AUTUMN 2025
AUTUMN TERM 2025
WELCOME FROM THE HEAD
The Autumn Term is always full of excitement; from the first day of term in September, when many pupils are only just starting their education at Clifton High School, through to our final weeks of Christmas celebrations.
We are fortunate to host our annual Senior School Carol Service at Clifton Cathedral, where year on year we gather for the traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. Our Hive, Infant and Junior children each have their own festive celebrations, and, as Head, I feel fortunate to share in their joy of the festive season with both their friends and family
It was a particular pleasure for me this term to join the Class of 1965 at their Diamond Anniversary reunion, and as a keen historian, I very much appreciated their retelling stories of Clifton High School in the 1950s and 1960s It was also reassuring to hear that although our School site has been updated, our traditions and ethos remain the same as they remembered during their own School days.
As we near the end of term, may I take this opportunity to wish all members of our Clifton High School community, both past and present, a joyful
festive season.
Yours,
MR WILL PHELAN HEAD
Welcome to our first newsletter of the 2025/26 academic year, from the Clifton High School Foundation and Clifton Rosarians. A huge welcome to those new pupils, families and staff who joined us this term.
For us, it was a particular delight to welcome them back to School, as we have many alumni families joining us with their next generation of Clifton High School pupils. This includes Mrs Amy Thwaites, who joined us in September to teach English You can read our interview with Amy, who recalls her time at Clifton High as a student, in this newsletter.
Our 150 Anniversary Appeal reached thousands of alumni over the Summer. So many of you have contacted us and have supported our Appeal, for which we are incredibly grateful
As we end our Autumn Term with the School’s traditional Christmas celebrations, we are looking forward to 2026 and Foundation Day in March, including our Foundation Ball. Our landmark fundraising event for the year will also include a raffle and auction, open to everyone. We do hope you will support us if you are able.
With my very best wishes to you all,
MRS ELIZABETH BOND DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT ebond@cliftonhigh.co.uk
DIARY DATES
We are delighted to share with you some of our key dates for the next academic year.
CLIFTON ROSARIAN BREAKFAST
CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL: WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2026 th
Higher education and careers talk for Sixth Form and Year 10 students
Francesca Funnell (CR 2022) PhD Geography student
Clare Wakely (CR 2008) BBC
Sarah Gerrard (Nee Good-Allen, CR 2005), Barrister in the Army
HEAD’S AFTERNOON TEA
CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL: MONDAY 27 APRIL 2026 TH
For Year 13 students and their families This event is our opportunity as a school to say thank you, good luck and bid a very fond farewell to the Class of 2026 before their A level examinations.
CLIFTON ROSARIAN BREAKFAST
CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL: WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL 2026 TH
If you are a Clifton Rosarian and would like to share your experience and knowledge with our Sixth Form, please email development@cliftonhigh.co.uk
THE CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL FOUNDATION
5 Clifton High School Foundation and Clifton Rosarian
150TH ANNIVERSARY APPEAL
As Clifton High School approaches its momentous anniversary in 2027, we not only acknowledge but also celebrate our pioneering history. It is a time to reflect upon our evolution, looking forward and imagining the possibilities of an exciting future. In addition to our celebrations, we have launched our ambitious 150 Anniversary Appeal, supported by both Clifton High School and its Foundation. th
Our 'Funding the Future' Appeal will focus on two core areas which will help enable us to:
INVEST SIGNIFICANTLY IN OUR SCIENCE FACILITIES
INCREASE OUR BURSARY SUPPORT
A huge thank you to all those who have supported the Appeal to date. We are immensely grateful for all donations and pledges. every contribution will make a difference.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have already welcomed an additional bursary student to the Sixth Form this term.
To find out more about our Appeal, including how you may like to support our School and its pupils, please to visit our Appeal hub.
GRANDPARENTS’ TEA
At Clifton High School, we count ourselves incredibly fortunate to be part of a community enriched by extended families - especially the grandparents who play such a vital role in the lives of our pupils. Their support, or “scaffolding” as we often say, is invaluable: from early morning drop-offs to afternoon pick-ups and the wraparound care that helps so many families thrive. To honour their contribution, we host our annual Grandparents’ Tea every autumn.
