Lower School House

Our Lower School House will be a 'school within a school', offering a safe, nurturing and secure environment for pupils in Years 7 and 8.

The Lower School House - Lorne House - is located off High Street West, with its own garden and dining room, as well as easy access to the School's many educational facilities to accommodate our enriching academic programme. The facilities in the House will include space for pupils to store belongings, a dedicated tutor room or form area for each year group or class, and indoor and outdoor recreational spaces.

The House will be open from 07:30 - 18:00, Monday to Friday. These timings enable those who wish to arrive early to do so, with a continental breakfast available in the House before the formal start of the day. After the conclusion of lessons, pupils will return to the House for a drink and a healthy snack before a supervised prep session, enabling them to finish their homework supported by their tutors before going home at the end of the day.

Annabel Bartley, the Head of Lower School, will oversee the day-to-day running of the House and be the main contact for the parents of the pupils in the House. Each child will also have a form tutor who will take day-to-day responsibility for their pastoral care. Tutorial time will play an important role in the pupils’ lives, balancing the chance for regular ‘check-in’ opportunities alongside the delivery of PSHE education. Pastoral and healthcare needs, a key feature of Uppingham’s provision, will be provided by Matron.

Head of Lower School: Annabel Bartley
After graduating from Warwick University, Annabel began her teaching career at The Duke of York’s Royal Military School in 2004 as a drama teacher. In 2006, Annabel took on the role of Deputy Housemistress of the Junior Boys’ House, and in 2012, she was promoted to Housemistress, a position in which she excelled, demonstrating strong pastoral care and a commitment to the holistic development of the school’s youngest pupils. In 2016, Annabel came to Uppingham and moved into West Bank with her husband David, and their two boys, to support David in his role of Housemaster. In 2018, Annabel began teaching drama at Leighfield Primary School in Uppingham, and the following year became a House Tutor (Fairfield and then West Bank), quickly becoming a valued member of the pastoral team in those Houses. In 2021, Annabel took on a new role at the School, as Theatre Events and Outreach Manager, before returning to the classroom to teach drama in 2024. The combination of Annabel’s experience educating Key Stage Three pupils and her profound knowledge of life at Uppingham School sees her bring a wealth of experience to this exciting new chapter. Annabel is deeply committed to the values of our school community, and the truly holistic education that sets Uppingham apart. With her energy, passion, and inspiring vision, we are excited to see her lead the Lower School into a bold and dynamic new chapter - one that promises to nurture curiosity, spark ambition, and empower our Year 7 and 8 pupils.

Head of Lower School: Annabel Bartley

After graduating from Warwick University, Annabel began her teaching career at The Duke of York’s Royal Military School in 2004 as a drama teacher. In 2006, Annabel took on the role of Deputy Housemistress of the Junior Boys’ House, and in 2012, she was promoted to Housemistress, a position in which she excelled, demonstrating strong pastoral care and a commitment to the holistic development of the school’s youngest pupils.

In 2016, Annabel came to Uppingham and moved into West Bank with her husband David, and their two boys, to support David in his role of Housemaster. In 2018, Annabel began teaching drama at Leighfield Primary School in Uppingham, and the following year became a House Tutor (Fairfield and then West Bank), quickly becoming a valued member of the pastoral team in those Houses.

In 2021, Annabel took on a new role at the School, as Theatre Events and Outreach Manager, before returning to the classroom to teach drama in 2024.

The combination of Annabel’s experience educating Key Stage Three pupils and her profound knowledge of life at Uppingham School sees her bring a wealth of experience to this exciting new chapter. Annabel is deeply committed to the values of our school community, and the truly holistic education that sets Uppingham apart.

With her energy, passion, and inspiring vision, we are excited to see her lead the Lower School into a bold and dynamic new chapter - one that promises to nurture curiosity, spark ambition, and empower our Year 7 and 8 pupils.