Boarding Houses

Alexandra House

Alexandra House is a girls’ boarding house for students in Years 9-13.

In 1864, Frederick Barlow, with the endorsement of Queen Alexandra (then Princess of Wales), laid the foundation for a charitable initiative—an orphanage accommodating up to 200 infants, later named the Alexandra Orphanage for Infants. Cementing their commitment to the charity’s cause, Queen Alexandra and King Edward VII assumed patronage of the Orphanage in 1901. The house proudly bears its name in honour of Queen Alexandra.

The Head of House is Mrs Josie Rivers.

Josie grew up in Sussex with her four siblings before moving to the coast to attend university. After completing a BA in Primary Education, she realised that classroom teaching was not quite the right fit for her and discovered a passion for boarding, where she has remained ever since. She particularly values the opportunity to support and help shape the students in her care as they prepare for their future.

Josie joined the Royal Alexandra & Albert School in 2015 and has spent much of the past decade working within the Junior boarding community, where she served as Deputy Head of House for several years. In September 2026, she became Head of Alexandra House and is thoroughly enjoying the new challenge. During her time at the School, she has led a variety of trips and activities and is also a member of the Safeguarding team.

Josie married her husband, Joseph, in 2024, and they live on site with their pug, Penny, who is usually heard before she is seen! Outside of School, Josie enjoys spending time with family and friends, visiting the theatre, and singing and performing with her choir. She likes to describe herself as an “international performer” after the choir had the opportunity to sing in Norway.

Josie takes great pride in building strong relationships with students and enjoys knowing that, each day, she is making a positive difference to the lives of those in her care.