It was pure joy to witness the pride on our pupils’ faces as they welcomed their grandparents for an afternoon of guided tours around the School, followed by pots of tea and generous slices of cake in our Main Hall. With many new faces and families joining us, the hall was alive with conversation, laughter, and a wonderful sense of togetherness.
To all our grandparents: thank you. Your presence and support are integral to our School community, and we look forward to welcoming you again next year, if not sooner, at the School gates.
“Thank you to the High School for our tour of the School and our delicious tea. We greatly enjoyed the afternoon (as did our grandson!) so please thank the organisers and the delightful girls who showed us around. It was a lovely demonstration of the caring atmosphere of the School, and we shall look forward to visiting again.” Ryan and Lindy Densham.
QUIZ AND CURRY EVENING
Just before the half-term break, we hosted our popular Quiz and Curry night This year, fifteen competitive teams went head-to-head, fuelled by a delicious curry cooked by our in-house Chef, Mr Tim Fletcher. The teams completed various traditional quiz rounds, as well as a few surprise challenges! It was such a fun evening, thank you so much to all those from our community who joined us.
All of the money raised will go towards our 150 Anniversary Appeal to ‘Fund The Future’, helping us invest in our science facilities and increase our bursary support.
CHRISTMAS FAIR
t h
Thank you so much to you all for joining us and supporting our Christmas Fair this term. The atmosphere was truly amazing, with so many families enjoying the stalls, activities and donkeys! Events like this highlight what makes Clifton High School such a unique place to belong, with such a wonderful community spirit Thanks to your generosity, we have raised over £12,000 to support our 150 Anniversary Appeal though the Fair and Christmas raffle. We are blown away and are so grateful!
Thank you again for making the Fair such a success.
Clifton High School
CELEBRATING OUR STAFF
At the start of term, we were delighted to recognise staff who are celebrating long service awards, recognising those who have worked continuously for over 20, 25 and 30 years respectively.
“My journey at Clifton High School began back in 1997, when I joined as a Year 3 class teacher. After two wonderful years, I returned in 2005 to take up the new role of Head of Infant & Junior Music, and this year marks my 20 year in that role! th
Clifton High School has been such an important part of my life. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of leading and being part of countless performances, assemblies and musical celebrations, watching children grow in confidence and share their love of music with parents and the wider school community.
Music at Clifton High School is about so much more than just singing – it embodies our school values of curiosity, empathy, love and direction. Through music, children learn to explore, connect, express and find their path. Singing, in particular, has been a true joy for me, and I hope it’s something pupils will look back on fondly as a special part of their time here.
Clifton High School truly is “Beyond a School, a place to belong” –and I feel very lucky to have belonged here for so many wonderful years and look forward with excitement to the years to come!”
MR ANDREW CLEAVER, HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL MUSIC JOINED OUR STAFF IN 2005
“Over the past two decades, I’ve had the privilege of supporting the School’s growth and transformation through technology. My role as IT Manager has allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the daily lives of pupils and staff members, ensuring systems run smoothly and securely.
It’s been deeply rewarding to see how technology has evolved and how my work has helped shape a more connected, efficient, and forward-thinking School environment. Being part of the Clifton High School community is a real privilege."
MR JANOS FULOP, IT MANAGER JOINED OUR STAFF IN 2005
“Over the many years, I have enjoyed working as a Science Technician at Clifton High School, and I have had the privilege of working alongside many wonderful colleagues with their own energy and ideas It is rewarding to know that alongside them, I have played my part in pupils developing a love for the Sciences.
Although the School itself has obviously changed and grown, a constancy remains: the deep care and nurturing of each student, alongside the love of learning So, I am grateful that I have been allowed to work here in such a warm and inspiring environment. It is so easy to take this for granted in today’s world.”
MRS HEATHER POWER, SCIENCE TECHNICIAN JOINED OUR STAFF IN 2004
“The saying ‘time flies when you are having fun’ is so true when describing my 20 years at Clifton High School. Through my Speech and Drama tutoring and work on school productions, I’ve had the privilege of seeing many pupils develop a love of theatre and find their self-confidence and identity through drama. I am constantly in awe of the creativity and talent of the pupils here, but also their sense of fun! I have been reflecting on why I have stayed here for so long, and it’s simply because it is a truly unique and joyous place to be!”
