Holles Connect Spring 2025

The success of every alumna inspires us all

LEH SCHOOL & ALUMNAE NEWS

SPRING 2025 – LIFTING UP ISSUE Become an LEH Elevate Mentor

Pupils are strongest when they cheer each other on

Sustainability and Holles Connect

Holles Connect magazine is mailed only to alumnae who’ve requested it, or if we don’t have an email address for you. It is available to read in digital format, so if you would prefer an electronic version in the future, please email alumnae@lehs.org.uk to let us know your details.

It is printed by Lavenham Press who hold the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems Certification. Holles Connect is printed on FSC accredited and carbon balanced paper, and the traditional paper envelope has been replaced with a compostable poly-wrap (which can be recycled in your usual food waste). Printing and mailing are done from one site to reduce transportation waste and emissions.

Alumnae Advisory Group members

CHAIR Lisa Day (Director of Development and Communications)

SECRETARY Susanna Frayn (Alumnae Communications Officer)

MEMBERS Sue Barber (LEH 1973-1980)

Emily Formby (LEH 1975-1985)

Vivienne Hay (LEH 2003-2010)

Joanna Hubbard (LEH 1977-1987)

Gillian Keller (LEH 1963-1970)

Lizzi Michael (LEH 1997-2007)

Jane Ross (LEH 1957-1964)

Charlotte Surguy (LEH 1982-1986)

Trish White (LEH 1947-1955)

WITH SPECIAL THANKS FROM HOLLES CONNECT EDITOR SUSANNA FRAYN

I’m very grateful to everyone who has contributed to this issue, especially our amazing alumnae Vanessa Hall, Caroline Ayling, Yasmine Chinwala and Kate Rowe-Ham. They have all generously shared their stories here.

Thank you to my fantastic team in Marketing and Development for their kind support and brilliant proof-reading. And a special thank you to freelance designer Abi May for doing such a fantastic job.

Many thanks indeed to the brilliant Eliza Meehan and Georgia Myers for agreeing to be our cover stars. Photo credit: Shendrew Balendran.

HEAD MISTRESS’ WELCOME

Rowena Cole talks from the heart about her mission to help women take their place.

LIFTING UP IN SCHOOL

RAISING UP THE NEXT GENERATION

Get involved with our new mentoring programme

CHEERING EACH OTHER ON

There’s a culture of mutual celebration at LEH says Head of U6 Helen Barnett.

LIFTING UP IN LIFE

IF NOT ME, THEN WHO?

Marketing expert Caroline Ayling pays it forward to the next generation. 4 18 6 9

DON’T WRITE US OFF

Menopause coach Kate Rowe-Ham empowers women to take back control of their lives.

OARSOME ALUMA DOES IT AGAIN

First she crossed the Atlantic, now she’s mastered the Pacific.

SHE NOSE YOU KNOW!

ANDREW HAYTER GOES INTERNATIONAL

SUPPORTING ALUMNAE

THE GIFT OF EDUCATION

Our Bursary Fund is more important than ever. FORTHCOMING ALUMNAE EVENTS

Book your tickets now!

From eco fashion to female returners, our Be Bold recipients put their grants to great use.

Laugher and sisterhood between the generations at the Alumnae Reunion.

Beloved alumnae lost this year include former clarinet teacher Marjorie Beebee with a 75-year connection to LEH.

Alumna becomes youngest Female Master of Wine in the world. Follow

Former Head of Chemistry now teaching in Thailand. TOP OF THE CLASS

LEH Named London Independent School of the Year.

HOPE FAVOURS THE BOLD

Daisy Fancourt explores the science behind our school motto.

Cover image: Eliza Meehan and Georgia Myers. Photo credit: Shendrew Balendran.

Head Mistress’ Welcome

One of the things that really spurred me on to become Head Mistress of LEH, was a passionate desire to help other women step forward to take their place in their chosen sphere, in the room, at the table, and in the world.

It was while running a co-ed school, in a previous role, that I began to understand that we still have a distance to travel to close the gender gap. This realisation left me with a strong desire to play my part in encouraging other women; to empower them, to believe every ambition can be realised and to lead.

So, this issue of Holles Connect is devoted to a theme very close to my heart: Lifting Others Up. It’s a guiding principle which I’m proud to say runs throughout LEH, our staff and pupils, both implicitly and explicitly.

“We lift those around us” is one of the six values set out in our new five-year school strategy, which we’ve called Facing the Future Undaunted. It sets out LEH’s ambition to be considered one of the leading research-based experts in the education of girls, as well as one of the top-performing schools in the UK by offering stretch and challenge in a context of kindness and care.

It feels like an entirely apt title, which captures the fact that both our school and our pupils will face challenges in the future but, as our motto Hope Favours the Bold encourages, these will be faced with an optimism and a courage.

For over 300 years, we have been educating girls to go out in the world into the places of their choice, to bring about positive change and progress. I feel there is a moral imperative to make sure this continues to be the case.

There is no such thing as a typical LEH girl, we are a community that empowers girls to be successful in whatever sphere they choose. This idea sits at the heart of our new strategy, and behind the ambition we have for every single pupil at LEH to be bold in their thoughts and actions, and to make a significant impact in the world, as exemplified by you, our amazing alumnae.

That’s why I’m particularly keen to support LEH Elevate, our new mentoring scheme, which allows

our current Sixth Form pupils to seek out a mentor and benefit directly from the vast wealth of experience and expertise offered by our former students.

Please read the feature for some moving case histories about alumnae who have helped raise up their fellow former pupils, and some of our Lower Sixth too. If you haven’t signed up as a mentor yet, we strongly encourage you to do so.

There’s nothing more inspiring for our pupils than receiving advice and encouragement from those who have gone before them, who have walked the same path, shared the same experience and really understand where they’re coming from.

You don’t have to take just my word that LEH fully embraces the ethos of amplifying other women; the important notion that if you help another woman rise, we all shine. In this issue of the magazine our Head of Upper Sixth and English Teacher Helen Barnett explains how pupils act as cheerleaders for each other, and we hear firsthand from some of our current girls about the difference it can make and what it means to them.

I’m also delighted that we are showcasing four of our incredible alumnae, who all reveal what they’ve done to champion other women, from campaigning for greater diversity in the financial sector to driving equity and inclusion in the world of marketing and communications.

Leading a school is a privilege in so many ways, not least because you are guaranteed to experience something that leaves you feeling inspired every single day – no matter what’s happening in the wider world. That’s part of the pure joy of working with children and young people, and especially the pupils and community we have at LEH.

In an external environment as changeable and unpredictable as ours, I am uplifted by the strength, capability and character of our pupils. Their ambitions for the future and the impact I know they will have in the years to come, as so abundantly demonstrated by our alumnae, is what fuels me with much-needed hope and optimism.

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PUPIL POWER

L6 students explain why it’s important to champion each other.

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DRIVING FORCE

Who needs support and how can I help? asks Vanessa Hall.

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FEMINIST SOLIDARITY

Yasmine Chinwala draws strength from the women in her life.

Your Chance to Give Back

Our new mentoring programme LEH Elevate offers all our former pupils an opportunity to share their experience and champion others in the Holles Connect community.

We are inviting all of you to help raise up the next generation of bold alumnae by signing up to be a mentor on LEH Elevate. Your contribution could make all the difference because, for the first time, new safeguarding measures mean that current Sixth Form pupils can benefit directly from your wisdom and support.

Between our members, the LEH alumnae network represents an incredible range of industries, skills, technical ability, career know-how, entrepreneurial flair, business expertise and university knowledge. Your shared experience of LEH, and our sisterhood community, is particularly inspiring for current pupils - a tangible example of what those before them have gone on to achieve and what they might, with your support, aspire to.

“We’ve found that alumnae mentoring pupils, both past and present, has been very empowering for those taking part,” says Nicky Hampstead, Head of Higher Education and Careers. “The shared LEH connection means it’s been very rewarding for mentors and pupils alike. Older alumnae seem to relish giving back and younger pupils can really benefit from that vast bank of life experience and professional knowledge. It’s been very uplifting to help make those introductions.”

Please visit the mentoring page on the Holles Connect platform to find out more about the programme. There are useful guides to help you make the most of the mentoring relationship, details of how to sign-up and codes of conduct that we ask all participants to abide by. If you have signed-up to be a mentor in the past, please visit the site to update your preferences and opt-in to being a potential mentor for our Sixth Form pupils.

We will be launching the re-vamped alumna-to-alumna mentoring programme next year, so watch out for more information and do let us know if you’d be willing to run training sessions for would-be mentors or mentees. You can contact us by emailing: alumnae@lehs.org.uk

Being LEH alumnae gives us a mutual understanding

Undergraduate Eliza Meehan, Class of 2021, says that working with mentor Georgia Myers, Class of 2014, for the last 18 months has significantly boosted her confidence and made her more ambitious.

There was definitely common ground and a mutual understanding because she was an alumna.

definitely common ground and a mutual understanding. We had a similar way of thinking and working which made us compatible.”

Eliza turned to Georgia for advice when she was thinking about which Masters course to do and leapt at the opportunity this summer to carry out a nine-week project for Georgia’s new business. “I’ve always been interested in entrepreneurial ideas, and so working on a start-up has really inspired me to have confidence that it’s something I could pursue. It makes me more ambitious as it feels more achievable.”

She is keen to encourage pupils to seek out their own mentor too: “Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. I was nervous initially, but I’ve really enjoyed it and got loads out of it. There’s such a good environment at LEH. Everyone wants to help each other out, and I plan to pay it forward too.”

Eliza grow with guidance and take on new challenges with confidence.

I know firsthand how impactful having a mentor can be. Early in my career, I was fortunate to have mentorsincluding a Hampton School alumnus - who shared his experiences and offered guidance. This support helped me gain practical knowledge, build confidence, open doors, and challenge my thinking from new perspectives. That’s why I wanted to offer support to Eliza - mentorship has the power to inspire and guide in ways that books or online resources can’t.

Eliza, who is currently a final year student at Durham University studying Natural Sciences, says: “As there are just seven years between us, all of Georgia’s experience and advice is still really relevant to me. She works in a very collaborative way, which makes her very approachable and not at all intimidating.”

