West Bank

West Bank (13+ boys)

West Bank is one of the four ‘town houses’. It was built in 1866 by Howard Candler, an inspirational mathematician and writer, and housemaster in Edward Thring’s time. Until its extension in 1900, it housed just six boys. Today, 55 boys enjoy its fine facilities and excellent location.

The house is almost precisely equidistant from everything the School offers: the arts, science and sports facilities of the Western Campus, the main school buildings and music schools to the east, and the Middle and Leicester playing fields.

The house dining room and games room have benefitted from recent extensions, and the boys make full use of these spaces plus the basketball court and gardens that sit adjacent to the House.

Fourth Form and Lower Fifth boys sleep in two-bed or four-bed dormitories, with individual studies. Upper Fifth and Sixth Form pupils have single bedsits.

Housemaster: David Bartley
David joined Uppingham in 2016, and has been the Housemaster of West Bank for the past ten years. The 2025-26 academic year will be David's last year in charge of West Bank.

Housemaster Elect: Richard Hannigan from September 2026
Richard Hannigan has been appointed as the next Housemaster of West Bank. Richard is currently Director of Wellbeing, a Spanish teacher and a safeguarding lead at Uppingham, and will bring to the role a valuable combination of pastoral depth, safeguarding expertise, and academic strength. Before joining Uppingham, Richard held pastoral and academic roles at The West Bridgford School, including Head of PSHE and Careers, where he led curriculum development and supported Sixth Form pupils with higher education pathways. Across his career he has demonstrated a consistent commitment to helping young people thrive – academically, socially, and personally. Outside the classroom, Richard coaches hockey, football and tennis at Uppingham, and has previously been involved in semi‑professional football coaching. His interests in travel, language and community engagement further enrich the perspective he brings to boarding life.

Housemaster Elect: Richard Hannigan
from September 2026

Richard Hannigan has been appointed as the next Housemaster of West Bank.

Richard is currently Director of Wellbeing, a Spanish teacher and a safeguarding lead at Uppingham, and will bring to the role a valuable combination of pastoral depth, safeguarding expertise, and academic strength. Before joining Uppingham, Richard held pastoral and academic roles at The West Bridgford School, including Head of PSHE and Careers, where he led curriculum development and supported Sixth Form pupils with higher education pathways. Across his career he has demonstrated a consistent commitment to helping young people thrive – academically, socially, and personally.

Outside the classroom, Richard coaches hockey, football and tennis at Uppingham, and has previously been involved in semi‑professional football coaching. His interests in travel, language and community engagement further enrich the perspective he brings to boarding life.