Holman | Epsom College

Holman is one of three boys’ boarding houses at the College. It was named after Sir Constantine Holman, a member of the College Council for many years and Treasurer from 1887-1906. He was a pre-eminent doctor who became Vice-President of the British Medical Foundation and received a knighthood from King Edward VII in 1904.

Read below to find out more about Holman’s Housemaster, Matron and the current Head of House. Plus, click on a gallery of images to see life in Holman.

Jonny Tidmarsh, Housemaster

I have been Holman Housemaster since September 2023, having previously been its Deputy Housemaster for two years. The most noticeable characteristic of Holman is that it is a welcoming place where everyone is appreciated regardless – the camaraderie shown between the boys from Middle Fourth (Year 9) through to Upper Sixth is clear to see, as demonstrated in the various ‘Holman Clan’ events throughout the year.

Prior to coming to Epsom, I studied Environmental Geoscience at Birmingham and taught at Merchant Taylors’ School, Northwood. I have been at the College since 2019, I have held various roles during my time – I teach Geography with my specialism being the physical side of the subject, but also have been Head of Personal & Social Development (PSD). In addition, I thoroughly enjoy being able to get to know the pupils on the games field, whether it is coaching rugby, football or cricket.

I am married to Natalie, who is also a teacher and therefore understands teenagers and boarding life too. Epsom is a special place for us since we got married in the Chapel on-site in August 2022 so the views from Holman out across the grounds have even more significance. More recently, we have welcomed our son, Lachlan, to the boarding house and the boys have been entertained by his ever-improving ‘babbling’ skills.

Tracy Morris, Matron

I have been at the College for 14 years now and I love being Holman’s Matron. My favourite thing about the House is – obviously – the boys.

My second favourite is the spectacular view we enjoy from the back of the House looking out over the grounds – it is stunning! The boys can go straight from the House out onto the beautiful playing fields.

Holman is more of a home than a ‘house’, and we really are one big happy family. I try to add as many little touches as possible, to make Holman feel welcoming, the boys enjoy homemade cookies, toast at break time and afternoon snacks in our Brew Room. We also have fun throughout the year, whether it is carving pumpkins, making pancakes or decorating the Christmas tree!

In my spare time, I enjoy pottering about in the garden – growing vegetables and flowers, I have added a lot of plants and flowers to the House. We even have our own little garden which is very peaceful and pretty.

Theo, Head of House 2024-25

I joined Epsom in 2018 in the Lower School and progressed through to Holman in 2020. For my A-levels, I am studying Geography, Economics, and History, having also completed an EPQ comparing China and Singapore’s geopolitical and economic success. After school, I hope to read Geography at university.

Throughout my time in Epsom and Holman, I have benefited from the array of opportunities that the College has to offer, allowing me to find my own interests. For example, I discovered target rifle shooting and have gone on to represent England in the U17 and U18 cadet rifle teams; I am Chair of Geography Society, a peer mentor, and an active member of the CCF.

I am honoured to have been appointed Head of House, and as such, I aim to inspire and encourage others to try new things and live the “full Epsom experience”, which can lead to discovering new passions. Holman is made great by the strength of its parts, and I am excited to represent the welcoming, kind and fun community that it is known as.

House History

Sir Constantine Holman, M.D., K.B.E.

Sir Constantine Holman, M.D., K.B.E. (1829–1910), was a pioneering British physician and public health advocate whose career exemplified dedication to medical progress and community service.

Trained in anaesthesia during its early development, he practiced in Reigate with a strong commitment to lifelong patient care. Holman helped shape medical education and policy through roles in professional bodies like the British Medical Association, earning its Gold Medal in 1904.

At Epsom College, where he served as Treasurer and Council member, he led significant reforms and expansion. Knighted in 1904, his legacy lives on through the institutions he shaped and his lasting contributions to the medical profession.

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