Meet the Head: Queen Anne’s School

This issue we speak to Ms Elaine Purves, who is the Head at Queen Anne’s School. Queen Anne’s is an 11-18 girls’ school, which is set in stunning grounds in Caversham, Reading.

Meet the Head

Special feature

When did you join Queen Anne’s and what were you doing before that?

I joined Queen Anne’s in January, following my headship at St. John’s International School in Belgium. My background is very much in education, and this is my fourth headship; I had an interesting Christmas with our mid-year, post-Brexit move from Belgium to the UK!

The school is housed in some beautiful old buildings. Can you tell us a bit about its history?

Founded in 1894, the school is steeped in history and tradition, with our main building, previously known as Amersham Hall dating back to the 1860s. The school was originally part of the Grey Coat Hospital Foundation which offered girls the chance to gain a serious education. Today, we are a part of the United Westminster Grey Coat Foundation; a prestigious group of schools in which the students benefit from inter-foundation activities.

The old buildings are indeed beautiful; in combination with some ultra-modern recent build and internal reconfiguration, we have an inspirational learning environment.

Queen Anne’s School girls consistently achieve excellent exam results. How do you help pupils deal with stress during exam periods?

We recognise that examination periods can be an extremely stressful time for students. To ensure our students know how to deal with any pressures they may feel, we run sessions which explain the neuroscience behind stress and revision, which empowers them to confidently deploy a number of coping strategies. Relaxation sessions such as mindfulness and yoga and time away from studying to pursue a physical outlet enable our students to be mentally and physically ready for their exams. All of this contributes to being able to achieve the best possible grades, with students achieving on average, 1.5 grades better than expected at GSCE and A Level.

How do you feel Queen Anne’s prepares girls for the many challenges face by women in the wider world?

The influence social media has on young people today is problematic, with issues such as identity, stereotyping and equality prevalent in society. The students here can throw themselves into school life. Nothing is ‘off limits’ in terms of curriculum, and there are endless opportunities outside the classroom. We ensure each student reaches her potential, providing an environment that inspires them to flourish; encouraging them to make their mark. I believe we are a place where girls can grow in selfconfidence, self-belief, and gain the drive to take on the world.

What have been your favourite events in the school calendar in the last year?

Back in November 2021, prior to starting as Head, I was invited to the school’s biennial service at Westminster Abbey. To be a part of such a special occasion was really rather moving. The girls wore their scarlet capes, the choir performed beautifully, and a number of students delivered readings. I felt very much a sense of joining Queen Anne’s history and was humbled to learn that we are only one of five schools that has been granted the privilege of holding a service at the Abbey.

Although the school has many impressive large-scale events, it has been the myriad of smaller events that I have relished, as they have given me the opportunity to get to know the students, staff, parents, and alumnae. I have dubbed Queen Anne’s the Tardis as so much goes on every day! I enjoy dropping into classrooms, cheering on our girls on the lacrosse pitch, attending the many music concerts and watching fantastic drama performances.

What do you like doing to relax?

Caversham is a new area for me and my family, so I have been exploring our new surroundings. I love the fact that in one direction, we are a 20-minute walk to Reading station with such easy access to London, and in the other direction, the countryside is right on our doorstep. The picturesque setting of Oxfordshire, rolling hills of the Chilterns and the Thames riverbank are perfect for family walks and cycle rides. We are very happy to be here.

For more information, please visit www.qas.org.uk or call 0118 918 7300.

If your school is interested in appearing in our Meet the Head feature, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Lesley for more information: editor@familiestvw.co.uk