MRS SUSAN JOHNSON-MARTIN, SPEECH AND DRAMA TEACHER JOINED THE STAFF IN 2003
“Working at Clifton High School is a truly rewarding experience Each day brings the joy of supporting pupils in their unique learning journeys and collaborating with a remarkable team of staff who teach, nurture, organise and inspire. The passion, care, and humour that fill our school community are what make ‘Individual Brilliance’ not just a motto, but a lived reality and I feel proud to be part of it.”
MR CHARLES LOWE, JUNIOR SCHOOL TEACHER JOINED THE STAFF IN 2002
“Clifton High School truly feels like a second home, where every individual is cherished and supported. I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent so much of my life here starting as a pupil from Nursery through Sixth Form and later returning to teach in the Junior Department. My family has shared this wonderful journey across generations, and now my own children, nieces, and nephews are part of it too. It’s a place where every child can flourish and celebrate their unique strengths. Each day is filled with warmth, laughter and a sense of belonging Clifton High School is one in a million and will always be my happy place.”
MRS HELEN TABB, JUNIOR SCHOOL TEACHER JOINED THE STAFF IN 2001
“It was a great honour to receive a long service award. The recognition of all the years dedicated to the most inspiring, welcoming and supportive environment of Clifton High School has been hugely appreciated and highly celebrated. Time spent at Clifton High School has never been a burden; just pure joy working with amazing individuals, albeit pupils, parents and teachers Thank you so much ”
MR MANOLIS PSARROS, DEPUTY HEAD - STAFF JOINED THE STAFF IN 2001
“It is such a privilege to be part of our amazing School community. Having worked at Clifton High School for over 25 years, it has been a joy to watch how the School has changed and evolved. I was so touched to receive a long service award and a beautiful bottle of vintage Champagne at the start of the academic year. Clifton High School is an extension of my family, I have made some wonderful friends, and I am grateful to be able to see the pupils grow, blossom and mature as they move through the School.”
MRS HANNAH CROFTS, JUNIOR SCHOOL TEACHER JOINED THE STAFF IN 1999
“Over the last 26 years, I have seen the school grow and change. I feel very privileged to have been here for so long and to be part of the pupils’ lives, watching them grow up before my very eyes.
Clifton High School has meant a lot to me over the years It is very special for me to be running our café in the Walters Sixth Form Centre as I get to interact with the pupils every day. One of the highlights for me is joining our Year 13 leavers at the Rose Day ball each summer, wishing them all luck on their next exciting chapter”
MS DAWN BERRY, CATERING ASSISTANT JOINED THE STAFF IN 1999
“As someone who has worn many hats here a current teacher, an alumna and a past parent I can honestly say Clifton High School holds a very special place in my heart.
I feel so lucky to work in such an inclusive and inspiring environment, and I can honestly say ‘I absolutely love this School!’ It’s a place where the whole community flourishes, and where we all feel part of something truly special.”
MRS SARAH BARKER, HEAD OF EYFS JOINED THE STAFF IN 1998
“It was such a lovely surprise to return to School in September and receive a special thirty-year-long service award It has been an incredible journey both as a teacher and as a parent, with my three children benefiting from the exceptional education Clifton High School provides. The School is unmatched in its pastoral care, along with the family and community feel. Clifton High will always remain close to my heart, and I look forward to remaining part of it for years to come. ”
MR DAVID PYE, JUNIOR SCHOOL TEACHER JOINED THE STAFF IN 1995
THE CLIFTON ROSARIANS
CLIFTON ROSARIAN SPORTS MATCHES
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our annual Clifton Rosarian Sports Matches in September at our Coombe Dingle sports ground. It was wonderful to see so many of you enjoying a morning of hockey, football and netball and to see so many alumni returning.
A special thank you to Clifton Rosarian team captains for 2025, Ella Rayson (CR 2018) and Mathew Godfrey (CR 2017)
In a series of closely contested games, the Rosarians managed to defend their title to lift the Cup once again - huge congratulations to all those who took part and thank you so much to the School’s first teams for such competitive matches.