Eliza first got in touch with Georgia, who has recently launched a start-up functional nutrition company called Flow Health Science, after Georgia came back to LEH to do a careers talk and mentioned a summer internship scheme run by Applied Strategic, the company she was working for at the time.

Towards the end of the placement, Georgia gave Eliza an opportunity to lead a session and seemed impressed by the result. The mentoring relationship has continued to grow and blossom from there. Eliza explains: “I think the fact that she was a fellow alumna really helped. There was

Meanwhile Georgia Myers explains in her own words: “My journey from LEH to my current role leading Flow Health Science - a start-up focused on creating innovative, clinically proven functional foods - followed degrees in Neuroscience and Biotechnology, four years in strategy consulting, and roles in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. In consulting, especially, close teamwork and mentoring played a crucial role and led me to first connect with Eliza.

Over the past two summers, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Eliza - first at my previous strategy consulting firm, and more recently during her internship at Flow Health Science. Eliza was an excellent addition to the team, making meaningful contributions and fitting in seamlessly. It was clear that our shared background as LEH alumnae helped us connect and made our collaboration smooth and effective. Maintaining this relationship over the past two years has been very rewarding, watching

LEH is a nurturing ground for exceptional talent and a great platform for finding a mentor.

I’ve found that these relationships are often strongest when you share common experiences. Being part of the LEH network is invaluable for that reason. The school is a nurturing ground for exceptional talent and a great platform for finding a mentor. To anyone considering reaching out to potential mentors: I’ve always been surprised at how willing people, even in senior positions, are to help if you just ask. Don’t be afraid to reach out. And if you’re thinking of becoming a mentor, you don’t need to be in a senior position to make an impact. It’s a rewarding experience and a great way to connect with talented young minds.”

Sixth Form mentees and their alumnae mentors

“Talking to Phoebe really boosted my confidence… it has really helped my communication skills.”

Chloe, Lower Sixth

WHAT IS MENTORING?

Mentoring is about unlocking a person’s potential to maximise their own performance. It is helping them to learn, rather than teaching them, by asking questions, listening and encouraging them to reframe and clarify things for themselves.

“It’s allowed me to reflect on how far I’ve come since leaving school…It’s been a rewarding experience for me.”

Architectural Assistant Phoebe Lawrie, Class of 2018

“It was really eye-opening talking to Katharine… I think we’re very lucky to have this opportunity at LEH.”

Maia, Lower Sixth

“Having that LEH connection gives a sense of camaraderie and it’s rewarding to give something back to the school.”

Barrister Katharine Bailey, Class of 2013

An effective mentoring relationship is one where each learns from one another. As a result of your conversations, the mentee should feel empowered to make their own decisions about the best way forward for them.

NEXT STEPS

To sign up or find out more information, please visit our LEH Elevate page on Holles Connect: www. hollesconnect.org.uk/ careers or email alumane@ lehs.org.uk

THINGS TO REMEMBER

– You need to opt in to be a mentor via Settings on your Holles Connect account.

– Please select Sixth Form Mentor.

– Please upload a photo to your profile.

– Complete a career profile to make the most of the match function.

A Culture of Mutual Celebration

Head of Upper Sixth and English Teacher

Helen Barnett reveals how LEH pupils support each other to foster a sense of solidarity and empowerment.

Last week I took a register for an Upper Sixth tutor group and one of the members of the form arrived a few moments late. On being asked why she was looking a little flustered, she admitted, rather shyly, that she had just found out she had been given an interview for her chosen course at her first choice of Cambridge University college. As one, the whole form whooped with delight and burst into a spontaneous round of applause. It was a lovely start to the day.

What made this moment particularly warming was the fact that, at this time, most of the students in the Upper Sixth were anxiously awaiting news from universities and a number of members of that form group were waiting to hear from Oxbridge, yet there was no indication of jealousy or resentment; they were genuinely happy for their classmate. It is this generous celebration and enjoyment of the success of others, whether it be academic, musical, dramatic or sporting, that makes LEH such a special place.

Academic Rivalry?

Of course, LEH is known for its academic success and, as such, over the years friends and fellow teachers who have heard of the school have asked me the usual questions about whether the academic environment breeds a slightly cutthroat attitude

in our students. I always take great pleasure in explaining it’s the absolute opposite. Our students invariably cheer each other on.

As an English teacher, when teaching GCSE and A Level groups, I regularly share examples of outstanding work for the rest of the class as a model for the others and, whenever I do this, the student concerned is congratulated, sometimes with gasps of pleasure. If a younger girl has her work read out to the class, the same thing happens. When I was a new teacher to the school, it came as a total surprise, now it is just the pleasant norm.

Celebrating Success

It’s interesting to consider exactly where this culture of mutual celebration comes from. It seems fair to say it is partly rooted in our tendency, as a school, to celebrate success as much as we can (no matter how small or large) in our whole school and year group assemblies, culminating in our wonderful and aptly named Celebration of the Year at the end of the Summer Term.

It is partly rooted in our House system and the numerous competitions throughout the year that encourage our students to cheer for each other and just have a go. It is partly rooted in the hugely impressive example set by many of our alumnae who constantly remind our current students what is achievable and so generously give their own time to give inspiring talks and advice.

And, perhaps most importantly, it is partly rooted in the fact that our students, as members of an all girls’ school, have an impressively mature sense of their responsibility to support their fellow females in their endeavours, demonstrating the very best kind of feminism.

It is totally apposite that one of our new values as a school is ‘We lift those around us’ because it’s true; our girls constantly do.

WHAT ARE LEH’S NEW VALUES?

– We choose to succeed

– We rise to challenges

– We lift those around us

– We inspire trust

– We encourage personal agency

– We embrace joy and laughter

We Raise Each Other Up

Our team of Lower Sixth Creative Directors reveal why they feel it’s important to champion each other, and how it makes pupils stronger to cheer each other on.

MAYA

ZAHRA

At LEH, we are fortunate to be surrounded by incredible, empowering women every day -from our inspiring teachers, who guide us with wisdom and care, to our friends, who uplift us with compassion and understanding. Through my time at the school, I’ve come to deeply value the strength of female friendships. Even a simple ‘well done’ or a quiet word of encouragement can transform someone’s day, reminding us that we are never alone on our journeys. It’s these small acts of kindness that create a ripple effect, helping us all to grow into the strong, confident women we aspire to be.

Our school thrives as an all-girls school as we all come together to inspire and empower one another, taking all opportunities that come our way. From female role models, to leaders, to friendships… women must constantly work together to create a safe environment for us to feel motivated to achieve our goals and realise our unique strengths. I believe that our world will only continue to encourage women, and the female community will only grow stronger, giving us all the strength to work hard and dream big.

ANABELLE

During my time at LEH, I’ve witnessed first-hand how a community of strong, determined girls can uplift one another - whether it’s through mentorship, teamwork, or simply offering encouragement in times of doubt. What I love most about the LEH community is that, if I’m feeling low, I can always count on someone - whether it’s a friend, a classmate or a staff member- to lift my spirits and bring an immediate smile to my face. I am proud to call myself an LEH girl.

ISABELLE

Being part of a generation which is so active on social media, I think supporting other people online - even if it’s something as simple as liking a post someone has made or leaving a kind comment - is extremely valuable. It is very inspiring to see others around me share their achievements online, and I find it just as important to congratulate them. When people do this for me, I feel motivated to continue posting and sharing my achievements and I would love to give others the same feeling. Every uplifting action online is a step in the right direction to make social media a place where people feel comfortable in their individuality and we encourage positive selfexpression, no matter what.

BRIA

As an Art student, the unwavering support from my art teachers has helped, and continues to help me, through the stresses that come alongside taking GCSE and A level art. As a result, I’ve made it a priority to support fellow students, especially those feeling the same pressure I once did. Whether it’s sharing techniques, offering feedback, or simply listening, I’ve found that small gestures can make a big difference. Together, we’ve fostered a supportive environment where creativity thrives, and every challenge feels a little lighter when faced as a team.

ASHA

Since joining LEH in September this year, one thing I have noticed is how welcoming the school is as a whole. There is certainly a culture of supporting each other, whether that is between teachers and students or between pupils in all year groups. It is specifically encouraged to lift each other up, and I think this is beneficial as it helps to create a very inclusive atmosphere. It’s important that women raise each other up in all aspects of life. We survive as a community, and that is something that will never change.

I Want to Make Things Better for Others

Vanessa Hall, Class of 2016, has

always had a strong social conscience and been motivated to give back and make a difference, especially when it comes to lifting other women.

Vanessa describes herself as a ‘feminist scholar’, having just completed her Masters in Gender, Policy and Inequalities at LSE. She has been working as a Relationship and Sex Education Facilitator and has just started a new role at Everyone’s Invited, a charity dedicated to ending rape culture.

She thinks that her zeal to fight for women’s rights and equality, stems from her upbringing: “I grew up in a single parent household with my mum. I saw the burden of care she had and the prejudices she had to overcome to be the breadwinner. Experiencing a different family model got me thinking about what’s considered ‘normal’ – it gave me a critical eye for the status quo in the world.”

It also instilled in her a strong sense of appreciation of the advantages she’d been given in life. “I saw that where I grew up, and being able to attend an amazing school like LEH, gave me great privilege. I want to use that to make things better for other people.”

Fired up by the feminist issues raised in several of her set texts for A level English, Vanessa set up a Global Women’s Group with her friend Freya Gascoigne in the Upper Sixth. “Mr Tompsett, Head of Sixth Form, allowed us to call a debate with the boys at Hampton School to discuss Is Sex Just for Men? That was very empowering –the teachers gave us the floor and we had the time and space to talk about what really mattered to us.”

After LEH, Vanessa went to UCL to study Anthropology. She broke off mid-degree to spend time working and travelling: “I wanted to see what it was really like out there and make my own mind up about some of the global issues I’d been studying.”

Post graduation, she was uncertain which direction to go in, but knew she didn’t want a desk job and that she felt passionate about working with young people, having already volunteered with a range of charities working with disadvantaged communities. So, she joined Teach First as a Geography

Teacher, working at Brampton Manor Academy in Newham, one of the poorest boroughs in London.

