The HM
Emmie Bidston is Director of the Wellington Leadership and Coaching Institute, which has a mission to develop leaders with the passion, character and skills to serve and make a positive difference to the lives of others. As befits a boarding house named after Queen Elizabeth II, Emmie’s vision is that the pupils develop similar character traits: that they have a deep sense of belonging; that they become better versions of themselves; and that their lives leave a positive legacy.
Having studied Economics at Cambridge, Emmie joined the Government Fast Track programme and enjoyed being involved in public policy. However, when she came to shadow a friend who taught at Wellington College she found her calling. She joined Wellington in 2011 as an Economics teacher and has never looked back! What she loves best about the school is the people, both the pupils and staff, but also the constant energy and sense of fun. There is never a dull day. Since joining Wellington she has learnt etching, done a quadrathlon around a loch, written and performed poetry, learnt golf and waded through the lake dressed as a dalmatian (not for punishment – for fun!) The new Elizabethans have so much to look forward to.
Emmie loves reading and writing, she has co-authored a book on leadership, as well as creating and running leadership and coaching training courses for adults and pupils. She is an Associate Fellow at the Oxford Character Project and a Senior Fellow of the Human Flourishing Program Network at Harvard University. She has tutored in a boys’ boarding house for over a decade, coaches triathlon for pupils, runs spinning classes and was previously Head of Economics at Wellington.
Emmie met her husband, Neil, doing voluntary work in Bolivia and they have run gap year programmes for young people in South America together. They have a shared passion for helping others grow and develop. Neil is a doctor working for the Military, he is also doing a Masters, loves sport and is an Old Wellingtonian. They are joined by their three daughters, who have all thrived at Wellington: Amelie is now studying English at Exeter University; Bexie is just finishing the IB and will be starting a degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics this autumn; and Megan will be going into her final year at Wellington studying Maths, Economics and Business A Level.
The House
Elizabeth house pays homage to a woman of remarkable stature, Queen Elizabeth II, whose legacy embodies the very essence of leadership—rooted in service, duty, loyalty, and unwavering resolve. Her enduring presence as the longest-serving Visitor of Wellington College cements her place in our history, ensuring her name is forever intertwined with our school’s fabric.
Nestled amidst the serene woodlands just south of the chapel, Elizabeth house offers more than just accommodation: it provides a nurturing environment where seventy young minds will flourish. With en-suite bedrooms and thoughtfully designed communal spaces, students will find themselves immersed in an atmosphere conducive to both academic growth and personal development.
Being a sixth form only house, there is a wonderful opportunity for the pupils to prepare for university, both academically but also in terms of their friendships and responsibilities within the house. The emphasis is on making the most of the many opportunities available to them at Wellington – putting down roots whilst they are here, and also giving them wings for their next steps. We want them to strive for excellence in all they do, whilst also demonstrating grace and humility so they can learn through the inevitable failures and struggles of life.
Within its walls, pupils will forge deep bonds of belonging, discover their potential, and leave an indelible mark on our community. With every step they take, they carry with them the spirit of Queen Elizabeth—inspiring them to become the best versions of themselves and to leave a legacy that echoes through generations to come.