We took lots of photos on the day, so to see the full gallery of photos, please click the icon here:
EXCLESIOR FORUM LAUNCH
Our Director of Scholars, Mrs Laura Giles, was delighted to catch up with Lucy Snow (CR 2021), who spoke to Year 5 and 6 and launched our Excelsior Forum. Lucy shared with students insights of her degree and career with our Scholars and Senior School pupils Lucy recently graduated in Medical Engineering from Cardiff University and now works at Limbs & Things here in Bristol. Thank you so much to Lucy for donating her time to support the next generation of students as part of our 150 Anniversary Appeal. th
Lucy also features in our 150 Anniversary Appeal video To find out more about her story please . th
CALLING ALL CLIFTON ROSARIANS
During 2026 we will be extending our Clifton Rosarian talks to include students in years 10, 11 and also pupils in our Infant and Junior School. If you would like to return to share your experiences with our current Clifton High School pupils, please click the envelope link:
SIXTH FORM BREAKFASTS
Each term we invite three Clifton Rosarians back to school to talk to our Sixth Form about further education and careers during our Sixth Form Breakfast seminars. For our first seminar for this academic year we welcomed back Alicia Heys (Class of 2020), Ollie Lock (Class of 2021) and Dan Kelly (Class of 2022). We were also delighted to welcome Year 11 to this event for the first time, allowing them to hear from our Rosarians about life after School, university, and their careers.
Alicia is a Sport Scientist, Ollie is in his final year at Imperial College London studying Mechanical Engineering, and Dan is a PC with Avon and Somerset Police. A huge thank you to Alicia,
our pupils after
“It was a real pleasure to come back and speak to the sixth form and a great chance to see the School again My main reason for wanting to come back was to hopefully share a few things I wish I’d heard when I was in those seats.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned since leaving School, it’s that success tends to follow when you ’ re doing something you enjoy. So follow what interests you, be open to new opportunities, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.”
Alicia Heys (CR 2020)
WHAT A DIAMOND CELEBRATION!
Jane Watts (née Scull) and Jill Leyland (née Cogan) share with us the special bond the Class of 1965 have and what it was like to return to School to celebrate 60 years of friendship.
The class of 1965 first had a reunion in 1990 after 25 years. We started with a few school friends’ email addresses - this was before email became widespread, our correspondence was by let initially, and like Topsy, it g finding about 90 contacts! large number of us gathere the home of Jane Fornear ( Scull). It was so successful we continued to have a reu every five years, at first in J home and then in The Avon Gorge Hotel, now called th du Vin. The hotel, overlook Suspension Bridge, holds s memories for some who th their school hats off the bri leaving School!
Several reunions have been to encompass Rose Day, so those who wanted to could attend the Cathedral service. On some occasions, there was afternoon tea and a Rose Day Ball, held in a marquee on the school lawn. When 40 years came around in 2005, we had a special celebration, producing much memorabilia and some groups reliving their memories in the boarding house, in the choir and in the games
teams. The choir led admirably in a rousing rendition of the School song used during our time at School, “40 years on ”
In 2010, we visited the School and joined the alumni Autumn lunch. The tour of the School reminded us of so many things:- “Praying for rain” in the cloakroom, which is now long gone, before afternoon hockey at The Grove, also long gone! Fire escape
Fierce rivalry between houses in all competitions, Pears, Percival, Winkworth, Woollaston, Budget and Pope School assembly in the Main Hall with our hymn books. End of term awards when we all sat up straight for the prestigious maroon posture sashes or green belts The swimming pool, which we all spent years raising money for and never swam in!
Rose Day. Jealous of the Sixth form, who alone were allowed to use the front door of School House and the games staff sunning themselves on the steps
And so to our 60-year reunion, came to School, rough the front l for coffee and badges were n most cases, the “You haven’t Certainly, we all nd for some, n issue, but the s unbelievable as atch up with each welcomed by d and the eam, Kate and e instrumental in day for us.
e went across the front lawn (now astro turf!) to the new Sixth Form Centre, which was very impressive, but only after a group photo on the front steps
We listened to a most informative nd interesting School update rom the Head, Mr Will Phelan nd Elizabeth The School will be elebrating 150 years in 2027. This was followed by a short tour.