“You learn on the job at Teach First. It’s a sort of baptism of fire, but that suited me well,” says Vanessa. “The first two years were during Covid, so it was even more challenging, absolute chaos really, but we muddled through.”

After years of academic study, it felt good to be on the ground, having an impact. But Vanessa gradually realised she wanted to make her mark on a larger scale, and when a friend suggested doing a Masters, it just felt right.

She found a course at LSE which ticked every box, expanding her world view by getting her thinking much more about policy and systems. “It was incredible really, such a mind shift for me, and I managed to make every assignment and piece of course work tie in with my key areas of interest –social mobility and feminism; bringing a gendered lens to everything.”

She adds: “We were so lucky at LEH. As a girls’ school, we were quite shielded from some of the misogyny and everyday sexism. It wasn’t until I was working at Brampton that I realised how embedded so many of the patriarchal attitudes are.”

I wouldn’t know what I know, or be where I am, if other people hadn’t shared with me, and helped lift me up.

of an interconnected system of attitudes and assumptions; that ‘blokey’ sexist jokes are part of the framework that ultimately leads to senseless violence against women.”

This realisation led to her final thesis exploring how young men living in London responded to the Mayor of London’s #HaveAWord campaign. Sparked by the murder of Sarah Everard and the other high-profile cases of women killed between 2021-2022, the campaign used posters and social media to encourage men to ‘have a word’ and call out misogyny and everyday sexism.

Of the 17 men she spoke to, only two participants felt they had a personal role to play in tackling misogyny. When asked who was responsible for the epidemic of violence against women and girls, there seemed to be disconnect. “They seemed to feel, I’m not responsible if I didn’t do it. And that results in a polarisation where there are ‘good’ guys and ‘bad’ guys, which makes the problem worse as we can’t see that we are all part of a system that is oppressive and violent towards marginalised groups.”

Vanessa is hoping to combine her extensive experience of the education sector and the knowledge she acquired during her Masters, to create, advise and consult on policy initiatives and interventions tackling violence against women and girls.

Her new role sees her working as project manager for Everyone’s Invited in West Mercia. The local authority there has released funding for a short-term pilot project to roll out education workshops in secondary schools in the area.

what are the gifts and privileges that I have? How can I share them round? Who might need a bit more support and what can I do to help?

“I think we need to shift the narrative for women with privilege from being ‘I need to be as successful as I can be’ to ‘how can I share what I have – skills, time, resources.’

“I wouldn’t know what I know, or be where I am, if other people hadn’t shared with me, and helped lift me up. It’s all about giving what you can. It’s the driving force behind my life –who needs support and what can I do to help?”

WHO HAS LIFTED YOU UP?

“My mum is incredible. She’s my biggest supporter and now a qualified career coach. Her thing has always been that you need to find your spark. Figure out your raison d’etre, let that be your mission for your career and success will come.

While chatting with a male friend about a murder of a young girl that was in the news headlines at the time, Vanessa had an epiphany about the distinction some men make between their own behaviour and that of others. “He dismissed the perpetrator as having mental health problems and couldn’t see that he himself was part

“I really take issue with the definition of feminism that sees it focused on individual responsibility. I’m all about the collective and building communities,” says Vanessa. “The notion ‘We Raise Each Other Up’ is a really motivating factor for everything I do; a guiding principle. Ask yourself,

“So that’s what I, in turn, would like to pass on to current pupils: try and get in touch with what makes you feel really alive and follow that, rather than doing what you feel might be expected of you.”

Driving Change and Making a Difference

“I’ve always thought, if I’m not going to do it, who is?”

says Caroline Ayling, Class of 2001, who is a marketing professional with 20 years’ experience in media, sports marketing, athlete management and consultancy.

This year, in addition to being Marketing Director at JAA Media, she is also President of Bloom UK, a professional network for women who work in the world of communications and want to pay it forward to the next generation, and to drive industry change when it comes to equity and inclusion.

Caroline says: “I believe in equity, fairness and standing up and doing. I’ve worked for strong female leaders who have all championed that until our boardrooms are 50/50, there will always be a role for female-focused organisations. I am not a believer in quotas, but I advocate that every woman has the ability to lead, but not always the opportunity.”

Having gained work experience in the press office at Wimbledon during her summer holidays studying Human Geography at Bristol University, Caroline knew she wanted to move into sports marketing. She was inspired by Karen Earl, one of the best-known women in the sponsorship industry, and wrote to her three times until Karen finally agreed to interview her.

“One of my first accounts there was looking after Dee Caffari, the first woman to sail solo, non-stop around

the world against the prevailing winds and currents. She circumnavigated the world six times, often spending up to six months at sea, entirely by herself.

“It was the days when women’s sport was still very much in the news category of adventure, so we were doing stories on the front page of The Times and for the bongs on the 10 O’Clock News. It made the headlines that a woman was doing this. Now women’s sport takes up column inches in the sports pages, and is broadcast on live TV, which is a testament to how far we’ve come.”

Since LEH days, when Mary Beardwood coached her netball team to win Nationals, Caroline has been a keen sportswoman. Two years ago, she hung up her netball trainers, picked up a whistle and achieved an England Netball Level 2 coaching qualification. She now trains three teams in her local squad at Grasshoppers in Isleworth.

In addition, Caroline is a Trustee of Duchenne UK, which campaigns for better treatment, care and support for people with Duchene Muscular Dystrophy and their families. She is an avid fundraiser and has taken part in many endurance events including

I want to be able to turn around to my children and say I made a difference.

two London marathons and cycling virtually from London to Paris in lockdown.

WHO RAISES ME UP?

Emily Reuben who is the co-founder and CEO of Duchenne UK. She was a family friend who was just that bit older than me so, as an only child, it was like have a big sister. She gave me my first pair of sparkly high heels and was always there for me. When she told me her eldest son had been diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and there was no cure, I said: “We’re going to do something about this.”

Caroline helped Emily establish the Duchenne Children’s Trust. The charity joined forces with Joining Jack and is now Duchenne UK. Since 2012 they have raised more than £17 million to accelerate the search for treatments and a cure for DMD, and have set up groundbreaking and awardwinning collaborations, turning Duchenne UK into the UK’s largest funder of DMD research.

All this, plus being a mother of two; seven-year-old Lily and five-year-old Ben, who has autism and attends a special school. “I have to be highly organised and efficient and am lucky to work flexibly to manage the balance.”

“We talk a lot at Bloom about ‘The Juggle’. It’s the industry’s biggest consultation into work-life balance. Concerns about work-life balance are cited as a key factor in women’s continued underrepresentation in particular job roles. But most studies

into work-life balance only consider gender divides and lump women together into one homogenous group.

“We’ve taken it one step further with ‘The Juggle’. It’s the biggest and most in-depth consultation into this issue through an intersectional lens to explore how different groups of women are affected.”

For Caroline, it’s an issue close to her heart: “I really lost my identity after I had children. I felt the sisterhood had let me down a bit, as no-one told me how different and hard it was going to be. I wish someone had said ‘It’s OK to not feel this is your calling in life’.

“I’ve always fought very strongly to support women coming back from mat leave. The whole system is so anti anyone who is not a white man, especially when you get to a certain seniority or stage of your career. I’m one of these people who was really quite square at school – and in life generally – I like things to be right. I don’t understand why we can’t live in an equal world. Historically, women got to the top by screwing over other women, but now we need to do so by supporting each other and speaking out when we see something that’s not right.”

Caroline recently did just that, using her voice to express exasperation with a system that she felt was failing her autistic son, by taking to LinkedIn to call out the shortcomings of an underfunded NHS. “I was inspired to write the article by a lifelong friend and fellow LEH classmate, who was one of my bridesmaids. She was really brave, because there is still a lot of stigma associated with autism, but she was very open when her child was diagnosed with it. And I thought why am I hiding it? Ben is not to be hidden away; he is a joy and a delight.

“We recognised Ben’s autism early and realised he wouldn’t be able to start his education in a mainstream school. You go through a grieving process when you realise they are not going to lead the life you expected. My son

has thrived in a special school, but it is still hard, exhausting and frustrating at times. But it has joyous moments too, when new phrases are learnt or a nursery rhyme sung for the first time, or when he puts a sock on by himself for the first time.”

On LinkedIn Caroline wrote: “I am posting after the bravery of many mothers, and fathers, who are fed up and we are speaking out… Where is the NHS in providing support to frankly terrified parents!? I have a day job, I do two volunteering roles, I coach netball, I get the kids to school four days a week and I manage the stuff that the NHS can’t do. It’s not ok. Something needs to change!”

ADVICE TO PUPILS

“Find the things you love doing and give it your all. You will be brilliant if you are you. Find your authentic self and you will shine. There is so much pressure to be perfect. But hold the faith that you will find your way, your people, your meaning and your purpose.”

Caroline is determined to put the advantages she’s been given to good use: “A wonderful education, like I had, has given me the confidence to believe that I can do it. The biggest motivator for me has been having children, as we tell our children to live their dreams. Yet recent research showed that a girl born now, won’t get equal pay with men until she’s 45. That change isn’t fast enough, and I’m not OK with it. You have to put your head above the parapet.

“I want to be able to turn around to my children and say I made, at least a little, difference. That sums me up – I’m trying to drive change and make a bit of a difference.”

Power and Joy of Female Camaraderie

Yasmine Chinwala OBE, Class of 1995, is a regular speaker at LEH, inspiring pupils to think about their financial futures, and has dedicated her career to empowering other women. She writes:

When I left LEH back in 1995, I had an unwavering sense that I, as a young woman, could achieve anything I put my mind to.

I had grown up with a female monarch (Queen Elizabeth II) and a female prime minister (Margaret Thatcher). I had spent 11 years at an all-girls school taught by strong, intelligent women whose very presence commanded my attention and respect. I was surrounded by fearless, high-achieving girls, all of whom were convinced that the world was their oyster.

After finishing university, I became a financial journalist on a City newspaper. I was fortunate to have a smattering of female role models to aspire to amongst the senior editorial team. But as I worked my way up, I began to notice more and more how male dominated the world of work was.

asked me, despite my role in charge of the features desk, because he thought, as a woman, I didn’t like rugby. He may have been right about my dislike of rugby, but I was utterly furious. And once my eyes were open, I could not unsee how much harder working life was (and is) for women.

became the Treasury’s data partner to monitor the progress of signatories. The Charter now has more than 400 signatories covering more than a million employees. I am currently working on our eighth annual review of the Women in Finance Charter, and in 2020 I was awarded an OBE for my work.

