Woldingham Magazine 2025

News and reviews from Woldingham School and Alumnae . November 2025

HEAD’S WELCOME

After a year and a term at Woldingham, the Baillies (including Harry the dog) are fully settled in the valley and have been made to feel so welcome and very much part of this special community.

Looking back on my first year, I’m very proud of the progress the school is making, in a relatively short time, and I am grateful to my staff, the SLT and the governors as well as our wider community for their unswerving support.

Since the opening of the Sixth Form Centre on my first day, we have conducted a curriculum review and refreshed the role of the tutor as the first point of contact for all academic and pastoral support for your daughters. In September this year, we opened our new wellbeing centre, The Hub, complete with sensory room Lumina, an inclusive space for all which is being visited regularly by lots of students, including those who enjoy its weekly lunchtime crafting sessions.

With a new Director of Boarding in place since April, there has been an increase in the numbers of girls wanting to board, particularly our day girls wishing to flexi-board. We have also focused on understanding our diverse community and begun a three-year inclusion programme to celebrate a community which is truly global.

We’ve taken a confident and forward-thinking approach to the use of AI in school, as well as to protect our students’ identities in the public domain. We’ve introduced more parent friendly interfaces, such as MySchoolPortal for all parents and REACH for our boarding parents, and I’m feeling confident that we are inspection ready should we get the call later this academic year.

There is a real positivity around the place, despite the challenges from government and the increasingly competitive independent school market. Woldingham stands out for its values and ethos and as a ‘greenhouse not a hothouse’, where our students are known as individuals, where there is so much opportunity inside and outside the classroom, where they are happy and feel safe and nurtured, and where they achieve success and reach their potential. It is with that in mind that I am delighted to report that over 80% of our Upper Sixth leavers gained places at their first-choice university this summer and our girls celebrated some excellent results at both A Level and GCSE. In the following pages, you’ll read about our Sixth Form and why the vast majority of our Year 11 girls choose to stay on at Woldingham because we are fully committed in our support of their aspirations.

Our drama, performing arts, music and art continue to be a standout strength. I have been treated to the most wonderful productions, musicals, plays, dance shows, concerts, choir festivals, art exhibitions and auctions - not forgetting our wonderful carol service in Westminster Cathedral. I am deeply proud of the exceptionally high standards seemingly effortlessly delivered by our students, directed by our outstanding teaching staff.

Sport has a new focus with Jaclyn Leach, our new Director of Sport, now in role. I’ve already witnessed a huge change in the amount and quality of our fixtures and it’s really pleasing to see the increased participation in sport across all year groups. There’s definitely a new buzz around the hockey pitches and netball courts and more girls than ever taking tennis lessons and getting involved in swimming, football, badminton and golf.

It’s been wonderful to see so many trips and exchanges taking place over the year to destinations including Malta, New York, Borneo, Dubai, Brisbane and many more, giving the girls such great life experiences across the globe.

I am delighted to report that Woldingham is in sound financial health. However, given the additional financial pressures put on the school by the government, there will be a stronger focus on fundraising for bursaries and facility projects going forward. I went to Joigny, the birthplace of our founder St Madeleine Sophie Barat, in September and together with Sacred Heart leaders from across Europe learnt more about her vision for the education of young women. She would have ‘founded the society for the sake of one child’ and this is the root of our philanthropic foundation as a Sacred Heart school. Our bursary programme epitomises our raison d’etre and the need for your generous support is increasing; the more bursaries and development projects we can fund from nonfee income the less pressure there is on the governors to increase fees, and for this I ask for your support. Please see page 56 for more information about how you can offer your support and the impact a donation of any amount has on those who benefit.

In addition, our commercial team, through Marden Enterprises Ltd, works tirelessly to ensure the school is generating revenue outside term time and that more people have access to our wonderful facilities and residential spaces –no school can survive on fee income alone and we are working hard to ‘sweat our assets’ to ensure the school continues to thrive, as well as continuing to develop our overseas projects.

I am exceptionally grateful for the support of all our families, who know what a special place Woldingham is and see their daughters grow and flourish here. We feel privileged you have entrusted them into our care. Thank you.

Mrs Sue Baillie, Head

SIXTH FORM CENTREONE YEAR ON

Mr Phil Abbott, Head of Sixth Form

It’s hard to believe that we have been in the Sixth Form Centre for a whole academic year. It seems like just yesterday that wide-eyed students were seeing it for the first time, now it is very much their home. Time flies when you’re having fun! No matter how much time and energy you put into researching and planning a project like this, one can never quite be sure if you’ve got it right until the doors open. There is always an element of ‘herding cats’ when it comes to teenagers, so it has been a source of great joy – and not inconsiderable relief – to see the students making the very best use of the facilities, as intended. They have also bought into the culture of the Sixth Form – codified in a new set of Sixth Form values – and become a more united entity, with greater integration of the two year groups than ever before.

I tell students that when they go to the Sixth Form Centre they are, like me, going to work, and it’s a delight to see our Sixth Formers entering the building each day with such an obvious sense of pride, purpose and professionalism. We see the Sixth Form as a bridge that students cross between school, university, and the world of work beyond; the environment the building provides is the perfect backdrop for that transition. Whether they are planning a House event together in the collaboration zone, working silently in the study room to ensure they get the grades to unlock their full potential, covering the writable walls of the classrooms from top to bottom with demand and supply diagrams, giving a Thinking Big talk on the ties between music and maths in the lecture theatre or – worn out by the non-stop adventure that is Sixth Form life - enjoying a quiet coffee with friends in the café, the building has truly delivered for every students’ every need. I’m already thoroughly enjoying year two...

It’s a delight to see our Sixth Formers entering the building each day with such an obvious sense of pride, purpose and professionalism.

WOLDINGHAM’S SPORTING FUTURE TAKES SHAPE

Our new Director of Sport plots the course for lifelong engagement in healthy activity for all, as well as the fulfilment of individual potential.

Jaclyn joined Woldingham as Director of Sport in September 2025, bringing with her a wealth of experience. Jaclyn came from King’s College School, Wimbledon, where she was Acting Co-Director of Sport, having previously worked at Sedbergh School for three years and Caterham School for eleven years. A highly accomplished sportswoman, Jaclyn played netball for Wellington East (Premier 1 netball team) while living in New Zealand. She also represented England Under 18s for two years and followed this by representing English and British Universities for three years, captaining both sides in her final season. After finishing her netball playing career, Jaclyn moved into coaching: Manchester Thunder (U17 NPL Assistant Coach, 2021-2024 seasons); Surrey Storm, (U19 NPL Assistant Coach, 24/25 season); and currently London Mavericks (U17 NPL Assistant Coach, 25/26 season).

Miss Jaclyn Leach, Director of Sport Sport has always been my biggest passion in life. After completing a Sports Science degree at Loughborough University, followed by a PGCE, I went straight into PE teaching and have never looked back. With half a term at Woldingham under my belt, I hope I have hit the ground running - I am certainly feeling inspired by what lies ahead.

Woldingham’s physical education and sport programme is designed to focus on lifelong engagement with healthy, active lifestyles, as well to provide opportunities for each individual student to strive to fulfil her sporting potential. We aim to do this through the delivery of a varied programme which maximises Woldingham’s beautiful surroundings, with a strong culture of movement, inclusion and belonging at the centre of everything we do. Whatever activity or sport they are taking part in, students are challenged to ‘get better’ - whether this is physically through improved levels of fundamental movement and motor skills; mentally through greater self-esteem, confidence and stress-relief; or emotionally through working on their resilience and developing their ability to successfully collaborate with others.

Whatever the outcomes students are seeking – enjoyment, working out with friends, or training for performance – our programme will support them.

Another aspect of the programme is encouraging students to get out of their comfort zone by trying new sports such as cricket and football, getting involved in new clubs such as Zoom Squad and Invasion IQ, or perhaps learning how to use the gym in ways they haven’t tried before. All these clubs, and many others, take place alongside the more traditional sports of hockey, netball and swimming – again, where everyone is welcome. Whatever the outcomes students are seeking – enjoyment, working out with friends, or training for performance – our programme will support them.

To focus on both the quality and quantity of matches we play, we have taken the decision to return to the traditional sport priority terms.

The autumn term is principally for hockey fixtures and the spring term for netball fixtures, with football also benefiting from improved access to the astro in the spring term. However, training for both sports will still take place in both terms, as will participation in cup matches and tournaments across the year.

I would like to thank everyone for welcoming me so warmly to Woldingham – I have really appreciated all the supportive conversations I have had on the sidelines so far this term. As a department, we are all very excited about what the coming weeks, months and years hold for Woldingham sport.