THE CLASS OF 1965
In October we hosted an incredible group of ladies who left Clifton High School in 1965. Over the years, they have had many get togethers and reunions, but this event was the first to be held back at School for several years, and in our Main Hall.
Our special guests had a tour of the School by our Sixth Form students and lunch in the Main Hall. There was also lots of time for reminiscing and exploring the archives.
To hear all their stories and memories, including a rendition of their School song, was wonderful!
Prefects from the Class of 1965 with Head Miss Pamela Stringer
We will always be hugely indebted to this very special group, as they were within the cohort who fundraised and funded our phenomenal swimming pool and sports complex. Thank you so much, Ladies, what a legacy!
of School in small groups led by Sixth Formers. We very much appreciated their time. Lunch was held in the main hall, where there was a central display of memorabilia from our era and a PowerPoint display of current school activities and photos from the archives. The chef produced a delicious meal to accompany our complimentary glass of fizz, with which we toasted our year 65 and absent friends. Afterwards, we all sang our school song, adapting ‘40 years on ’ to ‘60 years on ’ , which capped a really nostalgic and enjoyable day.
We were all given a lovely Clifton Rosarian pin badge and some School-produced honey to take home.
Our thanks go to the School, the Head, Elizabeth and her team, the Sixth Form pupils and the Chef for making our day so special. We are definitely contemplating a return in three years time !”
To see a photo album from this very special day, please click the icon here:
If you are celebrating a key reunion year during 2026, please do get in touch, we would be delighted to hear from you and help you celebrate.
For further information please email development@cliftonhigh.co.uk, or telephone the Team on 0117 933 9081.
Next year, we are looking to bring Clifton High School to London to catch up with Clifton Rosarians and friends of the Foundation. If you would be interested in attending a drinks reception next year, please email: development@cliftonhigh.co.uk
WELCOME BACK
It has been lovely to welcome back to Clifton High former staff and pupils this term for a tour of the School and a catch up with the Development team
MRS VAL WILLIAMS (CR STAFF 1989- 2016)
“I had the most enjoyable and rewarding 28 years at Clifton High School, starting in a very part-time role of two 4-hour afternoon sessions a week and ending with a full-time role also including Pastoral Management. During my time here, I experienced the introduction of boys into the Senior school and the move from The Grove to Coombe Dingle sports complex.
I was recently invited to make a return visit to the school after my retirement 10 years ago to witness some truly impressive developments at the site, which enhance its natural beauty! The quality and sensitivity of the work carried out is impressive, and the new Sixth Form Centre really gives a collegiate type feel to the School!
“I had a thoroughly and emotional time catching up with old colleagues and was surprised to find how many people there I still remember from my very happy days working at Clifton High!”
School Green had never looked so good My only disappointment was that I would no longer be able to fit in my 75m hurdle lesson onto the grass, but I feel sure that the additional advantages of the Astroturf far out way that! I had a thoroughly emotional time catching up with old colleagues and was surprised to find how many people there I still remember from my very happy days working at Clifton High!
Since retiring, I’ve continued to enjoy my worldly travels, having participated in over a dozen cruises and visited over half the countries in the world ”
MRS NANCY GREGORY (NÉE BEARE CR 1959)
“Eighty years ago, I entered Clifton High School for the first time, holding my mother's hand very tightly. Last month, I was treated by Kate McKee to a wonderful tour of the old School in its new modern form, much of it recognisable but a great deal astonishingly different. The wrought-iron gates were reassuringly familiar, and the School buildings themselves appear unchanged from the outside. Inside, I found the rooms much more open than before, with easy access from one building to the next. We entered the hall where, in the old days, Miss Johns read us episodes from 'She shall have music', and I saw the classroom where my friend Barbara once let off a stink-bomb!
In my day, we had needlework lessons, using hand-operated Singer sewing-machines: in the same room, I now saw prize-winning entries for design and technology. Cookery too has changed beyond recognition, with electric mixers and ovens for each child Part of the outside lawn is now Astro turf, and - my goodness me - there are boys everywhere!
Another astonishing sight was the swimming pool, just next to the old gym (still accessed by the tunnel), and - gracious! There is weightlifting equipment too. As for the dining room, it is now like a proper restaurant, with lots of choice and a pleasant, welcoming atmosphere. I didn't see any roly-poly pudding!