When I left LEH I had an unwavering sense that I could achieve anything I put my mind to.

I rarely interviewed women for any of the articles I worked on. There was a lot of sexist banter flying around the office (which I brushed off or joined in with), and I observed an increasing dissonance between my experience and my high expectations, which were set back in my school days.

I distinctly recall one occasion (among many, sadly) when the head of sales took a group of clients to a rugby game at Twickenham, but had not

Once I moved from the news team to the features desk, I was handed what turned out to be a golden opportunity – to put together an annual list of the 100 most influential women in finance. For the next six years I researched senior women across the sector, I got to meet many of them, to build a network and to learn from them. The newspaper also ran an annual survey asking female readers if and how being a woman had impacted their careers – their responses made depressing reading.

I left journalism and in 2014 joined a former colleague (on the basis that we would not make any money for several years) to set up a think tank called New Financial. Our mission statement was bigger, better capital markets –essentially to encourage the financial services sector to think about better outcomes for more people, more of the time.

As we built a database of board members and executive committee members across the industry to call and pitch our newly formed ideas, I suggested we cut the data to analyse female representation at senior levels. And that is how I came to create and lead New Financial’s diversity programme.

That report led to more research, leveraging my coverage on women in finance from my journalism days. A year later, New Financial provided data to a government-backed review of senior women in financial services, the recommendations from which became the HM Treasury Women in Finance Charter.

Companies sign up to the Charter to set a target for women in senior leadership roles, and New Financial

This year, the think tank I co-founded celebrated its 10th anniversary. We had a big party, and many people were effusive with their congratulations and praise for the impact of our work. It was a moment of immense pride, but also reflection. I said a few words of thanks – to our funders, our collaborators and our excellent team of researchers – and added a personal note of thanks to my family, including our wonderful nanny. It is she who keeps my family life ticking over so my husband and I can go to work every day, knowing our children are well cared for.

The role of women in our society, particularly those unsung heroines, will always be my inspiration and motivation and the driving force behind New Financial’s diversity programme.

LEH instilled in me a profound appreciation for the power and joy of the camaraderie of women. As I grow older, I am ever more grateful to the strength I draw from all the fantastic women I have had and still have in my life.

Yasmine and Helen Nicks celebrate the end of A levels, June 1995

One of our first events at New Financial in 2004

Life Really Can Start at 40

“All women go through the menopause, so don’t write us off,” says Kate Rowe-Ham, Class of 1994, who is a Women’s Health Coach specialising in menopause fitness and nutrition.

She is also the founder of Owning Your Menopause, the online community which helps women thrive in midlife, as well as the author of the best-selling book Owning Your Menopause: Fitter, Calmer, Stronger in 30 days.

Talking to Kate, it’s clear just how passionate she is about helping women understand the benefits of movement and diet and how, together, they play a fundamental role in managing many of the symptoms associated with menopause.

Qualifying as a level three Personal Trainer later in life, alongside raising her three children and experiencing her own issues with perimenopause, has given Kate a unique insight into how isolating this journey can be.

Kate says: “One of the things I get the most satisfaction out of is turning things around for women, who up to that point felt there was no way out. I’ve seen it so many times: women at the height of their career suddenly hit by brain fog and hot flushes in the board room and they begin to doubt themselves. They lose confidence and even think about leaving the workplace.

“But I’ve been able to work with them, give them the knowledge and training to help them blossom. With my support, they’ve gone for a promotion, I’ve coached them through the recruitment process and seen them go on to flourish and grow. I’m empowering women to take back control over their bodies.”

Refusing to be written off is a reoccurring theme in Kate’s life, starting with her experience at school.

“My time at LEH was wonderful so far as friendship and support went, but schooling back then was different to now. I just wasn’t academic; I was all about sports and the arts. Once I got to GCSEs, Miss Candy said that as I wasn’t necessarily going to get the grades they required, she didn’t think that LEH was the right school for me, so I had to leave and take my A levels elsewhere.

“It was very difficult at the time, and I must say I left school feeling like I’d never amount to very much. I suspect

my story will resonate with others. Thankfully we’ve come a long way since then and the relationships my sons have with their teachers, and their whole school experience, is so different to the one I had.”

I’m empowering women to take back control over their bodies.

After doing a Multimedia degree in Manchester, Kate returned to London and started working for Lavish Locations, a film location company founded by her mother. When her mother moved abroad Kate took over the business and built it up to the next level.

“I had found my strength and what worked for me. It turns out I’m a real people person, so negotiating, hiring, and promoting the company were all things I could do, and I discovered I really enjoyed turning a business around.”

After taking a career break to have her children, she decided to tap into her passion for fitness by qualifying as a Personal Trainer. “It was during lockdown when my symptoms first started coming on. It was odd, as I was super fit, but I was feeling just physically and emotionally drained.

“The symptoms included anxiety, crippling breathlessness and heart palpitations, but I just couldn’t work out what was wrong. So I went to

the GP and discovered it was the perimenopause. But I refused to accept that this was the next chapter for me, so I did masses of research and worked out what I needed to do to get myself back.

“I realised that other women going through the same experience would benefit from everything I’d learnt, so I taught myself how to do social media, founded an app and created a community online via Instagram called Owning Your Menopause. I was approached by a publishing company who asked me to write a book and now I do regular talks at fitness festivals and wellness events across the county.

“The key takeaway from all this, is that life can start at 40. You can find your vocation, whatever your experiences of school, we have all got the potential. When you’ve grown up with a narrative that you’re not going to amount to much, it’s so important that you find your voice. I still get nervous when I go to do a talk. I still get massive imposter syndrome. Confidence isn’t linear. The power is in sharing the stories and including as many people as possible in the conversation.”

As a trusted expert in her field, Kate has now become the ‘go-to’ Personal Trainer known for her specialised approach to ensuring women get the correct evidence-based information about how to train effectively and nourish their bodies through menopause.

She is one of the patrons of the campaign group Menopause Mandate, alongside others including Davina McCall, Carol Vorderman, Gabby Logan and Jo Whiley, and is regularly featured in the press and on TV talking about empowering women to own their menopause.

It wasn’t until her son was diagnosed with ADHD aged five, that she decided to investigate her own neurodiversity. “I was also found to have ADHD. Being diagnosed as an adult has made me reassess all the things that I thought I couldn’t do. Thirty years ago, awareness of mental health and neurodiversity was simply not a thing.

“When I was at school, it seemed like I was disruptive, not able to soak up information or sit exams, but it turns out it wasn’t my fault. My neurodiverse brain simply wasn’t being allowed to do what it needed to do. Now I understand what’s going on for me, I can do things to not only manage the condition, but to harness it to my advantage.

“Armed with my knowledge of ADHD, I’ve always got my son’s back at school. Don’t dismiss a child without understanding why that incident might have happened. I never want it to be an excuse, I want it to be his superpower. I want him to have a voice and not be forced to shrink himself to fit in. Having ADHD is part of him – it’s what makes him unique and special.”

ADVICE TO OTHER WOMEN

“We’re beginning to talk about the menopause more freely and that’s such good news. It’s those conversations with your friends that are so important. If you think your friend is showing signs of menopause, let her know, reassure her. It’s important not to be afraid of it. It shouldn’t be a taboo subject, it’s a natural life stage and we will all go through it. There’s absolutely no reason to be ashamed.

“I’d also encourage others not to be afraid to make a change if you’re not happy with the way things are going. Midlife brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. Turn that empty nest syndrome into an opportunity to use the life skills you’ve picked up along the way. You shouldn’t be devalued or dismissed, it’s not too late to retrain and find your passion.”

Kate always has one eye to the future and hopes that her app, which is growing daily, will continue to reach thousands more women worldwide. She has ambitions to write another book and next year’s diary is filling up with talks and presentations, including some Women’s Health Ted Talks. “It is ever growing,” says Kate. “I don’t ever get bored of what I do. I have found my calling.”

Endurance Rower Triumphs Again

We are quite simply oar-struck by the incredible achievement of Charlotte Irving, Class of 2008, who smashed the record for a trio to row across the Pacific last July.

Charlotte was part of a three-strong British team of women, also including non-alums Jess Goddard and Taylor Winyard, who completed the World’s Toughest Row, a 2,800-mile-race from California to Hawaii, despite capsizing three times in shark-infested waters.

The trio triumphed in the ultimate test of body and mind to finish in an incredible 38 days, one hour and 34 minutes, setting the new world record for the fastest overall crossing of the mid-Pacific Ocean by any trio – male or female- beating the record held by a male group by 25 hours.

The Pacific Triow team, racing in their boat called Weird Barbie, set the record despite facing a number of setbacks including salt sores, severe sleep deprivation, melting equipment and the boat capsizing three times.

The sporting triumph came hard on the heels of a 2022 victory, when

Marketing lead Charlotte teamed up with fellow alumna Abby Johnston, Class of 2007, who is Head of Rowing at LEH, for a gruelling row across the entire Atlantic Ocean. Alongside their friend Kat Cordiner, they broke the world record for fastest female trio to make the crossing by seven days.

Charlotte said: “The conditions for this challenge were brutal, there were many tears, but we never thought of giving up. We had to be really resilient to bounce back from setbacks. But it was how we dealt with all those setbacks as a team that defined our end result – our goal was to break the world record, and we did that. It wasn’t always pretty, but we made it and I’m so proud of the team.”

It’s not too late to show your support. All proceeds are going to Cancer Research UK so please donate here: www.pacifictriow.com

Youngest Female Master of Wine

Emily Brighton, Class of 2010, has become the youngest female Master of Wine in the world. The much-coveted title is the highest distinction a professional wine expert can achieve.

“I am over the moon,” says Emily. “In many ways, it’s been the most challenging thing I’ve ever done - a mentally and physically wild ride of learning, accomplishment, the odd set back, a global pandemic, wonderful people, wine and places, plus a tonne of hard work, tenacity and focus to achieve this ultimate goal.”

