Welcome from the Housemaster
Having been part of Christ’s College for more than a decade, I have been involved in several roles and experiences.
I started out as a boarding House tutor in Flower’s House before becoming a member of the Physical Education Department, and then moving into Richards House as Deputy Housemaster for three years. I have been the Housemaster of Jacobs House for several years.
I have been privileged to work with many boys as they move through their College years. This has helped both myself and the boys to grow as we develop an inclusive, caring, and supportive House community. Creating opportunities for boys to feel part of something and make a positive contribution has been a major goal, along with opening the door to leadership roles and success in their areas of strength. Being a Housemaster is a privilege and I continue to enjoy my role as I work alongside young men so that they can flourish in a House I am proud to be part of.
Matt Thatcher
Housemaster
Welcome from Head of Jacobs House
Jacobs House is where boys can feel proud to belong.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Jacobs House is the camaraderie and inclusivity of its community. We know that, as a group, we can accomplish far more together than any of us can achieve as individuals. Our diverse range of skills, attributes, and personalities contributes to our culture of friendship and mutual support, where each boy is valued and respected for who they are.
My hope is that the experiences boys have in Jacobs House will provide them with some of their best memories of College.
Peter Beasley
Head of House 2026
House staff
House booklet
History of Jacobs House
Jacobs House was originally designed by Cecil Wood as part of larger reorganisation for the development of the Quad. Only this building came to fruition as planned. It was opened in 1931, with 50 boys drawn from four other Houses, plus some new boys.
The House is named after College’s first Headmaster, Henry Jacobs, who arrived in New Zealand as a Canterbury Association chaplain on board the Sir George Seymour. The House is on the site of the first Headmaster’s house.
Within the House Library is a stone fireplace, in memory of Guy Spencer Bryan-Brown, Chaplain of Christ’s College who was killed in the First World War. The House was refurbished in 2003 and the concrete block addition at the rear of the House was constructed at this time.
The Jacobs House symbol is a red or Tudor rose and can be seen on the College Crest. It is also part of the Arms of Christ Church Oxford, where John Robert Godley and many of the founders of Canterbury had attended university. The motto Non Sibi translates as Not for one’s self.