BOARDING AT WOLDINGHAM: A NURTURING COMMUNITY FOR EVERY GIRL

Mrs Pippa Whitby, Director of Boarding

Having spent the past seven years of my career focusing on boarding, I joined Woldingham as Director of Boarding in April with high hopes, which were not disappointed. Boarding is such a valued and integral part of this impressive school, and I have found our boarders to be happy, settled, and well cared for. With six distinct boarding houses, each sharing the same Sacred Heart goals and school ethos, Woldingham offers a unique approach to caring for our boarders at every stage of their education. Not surprisingly, they are achieving remarkable things both inside and outside the classroom.

Not long after I started, I was lucky enough to join the May Bank Holiday weekend trip to Paris, where boarders from Years 7 to 10 experienced the vibrant and trendy streets of the city, complemented by a scenic boat tour on the Seine. While the trip was filled with many highlights, it would be remiss of me not to mention the visit to Disneyland Paris, where the girls enjoyed rollercoasters, games, and plenty of soft toys — culminating in a magical evening watching the fireworks in front of Cinderella’s castle. The tired but happy smiles said it all.

As the academic year drew to a close, we were pleased to share our plans for our Year 10 and 11 boarding houses for the 2025-2026 academic year. Newly named Scott and Triffitt,

these houses bring together Year 10 and 11 boarders to provide continuity of care from staff during the important GCSE period. Weekly and flexi boarders in Years 10 and 11 now live in Scott House, and our full boarders in Triffitt House. This arrangement ensures all girls benefit from an experience suited to their chosen boarding style, while also being able to move seamlessly between the two houses to visit friends.

Importantly, we have listened closely to boarders’ feedback and the new structure also creates greater opportunities for trips and activities tailored to Year 10 and 11 students’ interests and needs. We hope some flexi and weekly boarders will choose to join us over weekends for special events and outings, fostering an even stronger sense of community.

It is clear that boarding at Woldingham is much more than accommodation - it is a warm, supportive, nurturing home away from home, where each girl is encouraged to flourish academically, socially, and personally. As the new academic year gets underway, I am excited to see how these developments will further enrich our boarding community and create lasting memories for all our girls.

Boarding is such a valued and integral part of this impressive school.

THE HUB: A SPACE WHERE EVERY STUDENT FEELS SAFE, SUPPORTED AND EMPOWERED

Ms Kate Renshaw, Deputy Head Pastoral

In September 2025, Woldingham opened The Hub, a thoughtfully designed new centre, which brings together all aspects of student support under one welcoming roof. This exciting development represents a significant step forward in our ongoing commitment to the wellbeing, personal growth, and holistic care of every student. As Deputy Head Pastoral, I am delighted to see this vision come to life in the form of a space where every Woldingham student feels safe, supported, and empowered, whatever her needs may be.

Located on the ground floor of Shanley, The Hub is open to students throughout the school day, with staff always on hand to provide guidance and care the centre houses key pastoral staff and our experienced Learning Enhancement Department. Whether a student is seeking pastoral or learning support, a quiet place to work, or simply a moment of calm,

The Hub offers a variety of spaces tailored to suit every individual. A sensory and wellbeing room called Lumina has been designed to provide a peaceful sanctuary for students who may need a break from the busy rhythms of school life. Quiet work breakout spaces offer them a comfortable environment to focus and reflect, while private rooms for coaching and counselling ensure that confidential support remains easily accessible.

The opening of The Hub reflects Woldingham’s commitment to being a school where pastoral care is at the heart of everything we do. We understand that a student who feels known, nurtured and supported as an individual will thrive emotionally and socially as well as academically in our increasingly fast-paced world. The Hub embodies our belief that true success comes not only from academic achievement but from nurturing confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of wellbeing.

We understand that a student who feels known, nurtured and supported as an individual will thrive emotionally and socially as well as academically.

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A RIBBON

Hello everyone, I’m Waishe, Head Girl 2025–26

Being a Ribbon is genuinely one of the greatest joys of my time at Woldingham. It’s something I’d always hoped for, having once been one of those younger girls looking up to the Ribbons and the Head Girl, wondering what it might be like to wear that sash one day.

I’ve now realised that it’s about much more than I previously imagined. The real magic of being a Ribbon is in the connections you make with students, staff and the wider school community, and the privilege of helping shape the atmosphere of warmth and togetherness that makes Woldingham feel so special.

It’s also very much about joy and school spirit. Our team has had an incredible time bringing fun and energy into school life, from visiting tutor groups and hosting picnics to experimenting with drones for our video, and dramatically rushing the stage for a remix of Shine, Jesus, Shine! Leading such a brilliant team is the highlight of my school career, and I’m so proud of the fun, laughter, and unity we’ve shared along the way.

Here are some thoughts from my fellow Ribbons about what being a Ribbon means to them.

An opportunity to challenge myself, strengthen my skills, and inspire the young years by setting an example.

Loreen, Boarding Ribbon

Having the privilege to give back to a community that I’ve benefited so much from, passing on the legacy and defining by example what it means to be a Woldingham girl.

Jovie, Deputy Head Girl

Showing up no matter what and supporting the Woldingham community

Millie, Stuart House Captain

A real privilege and a chance to represent my school. It’s about teamwork, leadership and making sport at our school the best it can be for everyone, now and in the future.

Lily, Sport Ribbon

The ability to effect real and visible changes through our actions and ideas.

Liv, Sacred Heart Ribbon

MARDEN PARK EXCLUSIVELY YOURS FOR THE DAY

The mansion at Marden Park, with its elegant function rooms, is available for weddings, christenings, parties, black tie events and other formal functions.

It’s the perfect Surrey wedding venue, with exclusive use of your own country mansion for the day, complete with professional in-house catering.

Catholic wedding ceremonies can take place in the Chapel, and civil ceremonies in the function rooms, for up to 130 guests.

For further details and availability phone 01883 654327 or email venuehire@woldinghamschool.co.uk

Alumnae are eligible for a 25% discount on venue hire.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF THE SACRED HEART GOALS

Mr Adrian Ross, Sacred Heart Co-ordinator

The 2024-2025 academic year marked the 50th anniversary of the creation and adoption of the Goals within the Sacred Heart Network of Schools in the United States. To celebrate this milestone, the English Network of Sacred Heart Schools dedicated one half of a term to each of the five Goals – Faith, Social Awareness, Intellect, Community and Personal Growth. As you will read in the following pages, this allowed students and staff to reflect more deeply on how these principles guide our community today.

Early in the school year, our Year 8 Sacred Heart Representatives joined students from five other schools in the English Sacred Heart Network at the annual Heart Fest gathering at the Emmaus Youth Village, near Newcastle, where they spent time looking at how each Goal can be applied to our personal lives, our communities, and the wider world.

All our Sacred Heart Reps, led by Sacred Heart Ribbon Andrea, played an active role in promoting the Goals within their year groups, leading prayers in tutor time, and helping shape assemblies. They also represented Woldingham at Arundel Cathedral for the Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage.

Towards the end of this remarkable year, Woldingham celebrated the 100th anniversary of the canonisation of St Madeleine Sophie Barat with a whole-school assembly, video reflections, and, of course, cake. We also said a heartfelt thank you to Andrea, whose leadership and commitment have inspired many, and welcomed Liv as our new Sacred Heart Ribbon — ready to carry the Goals forward with enthusiasm and faith.

Connections Week reminds us all of the importance of kindness and community

In March, Woldingham’s third annual Connections Week focused on kindness and community, reminding everyone that we all connect in many different ways and the more confidence we develop to do this, the better.

Highlights included a fabulous video from the Ribbons on how to be kind, polite and inclusive around school (and, entertainingly, how not to!); the sending of thank you cards to people who had helped us, from close friends to members of our catering team; and the ever-popular Woldingham Walkies, where students were joined by some very enthusiastic dogs Harry, Lexie, Paddy and Rolo (and their staff member owners) on a lunchtime stroll. Students also received stickers for kindnesses shown and could nominate one another for being supportive.

Connections Week concluded with a lunchtime team challenge, where the significance of the sparkly Connections badges everyone received at the start of the week became clear. Students were asked to gather in groups according to their badge colour and venture out of their comfort zone by talking to new people.

A ‘chat challenge’ on each table in Marden dining room gave students the confidence to get conversations going and to ensure everyone was included. Each table also came up with a pose for a group photo to represent the inclusivity and kindness we aimed to strengthen through Connections Week.

Following Connections Week, tutors busily counted the stickers students had been awarded to discover which year group had received the highest average number. The Lower Sixth came out top, for which they were awarded some treats, though they were only just ahead of Year 8 and Year 11. Of course, as we all gain in confidence to connect with everyone in our community and show kindness, we’re all winners.

CONNECTIONSWEEK

During the first half of the 2024 autumn term, we launched the Woldingham Prayer Book, most of our year groups took part in a Day of Reflection at Wintershall and Sr Dr Gemma Simmons CJ, a senior research fellow at the Margaret Beaufort Institute of Technology in Cambridge, gave our annual Faith in Action lecture.

