Story of a Gown

The Prefects’ gowns are one of the enduring symbols of the Girls’ Division, and the Gowning of the Prefects, held in the Great Hall each May, has become one of its most special traditions. Here Naomi McLoughlin (2000-2010) and Lauren Ashworth (1994-2001) describe wearing their gowns with pride.

What was your favourite moment whilst wearing your gown? Naomi: It was both receiving my gown and passing it on. I was lucky enough to be given a gown from the outgoing prefect who I was very good friends with, and then pass on my gown to someone who I was very good friends with. Naomi and her partner, Another stand out moment Alex has to be running down the corridors, singing the Batman theme tune before waiting to walk into assembly. Laurie: My favourite moment was probably wearing my gown for the very last time at my final assembly in the Upper Sixth. I swore I wouldn’t cry – and then blubbed my way into the Great Hall for the last time to sing the School Song!

Laurie in her Prefect’s gown What were your hopes and plans for the future, as you passed on your gown? Naomi: I was looking forward to going to university and also having the opportunity to travel. Laurie: My main hope was that my sister would get my gown three years down the line, and that happened!

What did you do after leaving School? Naomi: I went to Durham University to read Law. I then worked in a local Solicitors firm for a couple of years before undertaking the BPTC in Manchester and then securing pupillage in Leeds where I have worked ever since. Laurie: I took a gap year and then went to Vocal Studies at the Royal Northern College of Music, followed by a Masters in Vocal Performance at the Royal College of Music.

What are you doing now? Naomi: I am currently practising as a Barrister in Leeds at Park Square Barristers. Laurie: I had an active career in opera, oratorio, recording and on cruise ships, but have since taken some time out to have a baby. I still do plenty of oratorio work and hope to go back to cruising when Hannah (my daughter) has started school. I miss getting paid to drink cocktails in Bora Bora! In the meantime, lots of singing teaching is keeping me busy. I currently teach at Withington Girls’ School.

What one piece of advice would you give to this year’s Year 13 pupils? Naomi: Stay yes to everything as you never know where it will take you. Also don’t be afraid to change your mind and say something isn’t for you, chances are it will lead to something better. Laurie: I wish I’d not worried so much about what others thought when I was younger. I wish I’d been less sensitive. I’d tell my younger self to be true to myself and have confidence that if I worked hard and did my best, nothing else really mattered. I went into a profession where a thick skin is vital, but it took me a while to grow it!

Are you still in touch with friends from School? Naomi: Yes, I am still very close to a number of people with whom I was good friends at School. We have stayed in touch since leaving School, throughout university and see each other very regularly. Naomi is still in touch with many I am looking forward friends she made at School to celebrating the weddings of two close friends from School two this year and going on a number of holidays! I have no doubt we will all be friends for life. Laurie: Yes, I’m still in touch with lots of School friends through social media and we’re all looking forward to our 20-year reunion this year!

Lauren and partner Ben at their daughter Hannah’s christening