Crawfurd | Epsom College

Crawfurd has been a girls’ boarding house since 2002. It is named after a former Dean of the Medical Department of King’s College, Sir Raymond Henry Payne Crawfurd, who joined the Council of Epsom College in 1915.

Situated at the southern end of the terrace of what were originally almshouses overlooking the College lawns, the House occupies rooms on three floors in accommodation that elegantly combines the brand new and purpose-built with some of the College’s oldest buildings.

Rachel Lee, Housemistress

I am a relatively new addition to the Crawfurd family, only having joined Epsom in the Spring of 2023. I love the boarding environment and have worked in several boarding schools, in addition to having helped my husband run a boarding house previously. I am delighted to be living and working in Crawfurd with the girls who have made me feel so welcome.

I have been teaching now for nearly twenty years; whilst mostly this has been as a science teacher (teaching all three sciences to GCSE and Biology to A-level) I went back to university in 2016 to do a further postgraduate qualification to delve into how people learn, and to investigate the barriers faced by those with literacy difficulties. Since then I have mostly continued my Biology teaching alongside helping students with their study skills, but at Epsom I am solely based within the academic support department.

I am married to Chris, a Maths teacher and rowing coach, who I initially met through rowing, and have two children, Harry and Charlotte. We all live in Crawfurd, with Haidee the Labrador who is very happy to be back in a boarding house! We love to get into the mountains, whether it be to hike or to ski, but my true happy place is within the water; I love to swim and to scuba dive, am a qualified scuba diving instructor and even worked for a coral reef conservation organisation before I started teaching.

Lucy Nunn, Matron

I have recently started as the Matron in Crawfurd and absolutely love my new role!

I have previous experience working in boarding schools and am delighted to have joined Epsom College to support the Housemistress of Crawfurd. Prior to joining Epsom I took a career break to raise my two rugby loving boys, one of which is in Year 9 at the College and thriving on the vast sports provision the School has on offer. Prior to having the boys I owned and ran a successful catering business.

But my favourite role to date is being a mum, and I am excited to be able to show my caring and compassionate side to all the girls in Crawfurd and to ensure we provide a welcoming and warm environment to all those that join our boarding community.

Chetachi, Head of House 2025-26

I joined Epsom College in Year 9 after moving from Nigeria and was fortunate to be placed in Crawfurd – a House that truly embodies kindness, ambition, and integrity, while also providing a home away from home.

I study Politics, Economics, and Religious Studies, but my interests extend well beyond the classroom. I’m an active member of Amnesty International and the Politics Society, and I contribute to the wider school community through my involvement in Peer Mentoring and the EDI (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion) programme. Through EDI, I’ve helped organise events that promote understanding and inclusivity, such as discussions during Black History Month and initiatives encouraging cultural awareness across the school.

In addition to academics and leadership roles, I’ve proudly represented Epsom in athletics, netball, and hockey fixtures over the years. I’m especially excited about the upcoming house competitions – including athletics and rounders on Founders’ Day, netball, and the always memorable choral competition.

It’s an honour to serve as Head of House for Crawfurd. I’m looking forward to welcoming new pupils and helping them settle in through the events and traditions that make our house so special. I hope to leave a positive and lasting impact on Crawfurd and the wider Epsom community.

House History

Sir Raymond Crawfurd

Sir Raymond Henry Payne Crawfurd was educated at Winchester College and New College, Oxford, where he graduated in Classics in 1888. He then pursued medical studies at King’s College, London, excelling as the top student of his year and earning both Junior and Senior scholarships. After obtaining his BM, BCh degrees in 1894, he held resident posts at King’s College Hospital and served as an assistant physician at the Victoria Hospital for Children.

In 1896, Crawfurd was elected assistant physician at the Royal Free Hospital, where he later became a full physician before resigning in 1908. He lectured on pathology at the hospital and on materia medica at the London School of Medicine for Women. However, he is most notably associated with King’s College Hospital, where he was appointed assistant physician in 1898, physician in 1905, and consulting physician in 1930. He also served as a lecturer in materia medica and clinical medicine, and from 1900 to 1904, as dean of the medical department. Crawfurd played a key role in relocating the hospital to Denmark Hill and securing its future prosperity. His contributions were formally recognised in 1933 when he was knighted upon the completion of the new Medical School.

Upon his retirement in 1936, Epsom College honored Crawfurd’s legacy by opening a new day boys’ House in his name. The House motto, Durum Patientia Frango (I overcome difficulty by patience) is taken directly from the Crawfurd family, as is the crest – the hooded hawk. Crawfurd House transitioned from day boys to boarding girls in 2003, moving to The Terrace, where it continues today.

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