Our partnership with Wintershall, an organisation founded to bring the Bible story to life through drama, has continued to flourish. As well as welcoming all our students to its estate on seven year group Days of Reflection, we welcomed Wintershall staff and volunteers to Woldingham for special events including the Travelling Crib, which, with the help of a very friendly donkey, gave our Year 7 students and pupils from local primary schools the opportunity to reflect and pray on what the season of Advent and Christmas means, and Stations of the Cross reflections using Woldingham’s newly installed stations which line the path below the swimming pool - our Garden of Reflection.

We celebrated Inter Faith Week in November, where students from different faith traditions shared their personal stories and in December more than 1,000 members of the Woldingham community gathered in Westminster Cathedral for our annual carol service.

During the spring term, we were delighted to welcome Sister Cath Lloyd RSCJ, who spoke to Year 7 about the life and legacy of St Madeleine Sophie Barat and the ongoing work of the Society of the Sacred Heart, and Bishop Richard Moth who confirmed 18 students in the school chapel, full to capacity with friends and family. The term concluded with a moving Tenebrae Service, marking the final days of Jesus’ life.

Bishop Richard returned to Woldingham in May to celebrate Mass with our Upper Sixth, just before their A Level study leave began. Our soon-to-be-leavers returned in June for their final Mass as Woldingham students and the whole community celebrated Speech Day.

Upper Sixth Leavers’ Mass

Garden of Reflection

Many aspects of Woldingham life encourage and foster students’ personal growth. Staff, tutors and bespoke journals and planners encourage and provide tools for students to reflect on their successes and develop a healthy and resilient attitude to setbacks, and students discover new abilities through our extra-curricular programme (see pages 36 & 37). Trips to new places, where they meet new people and engage in new activities and embrace new ideas, can help students develop cultural awareness, adaptability and self-confidence. Nine students’ amazing three-week adventure in Malaysian Borneo in July was a wonderful demonstration of this. There were three parts to the expeditionvolunteering, adventure and exploration of Borneo’s biodiversity and culture. What made this expedition different to other school trips was that the girls took on leadership roles throughout. Sixth Formers Ella, Annabelle and Liv explain more.

Service Learning Ella, Lower Sixth

We undertook the volunteering section of our expedition in a jungle camp at the northern tip of Borneo. Our main task was building a chicken shed for owner Howard, a British man who is dedicated to supporting the local Rungus community. Howard and his team had already built 12 chicken huts for local families, and now the chickens in the camp needed their own. For three full days we worked hard from morning till evening to build the hut - it was tiring, but very rewarding. We also left a lasting memory of our time in Borneo by painting a communal space in the camp with the flowers and plants we had seen in the jungle.

On our last day we had dinner by the ocean as the sun set and Howard shared touching personal stories of overcoming challenges and encouraged us to make the most of life and take all the opportunities we can. Leaving the camp was hard; despite the countless mosquito bites and the very simple living conditions we had such a meaningful time there.

Adventure

Annabelle, Upper Sixth

I will never forget our adventures in Borneo, especially our expedition through the jungle of Mount Kinabalu. Over three days we made our way through dense jungle, across paddy fields, and over rivers. We explored the beauty, and experienced the humidity, of Borneo’s diverse environment, whilst learning about the area from our expert local guides. Our trek took us around the base of the mountain, a route which had its challenges, including steep ascents through thick jungle and walking along narrow ridges. But it was all worth it for the incredible views we enjoyed along the way.

As a biology student, Borneo’s incredible wildlife was especially exciting for me. We saw orangutans, crocodiles and the striking rhinoceros hornbill as we travelled upstream on river cruises. We also visited the sun bear sanctuary in Sepilok, where we saw the inspiring rehabilitation work being done to keep this keystone species in the wild.

Leadership

Liv, Upper Sixth

What made this expedition so enjoyable is that we all took on different leadership roles. I oversaw our transportation, which required careful planning and adaptability as we took multiple forms of transport across varying terrains. I learned the importance of effective communication with others, as well as the value of money when working within budget constraints. The task was often challenging, as public transportation was limited for our long journeys. Despite the difficulties, the experience was rewarding as I ensured that the whole team and our luggage were accommodated, making travel days as smooth as possible. Through our leadership opportunities, everyone learnt invaluable skills that we will use for the rest of our lives, and we grew in confidence to take on responsibilities and lead a team.

What’s in a name? At Woldingham, we believe the term ‘Empowered Learning’ best describes our understanding of what happens in the classroom (as well as in many other places of course).

Empowered Learning at Woldingham aims to develop effective lifelong learners by focusing on three main points - inspiration, individuality, and independence – all of which are demonstrated through the many opportunities students have to develop their own passions, with the support of expert staff. For example, as part of the Marden Diploma, launched in September 2025, Year 7 students have embarked on project work inspired by subject visits such as a guided tour of The Globe Theatre, followed by a watching a performance of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Seeing subjects come alive in the real world, and being given a choice of questions to address about the experience, sparks curiosity and motivates students to go above and beyond. Many students of all ages also pursue independent curiosity projects or EPQs with one-to-one mentoring from staff. It is exciting to see their enthusiasm and initiative as they are encouraged to pursue individual academic interests with structured support. Teachers also look out for opportunities in lessons and clubs to go beyond the curriculum and relate their subject to the world beyond the valley, as we know students find this incredibly motivating. Whether it’s by taking part in a brain dissection or learning about technical linguistics, we want students to have wide intellectual interests and the confidence to know they can tackle the most complex of issues if they take it step by step.

Areas we are currently developing in Empowered Learning are the application of neuroscience and artificial intelligence. Woldingham is a partner school with the charity Neuroscience for Education and we shape our pastoral and academic practices in the light of neuroscientific research. We believe students need to understand some basics about how their brain works in order to know how to protect and develop it. For this reason, a new neuroscience module is being added to the Year 9 biology curriculum, which builds on existing work in our THRIVE programme. Understanding how neural connections are made by repetition, and how we are able to take practical steps that help our brain to function better, can have a significant positive impact on students’ ability to progress in their subjects, develop strong friendships and make healthy lifestyle choices. The neuroscience some of our staff have been learning has really put the spotlight on the interconnectedness of learning, emotions and wellbeing, and how important it is to approach education and development holistically.

At the same time, we are moving forward swiftly with AI. As empowered learners, we want our students to become ethical, self-aware, and effective users of AI technologies. Whilst teachers have been developing expertise in using AI to individualise work further for students and perform administrative tasks more effectively, students in all year groups are being taught how to use AI to support, not replace, thinking. Lessons in our THRIVE and Sophia programmes focus on developing critical thinking and metacognitive skills, using AI to question

Mrs Gail Haythorne, Assistant Head Empowered Learning

outputs, reflect on their own understanding, and recognise how AI may influence their thinking. The two topics of neuroscience and AI will come together, so that students understand what it means to learn, and are therefore empowered to make wise choices about AI use, both now and in the future.

So, what difference does the concept of Empowered Learning make to each student?

I’d argue it focuses teachers and students on aims well beyond exam results and university offers. It asks of us that we project our success criteria way into the future, so that Woldingham students are not only prepared for their next academic step, but for life far beyond the school gates. In the years to come, we know they will carry with them the habits of mind they have developed here: the ability to analyse complex situations, adapt to changing circumstances, and think with clarity and confidence, whatever the future may hold. In other words, they will be empowered learners.

While Woldingham celebrated all five of the Sacred Heart goals last year, Social Awareness Which Impels to Action was also the goal for the 2024-25 academic year. All students focused on this goal during their Day of Reflection, working in groups to explore opportunities to put social awareness into action. As well as looking at the work of CAFOD, students looked at the topic of ‘fast fashion’, discussing the impact we all have on the world as individuals and how, by making good choices such as choosing ethical suppliers for the clothing we buy, we can make a positive difference.

During the year, the Woldingham community pulled together to help others in need through a sponsored walk in aid of the Cardinal Hume Centre, as well as donating food and other provisions to the Purley Food Hub and books to the Children’s Book Project.

Woldingham’s annual sponsored walk goes ahead whatever the weather, but on the afternoon of Wednesday 5 March the sun was shining, spring was in the air, and everyone had a spring their step as students and staff walked almost three and half, largely hilly, miles.

Walkers were rewarded by lovely views, doughnuts and hot chocolate at the finish line, but above all the knowledge that the money raised would support the wonderful work of the Cardinal Hume Centre, which helps people facing poverty and the threat of homelessness in London.

Helen Harris from the Purley Food Hub has joined our Harvest Festival assembly almost every year since the hub opened in 2013. As well as sharing her gratitude for Woldingham’s donations, Helen reminded us of those living just a short distance from our school who don’t have access to the necessities in life that we often take for granted. In the past 12 years, with the support of generous donations from the local community, Purley Food Hub has provided 400,000 meals for more than 45,000 people.

