Stanley House, 3 Barby Road, Rugby, CV22 5DN
Tel: +44 (0) 1788 556 200 | Email: stanley@rugbyschool.net
ABOUT THE HOUSE
Stanley is a sixth form boarding house. All our girls are new to Rugby in the LXX, which can make the transition to a different school less daunting, especially for those girls who may be living away from home for the first time. We welcome students from a wide range of educational backgrounds and nationalities, and we have a reputation as an inclusive, grown-up and high-flying house.
Our aim in Stanley is to help our sixth-formers prepare for university. We have an experienced team of tutors and subject specialists who work closely with the girls on their UCAS applications and IB or A-level studies. We help the girls to take responsibility for their academic learning and extra-curricular involvement and to develop both independence and resilience.
Stanley girls are motivated and ambitious. They work hard, but they also play hard and we help new girls to integrate into the wider school community though a series of social events, from drink swaps to bingo nights. The girls often take leading roles in clubs, societies and sports teams. There is always strong Stanley representation on the leveé (prefect) body and our girls participate in a large number of music ensembles and plays.
With only two years to make the most of all that Rugby has to offer, life in Stanley is very busy. However, visitors often comment on the house’s homely atmosphere, and the girls’ well-being is always our priority.
Stanley is located centrally in the school, next door to the Temple Reading Room with stunning views of the Close and Chapel.
Housemistress
Joanne arrived in Rugby in September 2023 as the Acting Head of Geography after being in the role of Deputy Head Academic at a girls’ day school in London. Since January 2025, she has been Housemistress of Stanley and continues to teach both Physical and Human Geography.
Joanne is originally from South Africa, where she qualified with a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and English, an Honours Degree in Geography and her PGCE. She has authored a number of Geography and Tourism textbooks and study guides and enjoys creating new teaching resources whenever she can.
Joanne is always up for a good chat over coffee or tea and she really does believe that laughter is the best medicine.
Joanne is married to Dene and they have two teenage sons who are students at Rugby. Their family also includes Astro and Twix, two delightfully cuddly dogs who are a constant source of entertainment.
When she is not teaching, Joanne enjoys a family braai (BBQ), reading, catching up on tv programmes and exploring National Trust sites in the area.
Deputy Housemistress
Catherine Barnett joined the School in 2021 to teach History. Since 2022, she has also taught in the Politics Department and is Rugby’s co-ordinator for partnerships with local schools.
After gaining her degree in History at Durham University, Catherine completed her PGCE at the University of Nottingham. She taught at a number of state schools across the country, including a long commitment to a local secondary school where she was senior assistant headteacher responsible for teaching and learning and staff development.
Catherine shares her Stanley home with Dave the cat, a handsome but shy old boy who can sometimes be spotted sunbathing in the House quad. Beyond school, Catherine loves to be outdoors, walking, running or visiting the local National Trust properties (and their tea rooms) and loves to travel further afield within and beyond the UK in the holidays. As a proud northerner, she understands the value of a restorative cup of tea and looks to bring people together to do this as she often as she can.