Headmistress’ Welcome

Welcome to OGA Chain 2021

St Swithun’s is proud to have played its part in shaping the lives of many individuals who have gone on to become truly pioneering women.

So often however, we learn about our Old Girls’ achievements quite far into their career path, or sadly sometimes, it is only when we read an obituary that we discover what an extraordinary life one of our Old Girls has led.

It is our privilege and real pleasure therefore to be witnessing the first steps of an inspirational young St Swithun’s alumna right now. Zara Rutherford (featured on our front cover) only just completed her A-levels and graduated from St Swithun’s in the summer this year, but she is already embarking on a courageous journey with the aim of becoming the youngest woman to fly solo around the world.

I met up with Zara in August, at one of her stop off points en route - Popham airfield, which is very close to St Swithun’s. As I watched Zara’s tiny plane come into view on her approach to the landing strip, I was struck by how perfectly she reflects our school’s founding virtues: caritas, humilitas and sinceritas.

Zara is not only a skilled and capable young woman, she is humble and focussed on helping others. Whilst undertaking this incredible challenge, Zara is supporting two non-profits that encourage girls and young women into science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM): Dreams Soar and Girls Who Code.

I hope you enjoy reading more about Zara’s adventure on pages 20 and 21. ■

Jane Gandee Headmistress