Another charity Woldingham has supported for a number of years is The Children’s Book Project, based in south-west London. Early in the summer term, Librarian Amanda Owens organised another very successful Book Drive for children’s books to support the charity in tackling book poverty and its aim of giving every child the opportunity to own their own book.

As always, members of Woldingham’s four Houses threw themselves into raising money for their House’s chosen charity (bake sales are a very popular money spinner). Last year their efforts supported a mix of local and international charities: Women for Afghan Women (Barat), Sevenoaks-based Friends For Families (Digby), Actionaid (Duchesne) and PSDS, which provides support for children and young people who have Down syndrome in Surrey and West Sussex (Stuart). Without a doubt, these and other important causes impelled our students – and the wider Woldingham community – to action last year.

Helen Harris

SUMMER ART EXHIBITION EXPANDS TO SHOWCASE

EVEN MORE WONDERFUL WORK

There were more exhibits on display than ever at our Summer Art Exhibition, which this year showcased work from every art student from Year 9 through to Upper Sixth. And what a wonderful celebration of creativity, talent and dedication it was.

Work from Year 9’s new Landscape Project made a striking debut – a vibrant and energetic display of colour, texture and imagination. Students explored a wide range of materials and techniques, from expressive printmaking to intricate ceramics, demonstrating a bold and confident approach to the subject.

Year 10 students exhibited their final coursework pieces, offering a glimpse into the potential of next year’s GCSE portfolios. Their work included some outstanding observational drawings and paintings, full of sensitivity and technical strength.

Students in Year 11 impressed with the culmination of their exam units – both their preparatory work and the pieces created under exam conditions were on display. The breadth and individuality of their projects highlighted not only their hard work but also the diversity of media and techniques students learn at Woldingham.

Lower Sixth textiles students amazed visitors with their ambitious and imaginative responses to set themes. Their work was rich in innovation and showed strong command of a variety of textile processes. Likewise, our Lower Sixth fine art students made a huge impact with large-scale, dynamic work that brimmed with talent and intention.

Upper Sixth textiles students presented beautifully crafted and thoughtful final pieces. Their displays showed an impressive array of techniques, from experimental manipulation to delicate handcraft, and their section of the show was a powerful and elegant presence.

Finally, our Upper Sixth fine art students truly captivated visitors with work that was bold, deeply personal, moving and masterfully executed – testament to their artistic maturity and the creative journeys they have undertaken.

Many of our Upper Sixth exhibitors are now deep in exciting new chapters in their creative lives, undertaking Foundation Art, Fine Art and Architecture courses at prestigious institutions and universities including Edinburgh, Newcastle and UAL.

DAZZLING DRAMA PRODUCTIONS DELIGHT AUDIENCES

The sweetest of the many treats lavished on the Woldingham community by the Drama Department last year were the Junior Production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the Sixth Form Production of The Wiz

In the autumn term, audiences were bewitched by the tale of Dorothy’s adventures in the Land of Oz in the enormously fun, rock, gospel and soul musical, The Wiz. Dorothy and Toto ‘eased on down the (yellow brick) road’ in Oz, picking up a wonderfully wobbly Scarecrow, remarkably rusty Tin Man and the most scaredy cat Cowardly Lion along the way. Their adventures involved delightful witches, hilarious witches, evil witches, colourful munchkins, cunning crows,

officious mice, fearful flying monkeys – and of course an all-powerful wizard, who wasn’t all she seemed. All these characters – and more –were brought to the stage brilliantly by around 40 Sixth Formers, many playing multiple parts in each show, and some, including Dorothy, Toto and the Tin Man, different roles across the two fabulous performances.

As always, our technical crew of both staff and students pulled out all the stops with spectacular costumes, make up, special effects, sound and lighting, and the live band, comprising students and professional musicians, and the specially formed Soul Sister Choir of Year 9 singers were superb.

In the summer term, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was fantastical fun. Sometimes poignant, sometimes surprising, sometimes a touch scary (thanks to the Oompah Loompas and nutty squirrels), students in Years 7 to 9 brought us an evening’s entertainment that was also frequently funny. Very, very funny.

It was also extremely impressive, with wonderful performances across the board from the 30-strong cast of Year 9s, whose breadth and depth of musical theatre talent meant that several characters were played by different performers on each night. These included the lead roles of Willy Wonka and Charlie Bucket –‘bravo!’ to Mathilda, Caitin, Maya and Lyra. There was also brilliant support from Year 7 and 8 ensemble performers, our student stage crew, our technical team and, once again, some marvellous special effects.

LAMDA success for students

During the Wold Fringe Festival in June, drama students reprised performances from their recent LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) exams. All performed brilliantly, with the audience enjoying solo and twohander excerpts from plays ranging from Chekov’s Three Sisters to After Juliet by Sharman Macdonald, as well as poetry and an engaging short presentation on scuba diving from a student on the public speaking course. Their excellent work was later rewarded by more than 80% of students being awarded Distinction in their exams, with high scoring Merits for others. Congratulations, one and all.

MARVELLOUS MUSIC MASTERCLASSES HONE STUDENTS’ SKILLS

Alongside wowing audiences with impressive concerts in the Auditorium, intimate performances in the Recital Room, and easygoing evenings of jazz and pop in the Live Lounge, Woldingham’s musicians honed their skills through a series of masterclasses, led by world-renowned musicians.

In the inaugural masterclass, student pianists impressed acclaimed musician Andrew Quartermain with an eclectic programme of pianistic nuance and virtuosity. Andrew returned the following term to lead an improvisation workshop, where he taught and inspired music scholars and academic musicians to conjure up daring and charismatic creations on the spot. By the end of the evening, students had produced numerous new pieces of music, including solos, duets and compositions for much larger ensembles. Improvisation is an invaluable part of any musician’s toolkit and all our musicians demonstrated courage and curiosity, embracing spontaneity and quelling the apprehension that greets all musicians the first time they improvise.

Our musicians were joined by drama students for a marvellous masterclass on musical theatre hosted by Tiffany Graves, then starring in Mathilda The Musical in the West End. Students delighted in receiving top tips from such an engaging and dynamic performing artist.

Our violinists and cellists were treated to a fantastic masterclass from Matthew Jones, Head of Chamber Music and Professor of Viola at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where they explored artistry, vibrato, bowing and storytelling, alongside insightful and empowering instruction of healthy posture and efficient practise, while experienced musician Nicki Hutchins delivered a woodwind masterclass to our young flautists, oboists and bassoonists on an inspiring and captivating evening of music making.

Our student organists were lucky enough to have Westminster Cathedral to themselves during a two-hour workshop with the Cathedral’s Organ Scholar, Daniel Greenway. During a magical evening, they explored the music of Esther Bersweden, Théodore Salomé, Krebs, Pachelbel, William Walton and Mendelssohn on the Grand Organ, made by the peerless organ builder Henry Willis.

To further develop their already considerable skills, several of our very talented musicians and performers study on Saturdays at the Junior Departments of conservatoires including the Royal Academy of Music, the Royal College of Music and Trinity Laban, having been awarded their places following highly competitive auditions.

Choirs combine to tell a remarkable story

At our Spring Concert in March, our Junior and Senior Choirs, joined by the Vox Anima Chamber Choir, gave a powerful performance of Cecilia McDowall’s incredible cantata, Everyday Wonders: The Girl from Aleppo, for choir, solo violin (Lilico, Lower Sixth) and piano (Andrea, Upper Sixth), conducted by one of our amazing singing teachers, Victoria Milnes. This unique piece, commissioned by the National Children’s Choir of Great Britain, tells the remarkable story of Syrian refugee Nujeen Mustafa, who fled Aleppo in a wheelchair and successfully sought asylum in Germany after an astounding journey in which she was pushed over 2000 miles to safety by her sister.

TOURS,TEAMWORK AND ADVICE FROM PROFESSIONAL SPORTSWOMEN

A look back at a year of sporting endeavour

Shortly before this magazine went to print, Woldingham swimmers and cricketers enjoyed their first international tour, travelling to Dubai and Abu Dhabi for a week that will live long in the memory. Students from Years 8 to 10 took part in a series of very competitive fixtures against teams from local clubs and international schools. Our cricketers, already skilled in both indoor and outdoor cricket thanks to Woldingham’s excellent facilities, loved the new experience of playing under floodlights and seeing themselves in live action replays on a big screen, while our swimmers relished racing

in 50m pools with touch pad timing – just like Olympians. When not competing, the girls enjoyed cultural trips and activities, as well as the opportunity to try two very different forms of local transport – camel riding and a ‘4x4 safari’ in the sand dunes.

Looking back to the last academic year, somewhat closer to home, our U14s took part in a very successful hardball cricket tour to Cheltenham in June, while Ascot was the tour destination for our U13 hockey and netball players to showcase their skills in the spring term.