Alumnae Tech Start-up Stars

The return-to-work platform ivee, founded by two former pupils, sisters Amelia and Lydia Miller, and supported by Holles Connect, has had a barnstorming first year.

Emily works as Head of Technical at North South Wines, the first UK wine importer and distributor to achieve B Corp accreditation – the subject of Emily’s research paper. Her passion for wine began while reading Law at Bristol University, where she joined the wine society and discovered blind tasting. It led to a career in the wine industry, including roles at Majestic, The Wine Reserve, Bibendum PLB and Buckingham Schenk.

Emily says: “Wine is the most endlessly fascinating subject, touching on art, history, geography, science... I don’t think there’s anything else like it, and the more you know, the more there is to discover. Blind tasting boils down to sensory logical reasoning under intense time pressure, which is joyous when you’re getting things right, or

conversely infuriating, but highly compelling either way!”

She concludes: “The UK wine industry is endlessly dynamic, and I feel very positive about the direction it’s heading in, with sustainability becoming a key priority in decisionmaking throughout the supply chain, and huge strides being made in uplifting women, while the variety and quality of wine on the market has never been higher.”

Amelia, Class of 2015, and Lydia, Class of 2016, used funding from an LEH Be Bold Grant to help obtain ‘Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme’ (SEIS) approval as part of their early fundraising efforts.

Amelia and Lydia’s platform is dedicated to helping women return to fulfilling careers after time out of the workforce. Their mission is to prevent women returners taking huge salary cuts, and work towards eliminating the gender pay gap caused by the ‘motherhood penalty’.

The site went live in April and has gone from strength to strength. The sisters have used their tech and social media savvy to great effect. They have been shortlisted for several awards, including Women of the Future and Women in Tech, been interviewed on numerous podcasts, online platforms and quoted in the national press.

The pair were inspired to seek a solution after witnessing their own mum’s struggle to return to work.

Tech start-ups are notoriously tough to launch, but their project received a fast-track boost after the pair were accepted onto the Techstars London Accelerator, a 13-week programme with a less than 1% acceptance rate, which helped them build and grow their start-up.

Amelia says: “Research shows that 90% of career breaks are taken by women, and 85% of these women struggle to return to work. This simply isn’t good enough, and we’re committed to changing it. This problem accounts for a staggering 80% of the UK’s gender pay gap.

“At ivee, we use technology to combat this problem, providing AI personalised upskilling for women returning to work, along with confidence-boosting bootcamps and a supportive community. Plus, we connect them with vetted employers offering the flexibility they need.”

For more information, please visit: ivee.jobs/

A Hero Will Rise

Assistant Producer

Georgie Turner, Class of 2017, worked behind the scenes on one of last year’s biggest blockbusters - Ridley Scott’s hit sequel Gladiator II – starring heart-throb Paul Mescal and Hollywood star Denzel Washington.

Post production work on the film took almost a year to complete. Georgie says: “I worked as the Postproduction Coordinator - a slightly different name for an Assistant Producer who coordinates the project from when the camera stops rolling.

“I worked closely with one of the Exec Producers as the predominant production support for several creative teams, including the Editorial and Sound crews. We were really in the thick of it! I had the opportunity to work alongside a number of the actors, as well as Ridley and other principal creatives. There were some real “oh my goodness, is this really happening to me?” moments! I’m utterly delighted and very lucky to have been given such a career-changing opportunity on a film of this scale.”

Georgie says: “When I was at LEH, I was a very involved member of the theatre department, and I’ve pursued this love by moving into a career in the film and TV industry. I’ve been very fortunate and found myself in several ‘right place, right time’ scenarios that mean I’ve had some exciting professional opportunities, however I’ve been astounded by the lack of support in the industry for those trying to break in.”

She has signed up as a mentor on LEH Elevate and adds: “I’d really like to do something to remedy change. I know what a difference a simple conversation can make, so I’m keen to help where I can.”

LEH ENCORE

We’re delighted to announce that we’ll be holding our first ever Creative Industries Networking event in the summer term.

It will be an inspiring opportunity for our incredible alumnae thriving in theatre, film, TV and production to connect with enthusiastic current students.

Please see the Dates for the Diary on page 32 for more details.

Books and Films

Stay Connected with Your Tween

Parenting has become more complicated than it needs to be, says author Tanith Carey, Class of 1985, who aims to put that right with her new book: What’s My Tween Thinking?

Grounded in evidence-based psychology, and co-written with clinical psychologist Dr Angharad Rudkin, it aims to help parents navigate the changes in development during their child’s ‘in between years’, from age eight to 12.

Tanith says: “It’s important to stay connected with your tween and lay the groundwork for the teen years ahead.”

Inspirational Football Documentary Scores

A new documentary about a forgotten chapter of women’s football, made by writer and director Rachel Ramsay, Class of 2005, which packs a powerful emotional punch has been hailed as a huge critical success.

Telling Her Story Not History

Award-winning author and classicist

Dr Daisy Dunn, Class of 2005, reveals the history of the ancient world told, for the very first time, through the women who shaped it.

Copa 71 is Rachel’s co-directorial debut, alongside James Erskine, and uses archival footage, unseen for 50 years, and new interviews to tell the story of the unofficial 1971 Women’s World Cup, a moment virtually erased from the history of soccer, despite being witnessed by record crowds.

Rachel Ramsay says: “Travelling around the world the last few years to meet and work with all the incredible women of Copa 71 has been an absolute riot! I couldn’t be more proud of this film.”

Her new book, The Missing Thread, utilises a new examination of the sources, combined with vivid storytelling, to show us the ancient world through fresh eyes, introducing us to an incredible cast of ancient women, weavers of an entire world, illuminating the stories of those who have been so often pushed to history’s sidelines.

Daisy says: “I wanted to write this book because I’ve been interested in women’s history for a long time. It struck me as strange that, while the book market has been flooded in recent years by fiction titles retelling the stories of mythical women, there has so far been no equivalent on the non-fiction side for the real women of the ancient world.”

Top Ranking for LEH

LEH has been named London’s Independent School of the Year in the prestigious Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2025 thanks to its impressive examination results and all-round exceptional pupil offer.

Widely acknowledged as the most authoritative ranking of the UK’s top schools, the Parent Power Guide (www.thetimes.com/best-schoolsleague-table) describes itself as an

essential resource for parents seeking the very best in education for their children.

Head Mistress, Rowena Cole, said: “I’m so proud that the brilliant work of everyone at LEH has been recognised in this way. It’s a joy to lead the School and to work with such an outstanding team to deliver what we believe is one of the best, most-rounded educations out there.

“It’s a privilege to experience the hard work and achievements of our truly inspiring pupils – some of the most academically able and capable girls in the UK. Our focus is on the whole child, teaching and mentoring them to develop their resilience, and creating a

community of support so that they are brave enough to step out of their comfort zones and face the future undaunted.”

Helen Davies, Editor of Parent Power, said: “The educational landscape is challenging – teacher shortages, rising student mental health issues and special educational needs and the VAT rise – but there is also so much to celebrate from the hard work of passionate and committed teachers who are finding ever more innovative and impactful ways to boost their students and give them the very best start in life.”

Pupils Celebrate Top Grades in Public Exams 2024

LEH students at both A level and GCSE achieved wonderful results last summer, including the Dawes twins (pictured) who received four A* A levels apiece.

Abigail and Madeleine Dawes, Class of 2023, were both Academic and Music Scholars, as well as representing LEH in the first lacrosse team. They each achieved four A* grades in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry, and Maths, Further Maths, Biology and Chemistry respectively.

Overall, the Class of 2023 achieved 78% A*-A, with 17 pupils attaining straight A* grades in all their A levels, with 82% being admitted to their firstchoice of further education courses.

They left LEH to take up places at an array of institutions and courses, including Architecture at Bath, Veterinary Medicine and Natural Sciences at Cambridge, Sports Science, Coaching and Physical Education at Loughborough, Motorsport Engineering at Oxford Brookes, Biomedical Sciences, Medicine and Experimental

New School Strategy Unveiled

Head Mistress Rowena Cole has unveiled a new strategy, called Facing

the Future Undaunted, which sets out

her

ambitions for the next five years for our school and for every LEH pupil.

“It feels like an entirely apt title,” says Mrs Cole, “which captures the fact that both our school and our pupils will face challenges in the future but, as our motto Hope Favours the Bold encourages, these will be faced with an optimism and a courage.”

The AAG (Alumnae Advisory Group) took part in one of several focus groups, designed to give all members of the school community an opportunity to help develop the strategy. The new vision has been informed, in part, by the amazing breadth of achievement and diverse career choices made by our alumnae.

Mrs Cole explains: “There is no such thing as a typical LEH girl, we are a community that empowers girls to take their place in whatever sphere they choose. This idea sits at the heart of our new strategy, and behind the ambition we have for every single pupil at LEH to be bold in their thoughts and actions, and to make a significant impact in the world.”

Psychology at Oxford, History of Art at Edinburgh, and Music at some of the UK’s leading Conservatoires.

The incoming Lower Sixth achieved exceptional results at GCSE, with 94% of their grades being at 9-7, which in old terminology represents A*-A grades, and with 15% of pupils attaining straight 9s across the board. A number of subjects achieved 100% of 8-9 grades, including Geography, Music and Drama.

LEH Head Mistress, Rowena Cole, said: “This is an excellent set of results across the board. Our pupils have achieved impressive results while fully embracing all aspects of life at LEH and playing a big part in the culture and community of our school. We look forward to the role our outstanding students will continue to play at LEH as part of our amazing alumnae community.”

The strategy sets out how LEH will achieve its ambition to be considered one of the leading experts in the education of girls, as well as one of the top-performing schools in the UK by offering stretch and challenge in a context of kindness and care.

Mr Hayter Goes International

We bid a fond farewell to Head of Chemistry, Andrew Hayter, who left LEH after 16 “very enjoyable and memorable years” to join Rugby School in Thailand at the end of the Summer Term.

Mr Hayter said: “It really has been a privilege to teach here, and I will certainly miss my very good friends and colleagues and the wonderful students of course.

“It does feel like the right time for a change for me. I was a teacher for two years in Ghana with Voluntary Service Overseas at the beginning of my career, so there is a sense of symmetry about finishing my teaching career abroad again.

