Rosebery - Epsom College

Rosebery, situated in a corner of the College campus next to the John Piper Art School, was the College’s first day House. It started life as a boys’ day House. Though day boys were admitted to Epsom College from its foundation, they were not given their own House until 1926, when Lord Rosebery, a former Prime Minister, agreed to allow the new day House to be named after him in honour of his long association with the College. In September 2008, Rosebery became a girls’ day House.

Katie Lenham, Housemistress

I have been Housemistress of Rosebery House since 2018 and I learnt very quickly just how welcoming the Rosebery girls are. They work hard, but they also know how to kick their shoes off and enjoy themselves! The House is the hub to their busy days.

I studied Fine Art Textiles at Winchester School of Art, (Southampton University) and obtained a PGCE from Goldsmiths, University of London.

I began teaching Fine Art at Canford School in Dorset, where I was also resident tutor in a girls’ boarding house. I moved to St Albans High School for Girls, a day school in Hertfordshire, before joining Epsom College as Head of Art in 2008.

I live with my husband Tom on the College site and have two daughters, Freya and Margot. Unsurprisingly, I do a lot of drawing, painting and making with my daughters, as well as a fair amount of baking.

Irina Boia, Matron

I have worked at Epsom College for 16 years holding various Domestic Assistant and Assistant Matron positions before taking up the role of Rosebery Matron three years ago – and I love it!

Rosebery House has a very friendly, homely atmosphere. The Rosebery girls are wonderfully strong, determined young ladies with an admirable streak of competitiveness – they make the House a warm and fun place to be.

In my spare time, I enjoy walking my dog and practicing meditation and yoga.

Bella Watkins, Head of House

My name is Bella Watkins, and I am going to be the new Head of House in Rosebery from September 2021. I am very excited to take on this role as Rosebery has always had such a welcoming and homely environment. I study Business, DT and Photography at A-level. Along with studying these subjects I also decided to learn about Law which is a co-curricular activity which I attend in P7. I was also able to help with the charity side of Rosebery in my L6th by being the Charity Rep for the House.