Other highlights in a year when our athletes represented the school with outstanding commitment, teamwork and pride in more than 350 fixtures across a wide range of sports included: the U13 netball team qualifying for the Surrey Finals; strong runs in the Sisters in Sport netball competition, with two teams narrowly missed out on a trip to Loughborough for the Finals; the U14A hockey team impressing in the Tier 2 County tournament, going unbeaten in the first two rounds; second place finishes for our Year 8 and Year 9 teams at the district cross country competition, with several runners selected for the South Surrey Cross Country Squad based on their performances; the U13 tennis team reaching the quarterfinals of the Surrey Youth Tennis League; Woldingham swimmers securing 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 7th place finishes in the school’s first aquathlon; and, at the British Schoolgirls’ Ski Races in Flaine, the A team’s impressive performance earning them a bronze medal in the nonregistered team event.

Woldingham’s athletes were lucky enough to benefit from the expertise and experience of two professional sportswomen who visited the school last year. In March, Red Roses star Natalie Metcalf ran a morning of netball masterclasses, focusing on attacking skills in three highly enjoyable and inspirational sessions, which students found extremely valuable, and in May, Marlie Packer, captain of the England Women’s Rugby team and a World Cup winner, was guest speaker at our annual Sports Dinner and Marden Sports Awards. In her speech, Marlie shared powerful insights into the rise and development of women’s sport and highlighted the increasing opportunities for girls and young women in all areas of sport. She also spoke candidly about the many challenges she has faced throughout her journey and the resilience it has taken to reach the top of her game. One of her key messages to students was the importance of education — she emphasised how vital it is to have a strong foundation to support a career in sport, or to keep sport as a lifelong passion.

Marlie Packer, Sports Dinner

Marden Sports Awards

STUDENTS HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF SCIENCE WITH ENERGY, CURIOSITY AND TEAMWORK

Looking back at another packed and inspiring year for STEM at Woldingham, what continually impresses me is the enthusiasm, creativity and initiative shown by our students - young women who don’t just study science, technology, engineering and mathematics, but live and breathe them. Their energy, curiosity and teamwork have once again made this an exceptional year, filled with innovation, discovery and community spirit.

Mr Paul Rickard, Head of Science

December saw the return of our muchloved STEM Cosmetics Sale, where students researched, formulated, costed and marketed a range of products entirely of their own design. The sale was our most successful yet, raising a record £300 to support STEM provision at a local primary school - a brilliant example of science meeting enterprise, and of Woldingham students using their talents to make a tangible difference.

Our STEM Blast magazine underwent a stunning redesign this year, though its heart remains the same: student-led exploration of the fascinating world of STEM. From articles on the biochemistry of beauty to the engineering behind the world’s tallest buildings, the magazine continues to be a platform for creative research, communication and collaboration.

A highlight of the academic calendar was the Tonbridge Science Conference, where 12 of our students presented university-style research posters on topics such as ‘quantum breakthroughs in medicine’ and ‘pharmacy in the garden’. Their independence and intellectual curiosity shone through and the event proved an outstanding opportunity to engage with young scientists from schools across the region.

In the Science Snippets Competition, also hosted by Tonbridge, Woldingham students stood out once again. Lilico, Lower Sixth, took first place with her captivating talk on the science of invisibility cloaks, while Jovie, Lower Sixth, secured third with an engaging exploration of protein alpha-folding. Their confidence, clarity and flair for communication exemplify the courage and creativity we encourage in every Woldingham student.

An unforgettable experience was the STEM Society visit to McLaren F1 Headquarters, where students were given a private tour by two female McLaren engineers. Seeing first-hand how innovation and precision engineering drive one of the world’s most advanced industries was profoundly inspiring, particularly for students aspiring to careers in physics, design and engineering.

Our STEM Live lecture series continued to attract large audiences of students, staff, parents and visitors from other schools. Professor Rob Palgrave from UCL delivered a fascinating lecture on the transformative role of AI in scientific discovery. Events like these remind us how valuable it is for students to hear directly from those shaping the future of STEM.

We are immensely proud of our STEM for Schools outreach programme, where STEM Society members design and lead immersive, hands-on STEM afternoons for visiting primary pupils. Watching our girls step into the roles of teachers and mentors, inspiring younger students and demonstrating true leadership, is one of the most rewarding parts of the year.

As always, the logistical highlight was our flagship STEM Solutions inter-school competition. Lower Sixth teams from Caterham, Warlingham, Sevenoaks and Tonbridge joined us for a day of intense scientific problem-solving and engineering challenges, all designed by our own students. The atmosphere was electric, with collaboration and creativity on full display throughout.

Beyond these major projects, Woldingham students also shone in national competitions. Our Year 10 team reached the finals of Imperial College’s Science in Medicine poster competition, and our Year 11 team achieved the same distinction in the prestigious TeenTech Awards. Meanwhile, our ever-popular Junior STEM Club continued to thrive, with weekly sessions filled with experiments, laughter and discovery.

Each of these moments reflects something greater than individual achievement. They show a community of young people who are not only learning about science, but doing it, sharing it, leading it and shaping it. At Woldingham, we are not just nurturing future scientists, engineers and innovators, we are helping to form the next generation of STEM leaders - confident, compassionate and ready to change the world.

CLUB

GLEE

WATER POLO

Cricket Nets

Golf

Chapel Choir

Model United Nations

Percussion Ensemble

Current Affairs Club

Explorers Club

AMARIS

GYMNASTICS

Rugby

Cross Country Club

Jazz Band

Tea Club

Rock Climbing

HORSE RIDING

FENCING

STUDENTS ACQUIRE SKILLS WHILE ABSORBED IN PLEASURABLE PURSUITS

The diversity of Woldingham’s more than 100 weekly extra- and co-curricular clubs — from beekeeping to ballet, STEM Society to Shakespeare Society, and taekwondo to tea club — caters to students’ varied interests and talents (doubtless many yet undiscovered), and provides a dynamic and enriching environment that can help prepare them for challenges beyond the classroom and empower them to become well-rounded individuals ready to navigate life’s complexities.

In a world that is looking for transferrable skills as well as academic excellence, extra-curricular clubs and societies can play an important role. Woldingham takes pride in ensuring that students have a myriad of opportunities for developing problem solving, adaptability, communication, teamwork and leadership skills and more — all whilst having fun, of course.

For example, as well as being a key feature Maths Competition Club, problem-solving is at the heart of Backgammon Club and inherent to Rock Climbing Club, where students plan the best routes up walls, adapting and adjusting as necessary during each climb.

Many activities aid the development of strong communication skills. Debating Society, Model United Nations and discussion-based groups such as Current Affairs Club spring are forums where students learn to articulate ideas confidently, as well as gaining active listening and critical thinking skills and exposure to diverse perspectives.

That teamwork is at the heart of many school sports is no surprise. But other group activities, such as music ensembles, large and small, and the communal crafting of drama productions, also foster valuable abilities required to work as part of a team, including communication, collaboration, respect and responsibility. Students learn to understand their individual role to achieve the desired result and dedicate time and effort to rehearsals, for which they are richly rewarded with a shared sense of pride and accomplishment.

Students can develop leadership abilities by organising and running activities for others.

Sixth Form students set and run the weekly agenda for Current Affairs Club, and Junior Medics Society was set up by Sixth Form members of Med Soc. Woldingham also runs a bespoke extra-curricular Leadership Programme for the Lower Sixth, accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management, and has recently introduced the Young Enterprise programme, where students have the opportunity to set up and run a company under the guidance of a business advisor.

Alongside all this, Woldingham’s extra-curricular programme offers plenty of opportunities to give mind and body time away from studies, for fun and to forge new friendships, and to discover and nurture passions, be they performing on stage, learning to ride a horse, open water swimming, crochet or astronomy.

As well as being some of the most memorable parts of students’ time at school, extra-curricular activities may become lifelong pleasures, enhancing their personal as well as professional lives.

STUDENTS CAPITALISE ON WOLDINGHAM’S PROXIMITY TO LONDON

In Woldingham’s green and tranquil valley it’s easy to feel far from anywhere. Yet, of course, one of the world’s greatest cities - if not a stone’s throw - is just a 30-minute train ride away, meaning our students can make the most of the cultural, academic and entertainment opportunities London has to offer.

London’s theatres have been a real draw. The Music Department organised trips to musicals Wicked and Hamilton, as well as a visit to the Royal Opera House for a performance of Tosca, while drama students thoroughly enjoyed a contemporary adaptation of Ibsen’s The Lady From the Sea and Stranger Things, a prequel to the smash hit TV series of the same name.

The capital’s theatres also brought to life set texts for students studying English at A Level and GCSE, with Sixth Formers enjoying a highly entertaining evening at the National Theatre, where they saw an all-star cast in Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, starring former Dr Who Ncuti Gatwa, and Year 11 taking a trip to the Old Vic to see Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, with John Simm (also of Dr Who fame) as an excellent Scrooge. At an earlier point on their literary journey, Mardeners’ studies of The Bard were enhanced by A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Barbican and Twelfth Night in the wonderful setting of Shakespeare’s Globe.