“My abiding memories of LEH will probably be around the fun that is had by both the staff and students throughout the year. It is a school where everyone works hard and aims high but where we are also part of a community which knows how to have a good time. I will definitely miss being at LEH, but I will stay in touch as much as I can and there will be Facebook posts of course!

The parting advice I’m giving (somewhat ironically given my name) is: “Don’t be a Hater”. Be kind to others: take time and care to build them up and not knock them down. Treat everyone with the respect you would expect from them.”

Believe That All Things Are Possible

Lisa Garcia, Head of Religious Studies and Philosophy, left LEH last summer after 14 years to start a new role as a Housemistress at Wycombe Abbey.

She said: “I have to say the standout highlight of my time at LEH is absolutely teaching the wonderful girls here. LEH students make teaching so easy and fun. I am fortunate enough to not only teach a subject I love but one that also invites such interesting discussions. It gives me the opportunity to really get to know the

Quartet of Music Teachers Depart

Four of our muchcherished music teachers bowed out last summer having chalked up an incredible 79 years teaching at LEH between them.

At nine years, music teacher Charlie Zuckert was the novice in the group, while Angela Moore taught harp for 19 years, Ilid Jones spent 22 years as a visiting music teacher of oboe and recorder and Dayle Hume clocked up an astonishing 29 years teaching violin.

VMT Mrs Moore (pictured) plans to spend her retirement travelling with her husband and already has a

six-week trip to New Zealand booked for 2025. She says: “I’m sad to leave such a vibrant, warm and friendly music department. The girls are exceptional and great to teach, but it’s time to pass the baton on to someone younger and possibly more adept with this digital age and all the new possibilities that that brings.”

Mrs Zuckert has moved her young family to Bath to teach at King Edward’s School. She says: “If I could pick LEH up and put it in the countryside I don’t think I would ever leave, but I’m looking forward to a more rural life where I see sheep and birds out of my window rather than the R70 bus! I look forward to being able to come back and be in the audience at future LEH concerts.”

Mrs Hume first joined LEH in January 1977 and taught for three years, before taking a break for a few years to concentrate on her family and her role in a professional orchestra. She says:

girls, how they think and what issues are important to them.”

Lisa added: “LEH has often been described as a magical place. This is something that I can absolutely attest to. It is difficult to put your finger on exactly what gives LEH that feeling of magic, but I imagine it is the combination of quirky traditions, bright and interesting students, caring colleagues and of course the carpet on the walls. Teaching at LEH has taught me to dream big, to be brave and to believe that all things are possible.

“My final message is one of thanks. To every girl I have taught over the last 14 years, it has been such a privilege. Thank you for your trust, for being so interested and keen to learn and for being so kind. Thank you also for inspiring me to be brave and to take up new adventures. And finally thank you for being so much fun along the way.”

“There have been numerous highlights over the years but perhaps the greatest thrill has been seeing so many girls develop from beginner violinists into mature musicians. Retirement will be a different challenge, and I shall miss everyone enormously, both pupils and colleagues.”

A Blossoming Career as an Artist

Since retiring as Science Co-ordinator at the Junior School, Janice Gazetas has become an award-winning Botanical Artist with a passion for nature and colour.

She worked at the Junior School for 14 years and is now a Fellow of the Society of Botanical Artists, selling limited edition originals, signed prints and cards of her colourful and stunning designs through her website: www.janicegazetas.art/about .

Janice retired from LEH in 2012 and returned to painting by attending Botanical art classes. She adds: “Having the time now to develop my skills in watercolours, I attempt to capture and share the endless varieties and forms of plant life that can be found everywhere. Stopping to really look brings rich rewards, a sense of beauty and peace. I am interested in the complex and unexpected, both in structure and colour.”

Teacher Turned Extra

Madame Kean, former Head of French, who retired 18 months ago after 16 years at LEH, has swapped centre stage in the classroom for a role as ‘supporting artist’ in some of our bestloved TV dramas, including Call the Midwife and The Crown.

Veronica says: “My daughter Lucy suggested I should sign up with some agencies after I retired, and I have been lucky enough to have been booked for a few jobs since September 2022. It has been great fun to see behind the scenes of film studios including Elstree, Warner Brothers and Pinewood, and to see what happens on location!”

Her first job as an extra was a member of the audience in the film One Life starring Anthony Hopkins. The film tells the true story of British humanitarian Sir Nicholas Winton who rescued hundreds of predominantly Jewish children from the Nazis.

Veronica says: “I actually made it into the trailer to promote the film. It’s the scene where Anthony Hopkins walks into the That’s Life studio with Esther Rantzen. I am clapping three rows behind him on the far left of the screen! Before filming he actually turned round to face all the film extras and said hello to us. Such a lovely man!”

Alumnae Bursary Appeal

Given the current economic climate and the challenges facing the independent education sector, we are appealing to all former pupils to help make sure LEH’s legacy of transformational educational opportunities can continue.

LEH was founded as a charity school for girls and has a much-cherished 300-year history of offering an exceptional education to students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to benefit from our incredible teaching and facilities.

The recent introduction of VAT on school fees and the increase in business rates has caused a double bind, making it more challenging than ever to raise funds for our Bursary Fund, while simultaneously increasing the demand for it.

We know the amazing educational opportunity that LEH provides plays a pivotal role in helping our pupils to achieve wonderful things throughout their lives. We need only look to our fantastic alumnae and the incredible impact they make, to understand why this is so valuable.

LEH is committed to doing all that it can to continue to provide bursaries to girls who would thrive at LEH, but we know it’s going to be tough. We currently assist more than 60 pupils who wouldn’t be able to take up their places at the school if it weren’t for

the Bursary Fund. But we need your support if we are to remain steadfast in our mission to help as many deserving students as we can.

One of the most precious gifts you can give this year is an LEH education; it has the power to transform lives and to truly make a difference. If you are able to, please make a donation to our Bursary Fund at www.lehs.org.uk/ support-us/donate

Or please contact us, by emailing fundraising@lehs. org.uk if you are interested in leaving a gift to the LEH Bursary Fund in your will.

Going for Gold with Giving Day 2024

The talented LEH Design Technology team created a bespoke school torch for last year’s Giving Day, which took topical inspiration from the Paris Olympics, to raise money for the Bursary Fund.

Pupils across the Senior and Junior Schools held the LEH red torch aloft as they took part in a series of fun Olympic-style fundraising contests, culminating in an all-school challenge.

Sporting pupils paid tribute to the celebrated four-minute mile world

“ These bursaries represent more than just financial assistance. They symbolise determination, faith in every pupil regardless of financial circumstance, and the belief that everyone deserves the chance to excel. It should be a massive point of pride for the LEH community.”

Former LEH bursary student, Chloe Chen, Class of 2024, who is currently studying Dentistry at university

record set by great British sporting legend Sir Roger Bannister 70 years ago, by teaming up to emulate the record-breaking challenge.

While Senior rowers flexed their muscles on water and ergo machines to virtually transport the LEH torch to Paris and back, with the Juniors doing the same in their sports and swimming lessons.

In a bold test of endurance and enthusiasm, the whole School rose to the challenge to keep the torch moving, passing it from hand to hand, for an entire day. All proceeds went to the Bursary Fund, which can

truly transform lives and shape futures, by widening access to the school and help make it a more diverse, stimulating, and inclusive environment for the benefit of all our students.

Your opportunity to support an LEH pupil today

Join the 1710 Society and transform a life today

Applications for financial support through the LEH Bursary Fund are at an all-time high. By joining the 1710 Society and making a regular monthly donation, your kindness and generosity will help make sure LEH is able to continue to provide transformational financial support to pupils who would otherwise be unable to attend our school.

You can donate as little or as much as you wish each month. UK taxpayers can make their donations go further through the government’s Gift Aid scheme.

Sign up online to join the 1710 Society today by visiting the Support Us page on lehs.org.uk or scan this QR code

Dates for the Diary 2025

LONDON UNIVERSITY LUNCH

For alumnae currently studying at any of the London Universities.

SATURDAY 1 MARCH 12.15-2PM

KING’S COLLEGE, WC2

ENCORE: CREATIVE INDUSTRIES NETWORKING EVENT

For alumnae working in the world of theatre, film, TV or production.

WEDNESDAY 25 JUNE 6-8PM

LEH

CLASS OF 2024 REUNION

For members of the Class of 2024.

THURSDAY 26 JUNE 5-7PM LEH

ALUMNAE REUNION 2025

All welcome, plus special get-togethers for year-groups ending in 5s and 10s.

SATURDAY 4 OCTOBER 11AM-4PM

ALUMNAE REUNION 2025

ALUMNAE CAROL SERVICE

MONDAY 8 DECEMBER 6.45-8PM ST MARY’S CHURCH, HAMPTON

Happy Advent

Following the success of last year’s Alumnae Carol Service, we have decided to keep it local again this year. Holding it jointly with the Senior School makes it more efficient and cost effective. However, St Giles’ Cripplegate will always hold a special place in our hearts and in our heritage, and we will return there again in the future.

All events can be booked at www.hollesconnect.org.uk

LEH Revisited

It’s always such a joy to welcome former pupils back to school and the Alumnae Reunion 2024 was no exception: a day of reminiscing, laughter and sisterhood between generations.

Ranging in age from 24 to 94, there was an excellent turn out with especially big reunion get-togethers for the Class of 1994, celebrating 30 years of graduating from LEH, as well as the Classes of 1989 and 1999.

The eldest alumna to attend was the ever-indomitable Stella Stephens, from the Class of 1949, who also taught Biology at LEH in the 1960s and 70s, when she was known as Mrs Wright and then Mrs Tomlins.

It was marvellous to be joined by some of our other cherished former teachers, including Trish White, Class of 1955, and former Chemistry teacher and Deputy Head; Mary Beardwood, former PE teacher and Assistant Head; Lesley Hazel, former Classics teacher and Deputy Head; Joanna Crooks, former Head of English; and Dr Margaret Hustler, former Chemistry Teacher.

“It was wonderful trip down memory lane,” said Gemma Sherlock, Class of 1999. “It was uplifting listening to such an incredible calibre of music from current pupils as an introduction, and so impressive to see how the school has evolved and grown and yet still maintains the same ethos and character at its core.”

