House Spotlight Series: Yates House

At Pembroke students are allocated a House in Year 7 and this House remains their 'home base' until they graduate. There are eight House groups at Pembroke: Hill, Medlin, Mellor, Oats, Reeves, Smith, Wright and Yates. The Houses provide a welcoming, nurturing and reliable space for pastoral care, service, inter-House sporting and cultural pursuits, and outdoor education activities.

Yates—A Lasting Legacy
Named after Miss Dorothy Yates, who was Headmistress of Girton Girls’ School from 1941 to 1964, Yates House carries forward her legacy of leadership, care, and resilience. The magnificent DY Hall in the Senior School also bears her name, reminding us daily of her significant contribution to the School's history.

Leadership with Heart
Under the passionate leadership of Callum Iles in his first year as Head of House, Yates isn’t just a group—it’s a home. A home with laughter, learning, and the occasional competitive Uno showdown. Yates House is where connection, care, and challenge aren’t just values—they’re the daily rhythm of a community that knows how to work hard, play harder, and support each other through it all.

"Pembroke is a big school," says Callum, "and House is the way we make it feel smaller. It’s about being part of something bigger than yourself—but also being known and seen." He envisions Yates as more than just a collection of students—it’s a family, stitched together by shared experiences, cross-year friendships, and teachers who genuinely care.

Fuelled by Fun (and Chips)
And what better way to bring people together than a healthy dose of competition, camaraderie, and… chips? That’s right—Yates House is powered by the legendary Hot Chip Competition, a weekly event where Home Groups square off in everything from Connect Four duels to high-stakes “Minute to Win It” showdowns. The prize? Eternal glory… and, of course, hot chips.

Celebrating Effort Over Outcome
Assistant Head of House Andrew Dale highlights how these light-hearted games have a deeper purpose. “It’s not about who wins or loses—it’s about cheering each other on, demonstrating grace whether in victory or defeat, and striving for personal bests along the way.” One unforgettable moment? When Alex, a new Year 8 student, hit nothing but net in a free-throw shootout. It wasn’t just his basketball skills that impressed—it was the way his Home Group erupted in celebration, proving that in Yates, every newcomer is welcomed like an MVP.

Outside the chip-fueled arena, Yates keeps the spirit alive with big-ticket events like the Swimming Carnival, Athletics Day and Cause Week, where this year’s fundraiser supported the Cancer Council and RSPCA. The Year 10s stepped up to run the BBQ, while the rest of the House hustled raffle tickets with passion. It’s just one of many ways Yates shows that giving back is part of the game plan.

Built to Last
As Year 10 student Flynn puts it, “Yates is like a Toyota Hilux—we might not always win, but we keep on going.” Resilient, reliable, and ready for anything.

And if you’re wondering what tune you might hear echoing from the Yates corner of campus? Emily (Year 10) suggests "Yellow" by Coldplay. Not just because it's their House colour, but because, she says, “Everyone in Yates is an individual shining star, each contributing something unique to the Yates galaxy.” That celestial pride is reflected in the Lion of the Week initiative, where standout students are celebrated for their contributions—big or small.

A Warm Welcome Awaits
So, what should new students expect when joining Yates? According to Emily: “You’re going to be a valuable member, included and embraced from day one.”

In short, Yates House isn’t just about house points and carnivals—it’s about showing up, lifting each other higher, and being a part of a family where every individual matters and contributes to the collective strength. Whether it’s BBQs, basketballs, or bonding over hot chips, Yates is a place where everyone shines in their own shade of yellow.

And if you ever find yourself in need of a community that cheers for your free-throws, applauds your quiz wins, and never lets a raffle ticket go unsold—Yates House is the place to be.