Our proximity to London and excellent transport links, combined with our fabulous countryside setting, appeals to our international families.

Mrs Pippa Whitby, Director of Boarding

Woldingham’s proximity to the capital has also enhanced students’ linguistic and cultural knowledge of other languages, thanks to French and Spanish study days at the British Film Institute on London’s Southbank and an invaluable chance to explore German Expressionism, a topic covered in the A Level curriculum, with a visit to the Tate Modern exhibition Expressionists: Kandinsky, Münter and The Blue Rider. Art students also joined this trip, and the Art Department regularly organises visits to London’s world class galleries, such as the National Portrait Gallery, where students enjoyed the work of Edvard Munch, and the Royal Academy of Art for the Kiefer/Van Gogh exhibition. As well as engaging in close observation and documentation of great artists’ work, students used some of their time in the galleries to create their own sketches to develop their observational skills and techniques.

Our Sixth Form boarders relish being able to take exeats to the capital at weekends (in groups of three, of course) and London also features in the programme of weekend trips organised for boarders. Convent Garden was the chosen destination for a recent weekend trip for Year 10 and 11 boarders and was also visited on a different weekend by our younger boarders in Years 7 to 9, who also enjoying coming face to face with many celebrities – at least their wax counterparts – at world-famous Madame Tussauds.

With fields and fresh air on the doorstep and Shakespeare and shopping six stops away, Woldingham enjoys the best of both worlds.

WOLDINGHAM: A TRULY GLOBAL OUTLOOK

At Woldingham we are fortunate to study, work and live in an environment where different cultures, languages and perspectives come together naturally. Our thriving community is made up of more than 35 nationalities, with a quarter of students joining us from overseas, bringing a uniqueness that enriches life across the school.

This diversity is woven into everyday life. Students readily engage in all areas of school, whether they’re leading House events, playing in teams, performing in productions or contributing to classroom discussions. In our boarding community in particular, students live alongside one another — sharing rooms, meals, social activities — forming friendships that span continents. The result is an inclusive, dynamic and globally aware learning environment that reflects the wider world to the benefit of all.

We are proud that Woldingham is widely recognised internationally for its outstanding academic standards and exemplary pastoral care. Families around the world value the supportive environment we cultivate, where each student is known as an individual and empowered to excel both academically and in her personal development.

To support our international families, we’ve recently introduced a Head of International Recruitment. Miss Lucia Battain’s role focuses on building lasting relationships worldwide, meeting prospective families overseas, keeping in touch with our alumnae and strengthening Woldingham’s international connections.

When international students join the school, our Head of EAL, Mrs Tania Carrilero, works closely with them to build their confidence in English, and help them thrive academically. Our International Ribbon Lilico represents the voice of Woldingham’s international students and serves to bring global perspectives into the heart of school life.

Woldingham’s international outlook is not a ‘nice to have’ or an initiative, it is a core part of who we are, grounded in and inspired by our Sacred Heart goals. Woldingham has been welcoming international students for over 100 years and, as part of the network of more than 150 Sacred Heart schools worldwide, our students have amazing opportunities for travel through the Sacred Heart Exchange Programme (see page 52). This global outlook means Woldingham girls develop a genuine understanding of and respect for different cultures and backgrounds, with their eyes open to the diverse world around them. This perspective shapes how we think, how we learn and how we prepare our students for life beyond school. Alongside academic success, our students leave confident in their ability to connect, communicate and collaborate with people from across the globe, enjoying friendships and connections that last a lifetime. And that, we believe, is just as valuable.

We are proud that Woldingham is widely recognised internationally for its outstanding academic standards and exemplary pastoral care.

REFLECTIONS FROM WOLDINGHAM’S FIRST ALUMNA CHAIR OF GOVERNORS

Catharine Berwick (class of 1990)

I’m privileged to be a Woldingham governor and now Chair. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with the school I was very happy at, which gave me lifelong friends, and which has always felt a big part of my family.

The breadth of the educational and co-curricular activity at Woldingham really suited me; I was able to do a bit of everything whilst not being a specialist at anything! I loved boarding and have lifelong friends from my earliest days of dormitory sharing. My sisters also attended Woldingham and my father was a governor, which meant food parcels whenever there was a governors’ meeting. I now appreciate the amount of time he gave to Woldingham when the school moved over from the Society of the Sacred Heart to lay management – a pivotal time in its history – and I feel proud to follow in his footsteps.

Woldingham and university prepared me well for my career, which started in the NHS working in hospitals and at the Department of Health. I then moved into management consultancy, specialising in healthcare transformation working across the world and enjoying fantastic experiences living and working in different cultures. I now have non-executive director, charity, executive coaching and mentoring roles, which I thoroughly enjoy.

People often ask me what’s changed since I was at Woldingham. The buildings and facilities have certainly evolved and increased in number. I took some visitors on a tour of the school recently and saw through their eyes how our impressive facilities for the Sixth Form, sport, science, and the arts blend so well with the wonderfully evocative older parts of the school.

The culture hasn’t changed. The ethos built on the Sacred Heart goals is as strong today as it was in the 1980s and is the essence of Woldingham, knitting the community together regardless of background or religion, and providing a common language and purpose.

Also unchanged is the strong sense of community in a diverse school where the staff truly care for and know every student. Today, as then, I still hear the same chatter and laughter in the corridors and wonderful grounds, as lasting friendships and memories are made.

The school no longer has Hamster Hall (boarders were able to bring hamsters and guineapigs to school) which was a wonderful tonic for homesickness in my day; but students now have homely common rooms, numerous family dogs on site to take for walks and The Hub, our new wellbeing centre, where students can go for support and spend quiet time away from the busyness of school life.

My year group celebrated our 35th anniversary this year and 25 of us came back to school for a reunion lunch. Amid the excitement, we all reflected on the confidence Woldingham gave us in life and how you can recognise a Woldingham girl anywhere in the world - they know who they are, they have a quiet confidence, and they are interested in others. We feel very fortunate.

The independent sector is changing at a very fast rate and Woldingham will adapt and continue to thrive. The Board and SLT are working hard to ensure we continue to invest in the school, in our students and in our estate, and that we are ready to react to opportunities that may present themselves, including international expansion.

My hope is that we, as relatively fleeting custodians of this wonderful school and only part of its long history, pass it on to the next generation as a thriving, sustainable and forward-thinking school that will continue to excel for the next 180 years and more.

On my numerous visits, meeting our students is a constant reminder of the way Woldingham girls really do live out the values of the school and are ready to step into the world with courage, confidence and compassion and make a difference.

WOLDINGHAM GAVE ME A SUPERPOWER

says Speech Day guest speaker, alumna Amalia Navarro.

The warmth of the day was more than matched by the warmth of the applause at Speech Day in June, where Woldingham celebrated students’ academic and extra-curricular achievements, as well as their many contributions to our community.

Our guest speaker, alumna Amalia Navarro, Chief of Communication for UN Trade and Development, explained that Woldingham gave her a ‘superpower’ – confidence. “I had the unshakeable belief that I could do anything and certainly wasn’t afraid to try. That self-assurance, that lack of fear has stayed with me all my life. It helped me make difficult choices, sometimes unconventional choices. It helped me speak up when it wasn’t always easy.” Amalia has indeed spoken up many times in a career that has seen her utilise the power of effective communication to drive awareness and support for those in need around the world, both at the UN and with other organisations including Médecins Sans Frontières.

Confidence was a quality that also shone through in Head Girl 2024-2025 Onome, who gave the vote of thanks to Amalia, before causing tears to be shed, including her own, as she reflected on her seven years at Woldingham and thanked the many people who supported her along the way. Onome also had plenty of good advice to those following in her footsteps, which included having a good balance of work and play, to try everything wholeheartedly, and, when the pressure increases, to keep your goals in mind. As Onome said, “Fun delayed is not fun denied.”

In her first Speech Day address, Mrs Baillie thanked the whole Woldingham community for their welcome, support and patience as she has come to understand “this very special school” and said that the most delightful aspect of her role has been to get to know the girls, who she described as “funny, friendly and opinionated.” Mrs Baillie also looked ahead to the opening of our Wellbeing Centre in September and to further embedding Woldingham’s approach to learning, using the latest developments in neuroscience and embracing diversity of mind as well as culture to make it truly individual to every girl in school.

After Mass and prize-giving, Amalia and her sister Maria, also a Woldingham alumna, enjoyed a picnic on top pitches, as well as her first visit to our Sixth Form Centre, where her image appears in our ‘trailblazers’ gallery. It was a pleasure to welcome Amalia back to Woldingham to inspire students in person.

I had the unshakeable belief that I could do anything and certainly wasn’t afraid to try.