Liza Viner-Brady, Class of 1964, added: “It was such a lovely day and although I had barely seen anyone for 60 years it seemed just like yesterday! The music, students, lunch, updates to the school and delightful tour guides were outstanding. It’s great to see the school thriving so well.”

Class of 2023 Returns

There was a buzz of excitement and a great turn out for the Class of 2023’s first-ever LEH reunion, which was held in a sunny Friends’ Courtyard in the Summer Term.

Our newest alumnae were clearly delighted to be catching up with each other, and their former teachers, to share news of their first year at university or gap year adventures.

Many of them took the opportunity to tour the new Sixth Form Common Room, which was still a work in progress when they completed their A levels last summer.

Star in the Sky Triumph

There was a spontaneous round of applause for the show-stopping LEH favourite Star in the Sky at the first-ever combined Senior School and Alumnae Carol Service.

The Reverend Ben Lovell, who conducted the wonderfully upbeat celebration of the festive season at St Mary’s Church in Hampton, encouraged the congregation to share their delight, agreeing it was impossible not to clap after such a barnstorming performance.

Pupils, parents and alumnae of all ages came together to enjoy heart-lifting carols and the story of the Nativity at the beautiful riverside church with its striking Gothic architecture, which hosted the event for the first time.

St Luke tells the birth of Jesus was read on behalf of the alumnae community by Rebecca Taylor, Class of 1992, who is also Director of Outreach and Co-curricular at LEH. Other readings were given by Chair of the Governors, David King, Head Mistress, Rowena Cole, and pupils representing every year in the school. As ever, the standard of music from all the LEH choirs was exceptionally high.

Be Bold Lecture: Time to Think

Investigative journalist Hannah Barnes, Class of 2000, encouraged pupils to live up to the school motto and put their education to good use, when she gave one of LEH’s brave thinking talks last term.

Hannah, who attended LEH for Sixth Form when Miss Candy was Head Mistress, and her mother, Brenda Painton was Head of Maths, has written a bestselling book called Time to Think: The Inside Story of the Collapse of the Tavistock’s Gender Service for Children

Based upon years of meticulous research, Hannah’s book explores what went wrong the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS), based at The Tavistock. She investigates how, in the words of some former staff, GIDS has been the site of a serious medical scandal, in which ideological concerns took priority over clinical practice. After a series of critical reports, in part sparked by the work of Hannah and colleagues, the NHS closed the clinic in March.

Hannah ended her powerful talk by saying: “One of the things that struck me as soon as I joined LEH, was the confidence it had given so many of the girls and young women. I really hadn’t

seen anything like it before. You, and I, are so fortunate to have been given this education, and the opportunities that it opens.

“Please use it to help others who aren’t so lucky. When you see something that doesn’t seem right, please speak out. Be bold! The chances are others share your concerns but maybe don’t have the skills, the confidence, or the words to act. History teaches us that terrible things can happen when good people stay silent.”

The Be Bold Lectures were launched at LEH last year to challenge perceptions of some of the biggest issues facing society today. Aimed at academically ambitious and curious minds, other thoughtprovoking guest speakers have included: -

– Professor Tim Leuing exploring the economic challenges facing tomorrow’s graduates.

– Political commentator Jonathan Simons asking Is Democracy Dead in the UK (and US) and Does Anyone Care?

– Journalist Tomiwa Owolade putting the case for looking at race in the UK through a British, rather than American, perspective.

Please Keep in Touch

Everyone at LEH – be it your former teachers, fellow alumnae, or current pupils – delight in hearing your news. Discovering what you have gone on to do, inspires and uplifts us all.

Please help us celebrate your activities and achievements by emailing us at alumnae@lehs.org.uk to let us what you’ve been up to. It is our mission to continue to champion you and show our support long after your LEH days.

In addition to monthly alumnae newsletters and the annual Holles Connect magazine, we regularly share stories on our social media accounts, so please make sure you to follow them too. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

LEH on LinkedIn

If you haven’t done so already, please ensure you have added the official Lady Eleanor Holles School page to your LinkedIn profile and add the dates you were here. This will allow you to appear on our ‘Alumni’ tab.

The Alumni section makes it so much simpler to search for your fellow alumnae by year groups, job title, or even company, creating valuable networking opportunities. You can also filter profiles based on subjects studied, location and skills.

The more of us that sign up to our official LEH page, the better the results will be.

Holles Connect - Join the Conversation

The LEH Alumnae community is a strong, supportive network of Remarkable Women, all here to cheer each other on. There are many ways to stay in touch.

Follow us on social media:

LEH Alumnae

@HollesConnect

Lady Eleanor Holles School alumnae@lehs.org.uk

www.hollesconnect.org.uk

Join our Holles Connect Clubs Today

Please visit hollesconnect.org.uk to sign up for our industry, sports and social clubs.

Alumnae Daring Greatly

The recipients of last year’s Be Bold Grants used the support of the Holles Connect funding to great effect across a diverse range of interests and causes.

The AAG (Alumnae Advisory Group) awarded four grants: the techpreneur Miller sisters, Amelia (Class of 2015) and Lydia (Class of 2016) launched the women returners platform ivee; fashion designer Celia Birchall, Class of 2018, created her own ethical fashion brand; breathwork facilitator Seanna Fallon, Class of 2005, set up an online forum for the LGBTQIA+ community; and Dr Ann Braine, Class of 1964, and Tanya Harvey, Class of 1984, used their grant to support an underprivileged community on the outskirts of Durban, South Africa.

To see their full reports please visit the Be Bold page on the Holles Connect community platform: www.hollesconnect.org.uk/pages/ Be-Bold-Grant

Lydia and Amelia Miller say the Be Bold grant was instrumental in helping them turn their vision of a return-towork platform for women facing the ‘motherhood penalty’ after taking a career break to start a family, into reality. See the news story on page 21.

Seanna Fallon put her grant to good use with the start-up costs of her LGBTQIA+ breathwork circle, which was mostly online, but included some in-person sessions in her local community.

She says: “Over the last year, I reached over 100 people with breathwork and I hope that continues to grow. I discovered breathwork during a really vulnerable time in my life, and it is such a privilege to now share one of my coping mechanisms with people who may be moving through their own challenging times.”

Celia Birchall used her grant to buy an industrial sewing machine which allowed her to upgrade the quality and scale of the designs for her slow fashion company. Her Cotswold business sees her working with local shepherds, weavers, dyers and button turners to produce a capsule collection. Celia says: “There is certainly a growing consumer desire to know that what we are buying has been environmentally and ethically produced.”

Receiving a donation from the

LEH Be Bold Grant has given us such encouragement.

In South Africa, Ann Braine (nee Freemantle), worked with fellow alumna Tanya Harvey (nee Stone) to use their grant to raise the profile of the educational non-profit organisation, Hillcrest Advice Bureau and Bursary Fund. Ann says: “Receiving a donation from the LEH Be Bold Grant has given us such encouragement. The value we have received from the grant has been significantly greater than its monetary value.”

Amelia and Lydia Miller, Celia Birchall, Seanna Fallon, Ann Brian and Tanya Harvey.

Marjorie Beebee (nee West) 1937-2024

Alumna and former clarinet teacher Marjorie Beebee, Class of 1956, passed away peacefully after a short illness in December 2024, aged 88. Her connection to LEH spanned an amazing 75 years.

After being a pupil here, Marjorie returned to LEH to teach the clarinet from the late 1970s to the 1990s, for much of that time alongside her husband Graham, who taught the piano and died in 2023. She is survived by her sister Christine, daughter Helen (themselves both LEH alumnae), and son David. Her daughter Helen Beebee, Class of 1984, has kindly sent us this tribute.

“Marjorie attended the senior school from 1948 to 1956, where she struck up a lifelong friendship with Mary Scruton (later Leaper). She returned to LEH in the 1970s to teach the clarinet, which she continued until she retired in the 1990s.

This overlapped with my time at the school (1979-1984); much to my chagrin, she would occasionally get accosted in the staff room by my geography teacher complaining that I had ‘lost’ my geography exercise book again (this being my go-to excuse for failing to hand in my homework). After retiring she kept in touch with the school, attending occasional alumnae events and – as a lifelong Hampton resident – bumping into ex-colleagues in the supermarket or Bushy Park or in her exercise classes.

I think it’s fair to say that Marjorie did not hugely enjoy school. She was not especially academically inclined –during her teenage years her passions were playing tennis, the clarinet, and ballroom dancing.

After leaving school, Marjorie declined to attend university, working first as a ballroom dancing teacher, before training to be an exercise teacher for the Women’s League of Health and Beauty in the late 1950s. Still going today, but now known as as ‘FLexercise’, the classes focus on mobility, posture and fitness – they are considerably more sedate than aerobics and many women attend (and, in Marjorie’s case, teach) classes into their 80s.

Marjorie taught classes in various locations, including the Greenwood Centre in Hampton Hill (which is still going strong) from around 1990 until she retired from exercise teaching in 2019, by which time she had taught for WLHB for over 60 years.

Alongside her interest in dance and movement, Marjorie’s passion for music was growing. She met my father, Graham – who taught piano at LEH in the 80s and I think 90s – while playing in an orchestra at Morley College in Waterloo (he also played the trombone), and their married life – and our childhood – was a constant whirl of rehearsals, concerts and musical get-togethers.

In her retirement, she discovered the joys of travel, and embarked on many adventures, including trips to Nepal, Peru, Cuba, India and Australia. Her travelling days came to an end when she managed to trip over in the airport in Calcutta in 2016 and had to spend several weeks in hospital there before she could be flown home.

Marjorie’s life was a life well lived. She combined a free-spirited and adventurous nature with a large dose of good common sense, pursuing her passions when she could but never at anyone else’s expense. She was loved by her family and friends, and deeply appreciated by her very many exercise class members, clarinet pupils and fellow musicians.”

Margaret Jackson (Gilkes) 1931-2024

We were sad to learn that secretary and librarian Margaret Jackson, Class of 1948, who was known as Super Gran to her family, passed away in April, aged 92.

