Using data collected through interviews with headmasters, other administrative personnel, teachers, and pupils from a random stratified sample of 33 comprehensive schools in England and Wales, a study was conducted of the use of the house system, with schools classified into four types: using the house system extensively, 11; using it moderately, 7; using it minimally, 13; not using the house system , 2. Number of pupils per house ranged from 95 to 500, with a median of 180. Comparisons were made with data from eight private and 34 public American schools using the house plan. Included in the report are a summary of related literature, a brief history of British education with special reference to comprehensive schools, and implications of the study for organizational change of large heterogeneous high schools in the United States. Sample questionnaires and an extensive bibliography are appended. (JK)