THE BENEFITS OF WOLDINGHAM’S CAREERS PROGRAMME

Woldingham alumnae with experience in a diverse range of sectors – from psychology to medicine, to business management - shared their expertise with students in numerous careers sessions in the 2024-2025 academic year.

These talks (some delivered in person and some online) remain a popular way for our alumnae community to give back to Woldingham, and their impact on current students is huge. Our speakers inspire and motivate a future generation of women in the workplace: hearing alumnae stories of successful and rewarding careers helps current students set ambitious career goals and encourages them to work towards their dreams.

Our students receive real-world insights from our speakers. Alumnae’s first-hand stories of how their career paths have evolved and progressed teach students things they won’t read in textbooks, which will help them to make more informed decisions about their own future careers.

Tips and advice on skill development are often the biggest takeaway. In talks such as Leadership Live, students learn what good leadership involves, as well as how to prepare for and present themselves at job interviews.

Women and the Workplace panel

Importantly, students also hear that it is okay to change your mind and change your career path and receive advice on how to best handle the almost inevitable setbacks along the way – all of which helps build their confidence and resilience as young women preparing for the world of work.

At our Upper Sixth Networking Breakfasts, students meet alumnae in person, enabling them to build connections and industry contacts by chatting to guest speakers in a professional yet relaxed environment. Some of these connections may lead to internships, mentorships and even job opportunities.

With so much in common, our alumnae are highly relatable role models for current students, who can easily imagine themselves following in their footsteps – or breaking new ground as have so many of those who have gone before them. Thank you to everyone who has taken part in our Woldingham Careers Programme over the past year.

If you would like to be part of our 2025/2026 programme, please get in touch at development@woldinghamschool.co.uk

Networking breakfast

ACADEMIC RESULTS

GCSE / IGCSE results 2025

Results include re-marks. Percentages rounded to nearest whole number. of all GCSE grades were 9-8

A Level results 2025

DESTINATIONS OF LEAVERS 2025

SACRED HEART EXCHANGE PROGRAMME GOES DOWN UNDER

Woldingham’s Sacred Heart Exchange Programme expanded to new shores in 2025 with the re-establishment of our partnership with Stuartholme School in Brisbane, Australia.

For the last two weeks of our summer term, Matilda, then in Year 10, hosted Lucy from Stuartholme, who immersed herself in Woldingham life. As well as attending lessons, Lucy also sampled what it’s like to be part of our unique community, taking part in end of year events including Sports Day, Party on the Pitches and a trip to Chessington World of Adventures.

At the end of the fortnight the girls travelled together to Brisbane, where Lucy and her family reciprocated the hospitality and Matilda experienced life at our sister Sacred Heart school. Before term began, there was time for some sightseeing, including spending a few days in seaside town Noosa, where the girls went kayaking and enjoyed watching sunrises on the beach. Matilda had much to share on her return:

“I was shocked by how warm Australia was in the winter; it was sunny almost every day, and it felt like summer in England.’’

‘’One of my highlights outside school, was going to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where, as well as koalas I saw crocodiles, dingos, and many more animals we don’t have in England. I also got to pet and feed kangaroos, which were free to roam around.”

Sports Day

Noosa

‘’On my first day at Stuartholme, everyone was very helpful and welcoming. As well as meeting Australian girls I also met other girls on exchanges from Sacred Heart schools in Austria, France, and America. I loved getting to know them as we realised how much we have in common despite living in different corners of the world.’’

Another important thing is that it helps you adapt well to change. Whilst exchange comes with a lot of fun, travelling to a new country and experiencing a new school can be a challenge. Having your exchange student with you makes things a lot easier, and the girls at Stuartholme are extremely welcoming.

‘’Some of my favourite things I did whilst at Stuartholme were getting to paint my handprint on the wall with the other exchange girls and helping out at the sausage sizzle.’’

Both girls had the time of their lives and got on like a house on fire from the very start. Unforgettable memories were made, and many tears were shed when the two said their farewells at the airport, as Matilda describes:

‘’The hardest part of the exchange was having to leave. I had such a great time and didn’t want my time in Brisbane to end, but I left with so many wonderful memories and am so grateful I took this opportunity.

My advice to any students in Year 9 or Year 10 thinking about going on an exchange would be to be open-minded. Exchange is such a good opportunity to make new friends and experience life in another country. Be open to trying new things and live in the moment.

I strongly recommend taking part in the Sacred Heart Exchange Programme as you will make so many new friends, try so many new things, and make memories that will last forever.’’

Matilda’s mother Joanna gave a family’s perspective on this unforgettable adventure:

“What stands out most is the profound impact this experience has had on Matilda’s confidence and independence. We approached the exchange with a simple agreement: if things got tough, there would be no “can you come and get me?” The responsibility and trust placed in her, and the support offered by both schools, meant that she could step out into the world knowing she was capable, resilient, and supported.

As parents, we are deeply grateful to both Woldingham and Stuartholme for making such an experience possible. The exchange did more than broaden Matilda’s horizons; it challenged her, inspired her, and gave her memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. For any family considering a similar opportunity, we can attest: the adventure is well worth it.’’

Two more lucky Year 10 students have recently returned from their exchanges with Sacred Heart Schools in Tokyo and Texas, which took place in the October half term break.

We also have an exciting exchange in the pipeline with a school in Sydney, Australia for July 2026.

If you would like more information about Sacred Heart Exchange opportunities please email Mrs Alison Alder, Woldingham Sacred Heart Exchange Co-ordinator at aldera@woldinghamschool.co.uk

WSHA LEAVERS’ SCHOLARSHIPS

Every year, WSHA (Woldingham Sacred Heart Association) provides scholarships to departing Upper Sixth students to support gap year activities, charitable trips or materials required for university. Ava, Lara, Anisia and Isabel (Class of 2024) share how they invested their WSHA Scholarship.

Ava Darley

I’m having a wonderful time studying history at the University of York, whilst also writing a fantasy novel. Writing has been a demanding but fruitful process and I’ve made so much progress over the past year – any issues from the first draft, which I wrote during sixth form, have been fixed and draft two is well underway!

The WSHA Scholarship helped support my recent creative journey by giving me access to more research materials and enabling me to attend a virtual creative writing masterclass. Through these experiences, I have enhanced my understanding of character development and external plot, thus creating a more compelling story for my novel (hopefully!).

Beyond my writing, the scholarship has helped to fund my participation in extra-curricular activities at York. I have loved attending talks by renowned historians like Tom Holland, getting involved with the Archaeology Society, and even trying out new hobbies such as harp and swing dancing.

The WSHA Scholarship has provided me with the backing to wholeheartedly pursue my literary aspirations and make the most of my university experience. I am beyond grateful to WSHA for it.

Lara Fox

I have been studying at Durham, where I’ve really enjoyed immersing myself in both academic and extra-curricular life. Rowing has been a particular highlight, giving me a strong sense of community and leadership experience as part of the club’s executive committee. The award has helped me to take part fully, contributing towards memberships and events that are central to university life.

Beyond Durham, I spent two weeks in Greece on a turtle conservation programme, which was a rewarding opportunity to combine travel with meaningful environmental work. Most recently, I was also able to put some of the scholarship towards a research trip to Chile, which was an invaluable experience in developing my academic interests.

I am very grateful to WSHA for supporting me in making the most of these opportunities, which have shaped my time since leaving Woldingham.

Ava

Lara

Anisia Gibson

I have immersed myself in university life at Durham, where I study Archaeology and Ancient Civilisations, and I am very grateful to WSHA for supporting me. The scholarship has enabled me to take participate in a range of societies, covering both leadership and personal development.

I currently serve as Alumni Officer for my college Boat Club, Secretary of the Durham University Archaeology Society, and Publicity Officer for my college SRC. These roles have been fantastic opportunities to build leadership skills, and the WSHA scholarship has helped with the costs of membership, events and training. It also allowed me to pursue my love of sport and adventure through the Scuba Diving Society, where I achieved my PADI Advanced Open Water qualification - a truly unforgettable experience. Before entering my second year at Durham, I completed a summer internship in corporate finance in London, which fuelled my enthusiasm for returning to university. I remain deeply grateful for my time at Woldingham, where I made lifelong friends and had experiences that shaped me, and I hope my two younger sisters, now in Year 10 and Lower Sixth, as well as current and future students, enjoy their time just as much.

Isabel Lee

I have had a fruitful year at the University of Cambridge. The WSHA Scholarship has been invaluable for purchasing music, which is essential as an organ scholar, given our weekly services. Although my first year presented challenges, with a constant influx of new music to learn, I am grateful for the opportunity to develop new skills, such as harmonising and improvising.