Daughters Elizabeth Jackson and Sarah Brown brought Margaret along to last year’s Alumnae Reunion. It was her first visit since leaving 75 years ago and she came with her old hymn book, hat badge and school reports to show fellow former students.

Margaret really enjoyed her school days and would often reminisce fondly about her time at LEH. It was here that she met her lifelong friend, Maureen Cane (Lenn) and the two of them would walk part way home together or in Margaret’s words “roll down the road together with laughter”.

Air raid sirens would interrupt lessons and rationing resulted in ‘dreadful’ school dinners. Margaret was only evacuated very briefly during the war –just for one weekend and instead they made use of the Andersen shelter her father had installed in their garden and raised chickens so that they had eggs.

Gilly Gale (Gibbs) 1954-2023

Gilly Gale, Class of 1973, died in November 2023, aged 69. She is much missed by her husband Terry, five stepchildren, seven grandchildren, her sister Carol and niece Lucy.

Terry and Gilly were teenage sweethearts, having met at Esher Youth Club in the late sixties. After four years together they parted when she went off to teacher training college in Oxfordshire.

Gilly spent many years teaching Biology, before retraining as a Media

Resources Officer. She worked first at Cardinal Vaughan and then King’s College School, becoming a technical whiz long before many people knew what technology was, and earning huge respect and enduring friendships.

Three decades after they were first together, Terry and Gilly found each other again via Friends Reunited and had 20 years of family life together in a home they adored. They shared a love of travel and after the children had grown up, bought a motor home to explore the UK and further afield.

Gilly was an inveterate collector and constructed ingenious storage systems to house her everexpanding belongings. She had a passion for gardening and created exuberant displays, drawing on her

She wanted to stay on at the Sixth Form and ultimately teach. But her mother insisted that she go to work, so Margaret joined Lyons where she learnt shorthand and typing and become secretary to John Raymond “Thomas” Thompson, the Programme Lead for Lyons Electronic Office - the UK’s first business computer.

“Mum was a strong and very capable woman,” say Elizabeth and Sarah.

“She could always be relied upon in a crisis, such as the time she delivered a neighbour’s baby before the midwife arrived. Armed with Mrs Beeton’s Household Management book, Mum could tackle most things and was not easily phased. She was scrupulously fair, kind, quick witted and intelligent, with a wonderfully dry and fun sense of humour which we all appreciated. We will miss her immensely.”

lifelong interest, knowledge and understanding of the natural world.

She was known for her great sense of humour, her selflessness and empathy, her wise words and her capacious handbags, which contained every essential from lip balm to a monkey wrench!

Rosemary Durward (Baker) 1958-2024

The Reverend Rosemary Durward, Class of 1976, former National Chaplain to the Guild of Vergers, passed away last year.

Her classmate Camilla Mair pays tribute: “Aside from Rosemary’s academic interests at LEH, she enjoyed playing lacrosse (in those days played with a wooden stick strung with cat gut), playing the piano and singing in the school choir. Sitting on the hard floor cross-legged during morning assembly was thus avoided as all choir members were provided with a chair.

The seeds of her passion for plant life were sown at LEH where she was an enthusiastic member of the Gardening Club. The plot was, if memory serves, the only one to have a plastic pond, the installation of which was a memorable event and required parental intervention!

When not at school, Rosemary could often be found sailing her bright yellow Firefly ‘Yellow Fever’ either on the Thames with the Tamesis Sailing Club

or during the holidays with her family at Bosham. After studying International Relations and Politics at the University of Aberystwyth, Rosemary went on to complete a post graduate degree at the University of Aberdeen.

She began her career at the Royal United Services Institute, which is the UK’s defence and security think tank – and the world’s oldest. This led to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst where she worked in the Defence and International Affairs department as a Senior Lecturer and Ministry of Defence Civil Servant.

It was here that she met her future husband Keith, a Captain in the Royal Signals: he was one of her students and a keen sailor. The pair settled in Cobham and had three children Jamie, Camilla and Hugo.

In 2011, after 20 years of service, Rosemary took voluntary early retirement from the Ministry of Defence. She trained for ordination, studying part-time for an MA in Theology for Christian Ministry and Mission, alongside formational training for ordination.

During her distinguished career in the clergy, she had placements at Saint Bride’s Church in Fleet Street and St John’s Church, Notting Hill, before going on become a deacon at Winchester. During her ministry at Saint Martin’s Church, East Horsley, she was appointed as Duty Chaplain at Westminster Abbey and as Chaplain to the High Sheriff of Hampshire.

In September 2020, Rosemary took up the reins as National Chaplain to the Guild of Vergers. She continued in this role until ill health prevailed and she felt she should step aside.”

Penny Cooper (Nicholson) 1952-2024

Penny Cooper (Nicholson), Class of 1970, passed away peacefully in March aged 71, surrounded by her family and loved ones.

She is survived by her four children, Alastair, Naomi, Daniel, and Timothy and six grandchildren. Her son Tim said: “She’ll be remembered as a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and teacher, who loved life and was so very accomplished.”

Former classmates were invited to attend her memorial service, which took place in Chichester, West Sussex.

Does Our School Motto Have Scientific Backing?

In an uplifting address to pupils, Daisy Fancourt (Perrin), Class of 2008, who is Professor of Psychobiology and Epidemiology and Head of the Social Biobehavioural Group at UCL, explored the school motto when she gave the keynote address at the Celebration of the Year in the Summer Term.

“When I was at LEH, my English teachers told us you should never take a phrase at face value – you should always break it down, interrogate it, and decide if you really agree. So, when I saw that Hope Favours the Bold was the theme for this Celebration, with my scientist hat on, I started to think – is it really true? Does hope favour the bold?

First of all – what does being bold even mean? The alumnae of LEH include an incredible list of people who have done bold things – in my year alone, old classmates have rowed across the Atlantic, published novels, performed

life-saving surgeries, moved to new countries, released albums, worked on therapies for motor neurone disease, started families, travelled all over the world, campaigned for causes they believe in. I can’t imagine more diverse examples of boldness.

But they all have something in common – a passion – a drive – a feeling that what they’re doing is worth the effort. Some of you may already have a passion – if so, embrace it. It’s the most powerful and wonderful thing to have. Others discover their passion later. Science was something I was good at at school, but I wouldn’t have

believed it would be my career – it was only at university it became my obsession. In the journey through school and into the world beyond, it’s easy to feel lost. At those moments, focusing on the things that you care about can help you find your purpose.

A sense of purpose

If you can find your purpose, is it true that hope will follow? I’ve actually done some research into the impact of having a purpose in life and it’s pretty incredible. Having a strong sense of purpose is linked to all kinds of benefits from feeling happier and less anxious to reporting better health, having a lower risk of becoming ill, sleeping better, even having stronger immune function. Being bold is also thrilling – there’s no denying the excitement and adrenaline rushes that we feel when we do novel things, push our own boundaries, experience success.

But at the same time, we need to be honest that trying to be bold also brings negative things. When we put our heads above the parapet, critiques and backlashes do follow. And there is something else inevitable that follows being bold – failure. We spend a lot of our lives striving for the next success, celebrating wins, but pushing the failures under the carpet – pretending they didn’t happen. But the truth is, we are all a catalogue of failures.

These failures are an essential part of life. It’s through failure that you really question your approach, learn new things, and often end up with better ideas. When you fail, you learn how to pick yourself up again, realise what is important to you and find your inner resilience.

Support networks

When we imagine bold people, we typically picture heroes, standing alone, blazing the path ahead for others to follow. As a society, we’re obsessed with individualism –celebrating celebrities. But it’s a myth. Nobody ever got anywhere on their own. They all have support networks around them – professional colleagues, teachers and mentors, families, friends. I remember my LEH Maths teacher quoting Isaac Newton - “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”

So don’t feel like you have to be bold alone. I know from my own research that we are biologically programmed to need other people. If we start to feel isolated, hormones and proteins in our bodies flood us with the urge to reconnect.

I know this isn’t always easy –sometimes even when we’re surrounded by other people, we can feel lonely. But it’s important as we all go through life to find our people – our crew – those who make us feel happy, loved, understood, validated. They will help you find the strength and courage to be bold, help your ideas

that they are a health behaviour, just as important as diet, physical activity and sleep.

It’s through failure that you really question your approach, learn new things, and often end up with better ideas.

and plans to grow, help you to see the positives in failures, and help you to stay energetic and motivated.

Find your joy

And this energy and motivation is essential, because being bold can be a bit exhausting and I think the best antidote to this is to make space for other things in your life that bring you joy. Hobbies, clubs, leisure activities are not luxuries in life – they’re essentials. I’ve spent years now researching the effects leisure activities have on our health and my team and I have concluded

Hobbies reduce your risk of developing depression, heart disease and dementia. Having hobbies is even linked to a longer lifespan. And it’s partly because they are the antidote to the inevitable stresses that build up in our lives. They give us ways to be ourselves, be creative, have new and exciting experiences, vent emotions that have got pent up, and switch off from whatever bold missions we’re pursuing.

The reality is that the world that you’re emerging into is a daunting one. It’s full of crises, wars, inequalities, injustices. Maybe part of your bold mission will be helping to tackle some of these challenges. But either way, we all need every ounce of resilience we can muster. Investing in our own wellbeing isn’t a luxury – it’s the most important thing we can do.

So, I’m sure that senior management at LEH will be relieved to learn that the school motto does indeed have scientific backing. But if I were permitted to expand on the logo, I’d say “find your passion, your purpose, your people. Embrace critique and failure. Look after your own wellbeing. And, most of all, try to enjoy the journey.”

Guess Where?

We’re sure you were concentrating hard in lessons, but how much attention did you pay when you were out and about round school? Go to the top of the class if you can identify these distinctive LEH features.

The locations are revealed at the bottom of the page, but if you want to see the full images, please visit: www.hollesconnect.org.uk/galleries/ view/125

NB, you will need to sign up to Holles Connect and be logged into your account to see the photo galleries.

ALUMNAE REUNION 2025

Incorporating reunions for 5’s and 10’s

Saturday 4 October 2025

11am - 4pm, at LEH

£25 per person including lunch

All alumnae and former staff members are most warmly invited to attend this year’s annual get together. To reserve your place, please visit www.hollesconnect.org.uk