Pupils at Corby Primary Academy came together in a vibrant and memorable celebration to launch the school’s new house system - forming a giant version of the school’s initials and logo on the playground, complete with coloured flares representing each house.

The launch week, held at the school on Butland Road, featured a series of activities designed to embed the school’s new values Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience. The initiative, introduced by new Principal Kirsty Foley, is part of a broader effort to strengthen inclusion, teamwork, and school spirit.

Kirsty Foley explained:

“The House System is a fundamental part of this process; pupils will be provided with regular opportunities to earn points for their house and at the end of the year, the winning house will receive a prize.

We will expect all pupils and families to support in this and to drive teamwork, leadership skills and most importantly a sense of belonging within the school and the ability to support others when they don’t win themselves.”

To kick off the celebrations, pupils attended a special house launch assembly before heading to a polling station set up in the school hall, where they voted on house names - each one suggested by fellow pupils. Lunchtime activities included a penalty shootout where children could begin collecting house points.

Excitement continued to build as golden envelopes were delivered to classrooms, officially revealing the new house names. Later in the week, pupils from Reception through to Year 6 were grouped into mixed-age teams - unknowingly placed within their new houses - and participated in a fun team-building challenge.

The week culminated with the entire school gathering on the playground to form a large-scale version of the school’s initials and logo. To mark the occasion, coloured flares were released into the sky, each one symbolising a different house.

After half-term, Year 6 pupils will have the opportunity to apply for roles as house captains and vice-captains. Candidates will submit written applications and be interviewed by the school council and leadership team.

All pupils will also be invited to take part in a creative competition to design their house emblem - giving everyone a chance to contribute to this exciting new chapter for Corby Primary Academy.