Propert | Epsom College

Propert is named after the founder of Epsom College, Dr John Propert, and was established in 1883 as one of the School’s original houses, along with Forest, Fayrer, Granville (then Gilchrist), Wilson (then a boys’ boarding house) and Carr.

The House is situated within the main school building, right at the heart of the College. It is on the second floor of the main building and is accessed via the stairs in Main Reception. Today, Propert is one of the College’s four boys’ day houses.

Alex Buhagiar, Housemaster

I started as Housemaster of Propert in September 2021, having joined Epsom in September 2017 as Head of Physical Education and Head of Activities. Prior to that, I was Head of Year 11, Head of Cricket and a Boarding House Tutor at City of London Freemen’s School.

My aim is to instil the House values of kindness, courage and respect in all the Propert boys.

I am a graduate of the University of Portsmouth, and have recently completed an MA in Education, specialising in Educational Leadership and Management with the University of Bath (where I also completed my PGCE in Physical Education).

As you would expect, I’m a passionate all-round sportsman, involved with coaching rugby, football, cricket, and swimming at Epsom. I’m a capable skier and certified Divemaster scuba diver.

Outside of the College, I coach rugby as part of Harlequins RFC Academy, and in recent years have led the Surrey U16 county programme. As well as my love of sport, I have a passion for theatre, travelling and food.

Dawn Bliss, Matron

I have worked at Epsom College since 2017. Initially I worked in one of the boarding houses and I became Matron in Propert House in 2019. I love spending time with the Propert boys every day and chatting about their lives – the House has a lovely friendly, welcoming feel to it, we are like one big family!

I have three grown-up children and spend a lot of time with my granddaughter, Winter; she is two and already very good at ballet! I love reading and walking our beagle, Lotty, and recently I started baking cakes – lemon drizzle is now a family favourite!

Arthur, Head of House 2025-26

I have been at Epsom since M4 (Year 9) and have had an incredible time in Propert throughout, therefore I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead Propert as Head of House. I am studying Religious Studies, Economics and Geography at A level, with aspirations to study Theology at university.

Outside the classroom, I have represented the College 1XV in rugby since 5th Form (Year 11). As well as having represented Cardiff U18 and being part of their senior academy group. I have been able to become a Peer Mentor through my time at Epsom allowing me to give back further to the College.

As Head of House, I hope to continue to promote Propert’s key values of kindness, courage and respect. Furthermore, I aim to continue to develop a collegiate culture, whilst aiming to lead the house to set high standards and be competitive in-house competitions such as Choral Competition.

House History

Dr John Propert

Dr. Propert, born in 1793 in Wales, created a School with accommodations for elderly doctors and widows in financial need. Starting as an apothecary’s assistant, he worked his way to becoming a licensed naval surgeon and later founded the School in 1855. It was designed in Gothic style with a central Chapel, reflecting his motto of “Benevolence and Excellence.”

Though he rose from humble beginnings, Dr. Propert remained modest, calling himself a “poor apothecary from Wales.” In 1883, the School expanded, creating Propert House, now a day house, with its crest symbolizing perseverance through the Propert family motto “Dyfalad.”

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