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. It is now one of six girls’ houses at the College and underwent refurbishment in the summer of 2022. Read below to find out more about Rosebery’s Housemistress, Matron and Head of House. Plus, click on a gallery of images of life in Rosebery.

Beth Eliott Lockhart, Housemistress

I am utterly delighted to serve as Housemistress of Rosebery House. Across the College, Rosebery pupils are leaders in sport, academics, and music and drama – we are a diverse, busy, and happy house! I truly believe the College values of kindness, integrity, and ambition are embodied by Rosebery pupils themselves; they model these every day. I couldn’t be prouder to lead the House.

I have been Rosebery Housemistress since 2024, having previously been its Deputy Housemistress for two years. Before that, I was a tutor in Rosebery, Propert and Robinson as well as a Year 8 tutor in the Lower School. I teach English, have been Head of EPQ since 2018, and have been I/C Charities since 2016. I have been lucky enough to teach at Epsom since 2015.

Before Epsom, I taught at St Paul’s Girls’ School, having moved to the UK in 2011. Prior to this, I earned a Ph.D. in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia University and an M.Phil. in Medieval English Literature from the University of Cambridge, with an undergraduate degree in English and French from Southwestern University in Texas. Growing up in Louisiana and Texas, I loved competitive swimming, basketball, and horseback riding, as well as drama and music. I live at the College with my husband, Rudi, and my daughter, Julia.

Irina Boia, Matron

I have worked at Epsom College for 20 years, holding various Domestic Assistant and Assistant Matron positions before taking up the role of Rosebery Matron five 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 practising meditation and yoga.

Annalise, Head of House 2025-26

I have been at Epsom College since year 7 and joined Rosebery in year 9. Ever since joining Rosebery I have loved seeing the friendliness and enthusiasm which everyone in house has for everything they do, which I believe is what makes Rosebery the wonderful and welcoming house it is.

I am studying A levels in Maths, Economics and Latin, and currently I am looking towards reading International Business at university.

Outside of academics I have been lucky enough to represent the College throughout my time here in netball, hockey and cricket.

I also take part in the Army Section of CCF, which I have found has really helped me go outside my comfort zone and to try things that I may not have thought I would enjoy, as well as strengthening my leadership skills and confidence. At the same, I also am working towards my Gold DofE, which I have found an exciting challenge.

I have also been lucky enough to be one the House Charity Representatives this year and helping to raise awareness of both the College’s charities and also Rosebery’s House charity.

I have really enjoyed taking part in the various school plays and most recently, I was lucky enough to have one of the lead parts in ‘Shakespeare in Love’ which was great fun and allowed me to form friendships with people in other houses and years.

I am honoured and excited to have been chosen as Head of Roseberry and next year I am looking forward to leading the House in the various College events, such as Choral Comp and at Founders Day and to continue to represent and help Rosebery to achieve the best we can in everything we do.

House History

Earl of Rosebery

Archibald Philip Primrose, later the 5^th Earl of Rosebery, was born in London on 7 May 1847, into a distinguished Scottish aristocratic family.

Primrose was educated at Eton and, in 1866 he entered Christ Church, Oxford. However, his academic pursuits were cut short in 1869 when he left without completing his degree. The decision stemmed from a conflict with the university authorities after he purchased a racehorse, named Ladas, which was against university regulations. When asked to relinquish the horse or leave, he chose the latter.

In March 1868, his grandfather died, and Rosebery inherited the earldom, along with the family estates in Scotland. The following May he took his seat in the House of Lords where he aligned himself with the Liberal party.

Rosebery was a committed local resident, Lord Rosebery was deeply involved in Epsom’s civic life and often collaborated with the Prince of Wales in fundraising efforts for Epsom College. Indeed, such was Lord Rosebery’s interest he became the President of the College in 1900 and remained in post until his death.

In 1926, Epsom College honoured him by naming a new day boys House after him, adopting the primrose flower as its crest and so Rosebery House was established. It became a girls day House in 2008, retaining the primrose crest.

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