New House Structure for Whitburn Academy
A new house structure for Whitburn Academy was unveiled on 10th September, taking the number of houses from three to five
The change to the house structure has occurred to reduce the number of pupils allocated to Heads of House.
Our pupils and staff were given a vote on whether they wanted to keep the three existing house names (Bruce, Douglas and Wallace) and introduce two new house names or whether they wanted five new houses. 58% of our staff and pupils voted to retain Bruce, Douglas and Wallace and add two new houses.
The pupils and staff were then given the chance to submit ideas for new house names, with a shortlist of five potential names selected. The shortlist continued the theme of the current house names of famous Scottish Kings or people linked to the Scottish Wars of Independence.
From the shortlist, the names MacDuff and Stewart were chosen as our two new houses.
The addition of the new houses means that some tutor groups have changed to a different house. Some will have a change of name, and some will have a new Head of House. You can read more about our new house structure below or download it from the following link: Whitburn Academy: New House Structure 2026-27 (PDF, 127 KB)(opens new window)
Our five houses:
Bruce House
Background to the name:
Robert the Bruce was the King crowned during the SWoI.His leadership was central to the removal of English control in Scotland. One of his most famous moments was the decisive victory against the English army at Bannockburn. Bruce had links to Linlithgow through the SWoI. In
1313, his supporters recaptured the English-held castle at Linlithgow. After Bruce's victory at Bannockburn, Linlithgow returned to Scottish
control.
House Team
- SLT Link: Mr Bulloch
- Head of House: Mr Durkin
- House PSW: Mrs Prendergast
Tutor Classes
Bruce House is now made up of the former 1B1 - 5B1 and 6B tutor classes, all have retained the same class names, with the addition of 5D2, who have become 5B2.
Douglas House
Background to the name:
Sir James Douglas was a chief commander during the SWoI. The Douglas family had links to West Lothian. In 1315, King Robert the Bruce granted the Douglas family lands at Linlithgow and East Calder, helping to strengthen support for Scottish independence in the area. He is best known for commanding a wing of the army during the Battle of Bannockburn and is regarded as King Robert's most trusted commander.
House Team
- SLT Link: Mr Bulloch
- Head of House: Mrs Carroll
- House PSW: Mrs Cochrane
Tutor Classes
Douglas House is now made up of the former 1D1 - 5D1, 6D and 2D2 tutor classes. All have retained the same class names.
Wallace House
Background to the name:
William Wallace was a freedom fighter, and a leading figure in the SWoI. He is most famous for the part he played in the Scottish victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. He was captured and executed by the English in 1305.
House Team
- SLT Link: Mr MacKenzie
- Head of House: Mr Rhodie
- House PSW: Mrs Brady
Tutor Classes
Wallace House is now made up of the former 1W2 - 5W2 and 6W tutor classes. 1W2 has retained the same class name, whilst 2W2- 5W2 have become 2W1-5W1 and the former 1D2 class have been renamed 1W1.
MacDuff House
Background to the name:
Isabella MacDuff was the Countess of Buchan, who crowned Robert the Bruce during his coronation. Her father was the Earl of Fife, who should have been the person to crown Robert. However, he had been imprisoned by the English. This was against her husband's wishes, as Robert had killed his cousin, John Comyn. She was kept in a cage for 4 years in Berwick-Upon-Tweed by the English for her act.
House Team
- SLT Link: Miss McGrath
- Head of House: Mr Stevenson
- House PSW: Mrs Prendergast
Tutor Classes
MacDuff House is made up of the former 1B2 - 5B2 tutor classes, who will now be known as 1M1-5M1. 6M is made up of some pupils from 6B, 6D and 6W. 3D2 has also moved to MacDuff house and are now known as 3M2.
Stewart House
Background to the name:
Walter Stewart was a commander during the SWOI. He is most famous for commanding a wing of the army during the Battle of Bannockburn. His son Robert became King Robert II. This is because Walter had married Robert the Bruce's eldest daughter, and Robert II was therefore Robert the Bruce's grandson. This started the Stewart Royal Family line. He was also born in and owned Bathgate Castle.
House Team
- SLT Link: Mr MacKenzie
- Head of House: Mrs Ledgerwood
- House PSW: Mrs Brady
Tutor Classes
Stewart House is made up of the former 1W1 - 5W1 tutor classes, who will now be known as 1S1-5S1. 6S is made up of some pupils from 6B, 6D and 6W. 4D2 has also moved to MacDuff house and are now known as 4S2.