I was treated with great friendliness both by Kate McKee and all her colleagues. I was very pleased to meet the Head, Mr Phelan, in the Rosarian Room (Miss Glenday's old room! I tremble at the thought.) It was a most exciting and memorable morning for an elderly Rosarian like me. ”
TEA AND TOURS
Clifton Rosarians - former pupils, staff and governors are always welcome to visit for a tour of our School site and a catch up with the Development team over a cup of tea!
To arrange a visit, please email development@cliftonhigh.co.uk
“Thank goodness the school is still going and it's not hard to see why. Such an excellent atmosphere everywhere, happiness and wonderful enthusiasm. I was very impressed with the pupils' good manners. ”
ANN TOMBS (NÉE BURGESS CR 1954) AND PAM DIXON (NÉE DIXON CR 1958)
In early November, we welcomed back sisters, Pam Dixon (pictured right) and Ann Tombs (left). Having grown up locally in Clifton village, Pam and Ann shared stories of how they would go home at lunch times to eat lunch with their mother, before returning to School for afternoon lessons. Now aged 86 and 90 years old respectively, Pam and Ann were back in Bristol for a trip down memory lane and to mark Pam’s birthday, starting the celebrations with a tour around School!
Ann writes, “it was a great joy to be back in Clifton in November and to have the opportunity for a tour of my old School, Clifton High School, with my sister, Pam. I left CHS in 1954, having spent ten happy years there. I am now 90 and have returned previously for a few Old Girls’ events.
This visit gave me the experience of “still our lovely old school” while also being a modern, vibrant place of learning for 21st-century young people. So many changes and developments, the main building, once the sacred domain of the 5 and 6 Formers now home for juniors, and a huge grand new development, adjacent to the old junior boarding house, providing relevant accommodation for 6th Formers (years 12 and 13). The old tunnel under the road not only leads us to the familiar gym, but also to a beautiful modern swimming pool. The amazing Rose Theatre and incredible music room leave me speechless. Drama, a subject at school? How very fortunate these modern pupils are While sad that we are no longer just ‘Old Girls’, I do believe in co-education and am glad to see both boys and girls able to benefit from this special School of my childhood.” th th
Pam says, “In 1945, aged five years old, I first joined Clifton High School. My entire school life was spent at CHS, leaving in 1958, aged 18. I have such very happy memories and made some very good friends. I am now 86 and so thrilled to be given such a wonderful tour of the school in November, with my sister, Ann. It was so exciting to see how Clifton High has evolved over the years, and yet it was still so familiar. I was very impressed with the new Glenday block built since my day, which houses a beautiful music department, the Rose Theatre for drama, facilities for Food and Technology learning & carpentry, and a superb Sixth Form (years 11 & 12) Department. The facilities of this kind were very limited in our day, with nothing special for Sixth formers. It was so good to see that Clifton High is now a fully coeducational school It seems so right to have boys at the school now I would rather wish it had been coed in my day. Thank goodness the school is still going, and it's not hard to see why. Such an excellent atmosphere everywhere, happiness and wonderful enthusiasm. I was very impressed with the pupils' good manners.
My very best wishes to the school as it continues its life in the 21st century ”
IN CONVERSATION WITH AMY THWAITES
Joining our staff this term as a Teacher of English is a former pupil, Mrs Amy Thwaites. Amy came to Clifton High School and was joined by her brother Leo for a short while Her mother, Mrs Sonya Clifton, was also a Matron here from 1999 to 2011. We caught up with Amy to find out what it was like to be back at Clifton High School, this time as a teacher.
Q: Welcome back to Clifton High School! You return, not only as a Clifton Rosarian, but as a Teacher of English and a current parent. Tell us how it feels to be back at Clifton High School.
A: It feels like coming home! There are differences, of course, notably the presence of boys, but apart from that, the 'feeling' is the same: welcoming, calm and a happy place to be.
Q: Who was your favourite teacher when you were a pupil here and why?
A: That's a hard question, as so many of my teachers inspired me and influenced my life. Mrs Prichard was kind and generous and always beautifully dressed! Mrs Malpass and Mrs Barnes inspired me in my love of acting, and of course, Mr Palmer took us all around the world with the choir. It was a special time.
