We did this at the previous school I worked at. It had a very positive outcome.

A process of community consultation inviting input for the naming of the new Houses resulted in two new names. Colours were chosen to ensure they stood out from the other four current Houses, and the Director of Comms (me) then went through the details of the symbol and motto (suited to the patron), new crest etc, which was designed in conjunction with an agency.

Students were allocated by ballot — with an exciting assembly revealing homeroom/PCG/mentor groups to be transferred to the new Houses — these were chosen completely randomly to avoid bias. Some students were exempt from the transfer according to their or their parent’s preference but mostly the process was embraced. Positive messaging about ‘making history’ etc helped. One of the new Houses won the swimming trophy early on, consolidating its culture, and several years later the two new Houses are a natural part of the College landscape, affording better pastoral care with less students in each House.

There was some negative feedback during the process from a minority but that was to be expected and key messaging was ready. Overall, the community understood that the process was for the best with Heads of House being able to build better relationships with less students in their care, and assisting in moving forward with increased enrolments.

Hope this helps. Happy to discuss further.