ Association through a number of our current parents.