Q: Can you share a special memory of your time here as a pupil?
A: That would have to be the Bermuda choir tour (pic below, right). My friends can't believe it when I tell them we went to a paradise island to sing Gershwin and Andrew Lloyd Webber! There was also the notorious production of Grease with our friends from QEH (left), in which I played Rizzo. Unforgettable.
High School Foundation and Clifton Rosarian
Q: What are the main changes you can see now that you are back and working here? How has the School evolved?
A: Apart from the boys, there is a lot more technology, the uniform is smarter, and it’s a much bigger school than when I was here, but it still has a real sense of a close-knit community
Q: If you could sum up Clifton High School in five words, what would they be?
A: Caring, happy, curious, fun and community
Q: How did Clifton High School shape you as a person and your future career as a teacher?
A: Clifton High School really nurtured my love of reading, writing and the theatre. I remember developing a passion for Shakespeare very early on (I had a picture of him in my locker). I never felt afraid of the language because my teachers were so enthusiastic and made it accessible. We also had many opportunities to perform, which brought dramatic texts to life I remember doing quite a bit of creative writing when I was at School This was really encouraged
Q: Are there any traditions or aspects of the School that you ’ re excited to see again or contribute to?
A: Anything dramatic or musical We used to have a house drama competition when I was at school, which was very popular
On leaving the School, former students, staff and governors automatically become a Clifton Rosarian. As such, they are welcome to attend all occasions organised for Clifton Rosarians, as well as many other School events held throughout the year. All Clifton Rosarians receive:
Our annual review of the year, with information from the School, our Foundation and our alumni and termly newsletters
An invitation to attend the biannual Clifton Rosarian Day Regular invites to School events, including Rose Day celebrations
To join or update your details, please follow this link.
25 Clifton High School Foundation and Clifton Rosarian Newsletter Autumn 2025
WELCOME TO NEW STAFF
We welcomed the following members of staff to Clifton High School during the autumn term.
Ms Carlene Allert PGCE Student
Miss Georgia Ashwell Science Technician
Ms Verity Aylward Teacher of History
Mrs Laura Baker Teaching Assistant
Miss Lucy Berni Events Coordinator
Mr Mark Bishop Teacher of Science
Mr Edoardo Carucci PGCE Student
Mrs Laura Clarke Teacher of PE and Games
Miss Jessie Cox Food and Nutrition Technician
Mr Kieron Crowley PGCE Student
Miss Gwen Dimbleby After School Supervisor
Miss Asta Jasiene Cover Manager
Mr Matthew Elston Tennis Coach
Ms Rosie England Teacher of Design Technology and Art
Mr Alfie Hutchings-Light Teaching Assistant
Mrs Jane Jakia Lunchtime Supervisor
Miss Hannah McKenzie Junior School Teacher
Mx Edie Meakin Lunchtime and After School Supervisor
Mrs Funsho Osinoiki Teacher of Mathematics
Mr Simon Percy Head of Adventure and Outoor Education
Mr Frank Roberts Adventure and Development Intern
Mrs Louise Wells Lunchtime Supervisor
Mr Lorne St Clair Teacher of English
Mrs Amy Thwaites Teacher of English
Ms Umma Umara Luchtime and After School Supervisor
Mrs Molly Weavers Graduate Assistant - Music
Mr Cheung Fung Wong Science Technician
FAREWELL
Mr Jack Wright Teaching Assistant
Mr Milo Young Graduate Assistant - Sport
Sadly, the following members of staff left Clifton High School this term. We wish them well as on their next venture and welcome them to the Clifton Rosarians!
Mrs Sarah Maidment Admissions Officer
Sarah joined Clifton High School in 2016, and has been part of the team who have seen the School grow considerably over the past nine years.
Mrs Kiran Ganpatial Teaching Assistant
Kiran has been a teaching assistant since 2022 and has supported so many of our younger pupils during her time at Clifton High School .
Mrs Kate McKee Development Officer
Kate joined the Development Team in 2022 and has been instrumental in establishing Foundation Day and expanding our Clifton Rosarian network.
Thank you all for your contributions to Clifton High School and its pupils.
Clifton High School Foundation and Clifton Rosarian
