The Beresford

The Beresford

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The HM

George Bilcough joined Wellington in 2020 and began his time at the College as AHM in the Picton, before being appointed HM of the Beresford in 2021. Kindness, inclusivity, intellectual curiosity, and tenacity are the keystones of the House’s culture, and are the main attributes that he wants to inculcate in the boys under his care. For George, the Beresford is a joyous place to celebrate the boys’ many successes, as well as a safe, comfortable haven in which they can try, and can fail. Alongside his fervent interest in the pastoral side of life at the school, George is a teacher in the English Department, and like any English teacher, he loves reading; he encourages the Beresford boys to read, too – though appreciates that this has to be done tactfully! Outside of the boarding house, George commands the Royal Marines section of the CCF here at Wellington and enjoys coaching rugby.

Originally from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, George is a keen supporter of Newcastle United – a facet of his life with which George credits his qualities of resilience, and humility in defeat! George studied English at Cambridge, where he also played rugby, and was Vice President of the May Ball Committee. He began his teaching career at Malvern College, where he was a deputy housemaster for three years. George loves a challenge and has run two marathons over the past few years and has cycled from Land’s End to John o’ Groats. Encouraging the Beresford boys to embrace challenge – in whatever form – is one of his top priorities as HM.

He is joined in the Beresford by his fiancée, Flora – who also teaches in the English Department at Wellington, and tutors in the House – and his cockapoo, Tonks.

The House

The Beresford is an out-of-College House, named after Marshal Beresford, occupying a spacious, well-appointed and prestigious building in character with others on the Wellington College estate. Built in 2004, the House nestles among mature woodland and landscaped water features, a 5 minute walk from the main College buildings, which gives the feeling of a real home for the boys.

As well as the elegant oak-panelled Dining Room, in which boys take breakfast and supper, the facilities, which are second-to-none, include a large Common Room with TV (and Sky!), table tennis tables, two traditional Brews Rooms and a separate library / TV room for the Sixth Form. There are computing and printing facilities in an alcove off the TV room, whilst the Matron’s well-appointed room on the first floor has washing and drying machines which ensure a speedy turn-round of boys’ laundry. Outside the building, aside from the lakes and grassy areas, there is a floodlit play area where the boys participate in touch rugby, 5-a-side football or cage cricket depending on the season!

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