In boarding, we more often used a carpet slipper. In the junior house, there was one specific one, conveniently hanging in a little staff cloakroom under the stairs between boys’ and girls’ quarters. It was thus easily to hand for immediate use or – since the cloakroom was not locked – a pupil could actually be sent to fetch it. It was no larger than maybe a size 8, with a springy rubber sole and classic tartan upper; but someone (before my time) had actually cut away the heel fabric, to allow a better grip (and to leave nobody in any doubt of the slipper’s purpose!).
