The scheme to award house and vice captains with the ties has already got under way and the first to receive theirs were Richard Mitchell and Karis Millen for Da Vinci (pictured) and Alexandra Seymour and Fabien Sutton for Sanger after the four met the strict criteria.

House captains are encouraged to be role models in behaviour and attitude for younger students.

Richard said: "I think it's a good idea because it symbolises who we are so people can recognise us. The idea of the house captains is that we are here for younger students to speak to if they have any issues, so it means they know who we are."

House captain responsibilities include being part of the Executive Council that meets with Principal Martin Campbell and interviewing prospective new staff.