also has a school song written in the late 1800s to commemorate the stature and honour of Edward VI. Headmasters Aston has had ten headmasters: John Temperley – 1883—1894 (11 years) Ernest W. Floyd – 1894—1912 (18 years) Joseph Manton – 1913—1936 (23 years) Leonard G. Brandon – 1937—1970 (33 years) Dennis W. Hawley – 1970—1984 (14 years) Neil W. Gamble – 1985—1991 (6 years) Peter A. Christopher – 1992—2004 (12 years) Colin Parker – 2004—2020 (16 years) Amy Whittall – 2020—2021 (interim) Matt Brady – 2021—present The average term for an Aston headmaster has been approximately sixteen years. The longest-serving was L.G. Brandon, who held the position for 33 years (one hundred terms). House system The House System within the school has a fundamental role in the school's structure. It was introduced circa 1908 and very quickly produced a marked improvement in sporting standards. There were four houses which, until 1945, were known by the names of the Housemasters. The first of these were Jones's (which became Floyd house), Higgs's (which became Temperley), Lane's and Fisher's. The last two became Manton and School, though which was which is not clear from the records. This could be quite confusing when the housemaster changed, so in 1945 the present system was introduced. From late 2009 until 2017, there were once more four houses, each of which took its name from a previous Headmaster at the school (i.e. Manton, house colour yellow, emblem a portcullis; Temperley, purple, Tudor rose; Floyd, blue (formerly brown), lion rampant; and Brandon, green, fleur de lis). Until it was ended in 1968, the fourth house was named School. From 2017, there is another house, Hawley, named after the headmaster from 1970-1984, Dennis W. Hawley. Its colour is silver and emblem is a shield. The houses compete against each other throughout the year, in both sporting and non-sporting events. The culmination of the year's sporting House achievements is represented by the presentation of the Hawkesford Trophy (for sports) and Tuck Trophy (for non-sports) to the successful Head of House. Sports Recognised as a Sports College, King Edward's Aston offers as many as 27 sports and specialises in a good number of them during afternoon games sessions for all Year 7-11 pupils. Rugby (Main School Sport) - Autumn/Winter/Early Spring Hockey - Autumn/Winter/Early Spring Athletics - Spring/Summer Cricket - Spring/Summer Basketball Football - Spring/Summer Badminton Tennis Table tennis Sixth form