Outside the chapel, I’ve actively performed as a violinist in large-scale orchestral works, including Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5. These experiences sparked my interest in orchestral conducting. With the scholarship’s support, I studied conducting with Dominic Grier at the Royal Academy of Music and am thrilled to have been appointed as the Cambridge University conducting scholar 2025-2026 after competing in the university’s conducting competition. I also made my conducting debut with Poulenc’s Organ Concerto at the end of my first year at St Catharine’s College and in the summer holidays, it was extremely exciting to participate in the Florence Conducting Masterclass with György G. Ráth and La Filharmonie orchestra. I am truly grateful for WSHA’s support throughout the year. Learning from world-class musicians and gaining insights from them was truly inspiring.

Anisia (left)

Isabel

WOLDINGHAM BURSARIESWHERE EVERY STUDENT BENEFITS

Since 1842, Woldingham has nurtured young women to lead with courage, confidence and compassion. Rooted in the Sacred Heart values, our community enables young women to become changemakers, intellectually curious thinkers, and powerful influences for good in the world.

We believe that this transformative experience should be available to every girl, regardless of her family’s financial circumstances. The Woldingham Bursary Fund recognises potential, nurtures ambition, and endeavours to give every girl the opportunity to thrive at Woldingham.

Thanks to the generosity of our community, the Woldingham Bursary Fund has already opened doors for dozens of remarkable young women. They have enriched our classrooms, broadened perspectives, and strengthened the very fabric of our school. Diversity is not a luxury - it is a vital part of the learning experience.

Our aim is to raise enough funds to award 30 transformational bursaries by 2030. With more than half of these already funded, some current students are already enjoying an education they could only dream of. We invite you to be part of this journey - to help us shape futures, honour our values, and ensure that Woldingham remains a place where every girl who earns her place is able to take it up. Please consider offering your support with a donation.

Thank you for believing in what we do, and in the girls who will carry our legacy forward.

How you can give

Every gift to the Woldingham Bursary Fund

helps to open our doors to a girl who belongs here. Whether you choose to make a one-off donation or commit to regular giving, your support will transform lives.

Single gift: immediate impact

A single donation offers the most immediate impact to the Woldingham Bursary Fund. Whatever the amount, a meaningful gift will help change the lives of future Woldingham girls.

Regular giving: a lasting impact

Regular donations, monthly, quarterly, or annually, are one of the most powerful ways to support our Bursary Fund. They allow us to plan confidently, offer multi-year bursaries, and ensure that no girl’s journey is interrupted by financial uncertainty.

• £25/month from 100 donors funds one full bursary year

• £50/month helps cover enrichment opportunities like music, drama, and sport

• £100/month builds a sustainable future for needs-blind admissions

Every contribution, no matter the size, becomes part of a shared promise: that talent and ambition will always find a place at Woldingham. If you are a UK taxpayer we can claim 25% on top of your gift at no extra cost to you, so please remember to complete the declaration on the donation form, if you haven’t already done so.

You can make a one-off donation or set up a regular donation via this QR code.

Leaving a legacy

By making a legacy donation or endowing a bursary, you create a permanent fund whose annual income supports a student year after year. Your generosity becomes woven into the fabric of the school: a quiet but powerful presence in every classroom, every friendship, every future shaped here.

• An endowed gift can fund one full bursary in perpetuity

• Named bursaries offer a way to honour a loved one, celebrate a family legacy, or reflect your own values

• Legacy donors are recognised as part of the 1842 Society, with invitations to special events and commemorative publications.

Thank you.

ALUMNAE REUNIONS: A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

A long-standing tradition amongst our alumnae community is to return to school to celebrate a milestone reunion.

This year we have welcomed back classes of 1975, 1985, 1990 and 1995.

Our alumnae reunions are a lovely way to reconnect with old classmates and reminisce about school days over a three-course hot buffet lunch with wine.

The afternoons are always filled with laughter and fond memories of Woldingham life.

It is often an emotive and personal trip down memory lane, with Old Girls commenting on the feeling they get when they drive down the long front drive on the approach to Main House or the special stories that are shared when they tour the school site after lunch.

Reunions are usually hosted twice a year in March and September.

Ticket price is £50 per person, which includes a Woldingham tote bag, a donation to the Woldingham Bursary Fund and all your food and drink. Mass is also optional as part of the day.

If you would like to book your next milestone reunion (celebrated every 10 years) we would love to help you arrange this. Please get in touch at development@woldinghamschool.co.uk

Class of 1990

Class of 1985

Class of 1985

Class of 1975

TRADITIONS ARE WHAT MAKE OUR COMMUNITY AND THE EVENTS MAKE OUR TRADITIONS

It is our traditions that are at the heart of our school ethos and values.

Many school traditions are built on recurring events that bring the school community together year after year and Woldingham is certainly no different!

Over the past year, parents, alumnae and staff have participated in our staple events that have not only become Woldingham traditions but also an integral part of our school calendar. These events create shared memories and experiences which, over time, become part of our culture, bring us together, present the opportunity to learn a new skill and, of course, allow us to socialise and have fun along the way!

From floral workshops to fireworks night, from wine tasting to art auctions, from live performances to carol services, to Christmas markets to quizzes, we have something for everyone, many of them in support of the transformational Woldingham School Bursary Programme.

Admired and celebrated for our strong sense of community, traditions created through our events at Woldingham set us apart and re-affirm our founding values where every student feels part of something special, developing courage, confidence and compassion to take them through their life.

If you have an idea for a community event, please get in touch by emailing development@woldinghamschool.co.uk

Art auction

Floral workshop

Christmas market

Christmas wreath making

Carol service

MARDEN PARK’S FABULOUS FACILITIES ARE ENJOYED BY GUESTS FROM FAR AND WIDE

Miss Clare Brazier, Head of Commercial

We’re proud of the fantastic facilities and beautiful grounds we have at Marden Park, and we’re delighted to be able to share these throughout the year with our local communities as well as guests from all over the world.

This includes local sports groups, from juniors to seniors, regional leagues and local primary schools, who enjoy using our sports facilities both in term time and during the holidays for a range of sports including cricket, hockey, netball, swimming, football and dance.

During the school holidays our boarding accommodation welcomes a host of residential groups including international language schools, computer coding groups, music and sporting groups, as well as yoga and silent retreats. Guests enjoy the tranquillity of our stunning setting and appreciate the ease of access from London and our closeness to airports, as well as our amazing facilities and delicious meals and snacks prepared by our catering team.

Each year, the fabulous facilities in the Millennium Centre are enjoyed by hundreds of performers from orchestras and local dance groups, as well as the several thousand audience members who watch their productions.

Our 630-seat professional-standard auditorium also hosts residential groups requiring concert facilities. These include the English Schools’ Orchestra, whose course was attended by some of Woldingham’s music students, as well s the UK’s leading live event sign language training group.

Our new Sixth Form Centre – and the use of our auditorium – also make Woldingham an ideal venue for business conferences.

We’re also delighted to welcome couples celebrating their wedding day in the beautiful setting of Marden Park. The chapel is available for Catholic weddings and the elegant function rooms in the mansion are licensed for civil ceremonies and wedding receptions. It’s always a pleasure to help couples realise their ideal day and we’re clearly doing something right, having been awarded Best Intimate Wedding Venue in the South in the FBFW 2025 Wedding Awards. We also love hosting weddings for members of the Woldingham community. Staff, parents and alumnae all benefit from a discount on venue hire.

As well as helping raise our profile far and wide through positive guest experiences, Marden Enterprises Ltd generates an important additional revenue stream for Woldingham School.

If you are interested in holding an event at Marden Park, please get in touch at venuehire@woldinghamschool.co.uk www.woldinghamschoolvenuehire.co.uk

Summer 2025 wedding

Rachael Reynolds School of Dance

Claire’s Aquatic Fitness

Alpadia Language School

English Schools’ Orchestra

RSCJ UPDATE

Vicky Lorenzato, Sacred Heart Schools’ and College Network Co-ordinator

2025 has been a hugely important year for the Society of the Sacred Heart, which looked back on two significant milestones and looked ahead to an exciting development for our province.

This year has seen the 50th birthday of the Sacred Heart Goals of Education, which provide our schools and college and those in the global Sacred Heart family with a framework for bringing the mission and charism of St Madeleine Sophie to life.

In May, the Society celebrated the Centenary of the Canonisation of St Madeleine Sophie Barat with special Masses, gatherings and a global online conference celebrating her educational philosophy and vision for education. Our Schools Network created a special short film retelling the life of St Madeleine Sophie, aimed at bringing her story to life for students. You can watch it on YouTube.

Sr Mairead Quigley RSCJ

On 19 February this year, Sr Mairead Quigley RSCJ passed away peacefully at Duchesne House; she was 89 years old. Sr Mairead, originally from Roscrea in Ireland, received a Sacred Heart education at the Convent of Sacred Heart, Roscrea and entered the Society in Mount Anville, Dublin in 1954. In over 70 years of service, Sr Mairead shared her gifts as an educator, spiritual director, hospital chaplain and local Girl Guides leader.

In June, on the Feast of the Sacred Heart, the England-Wales province joined together with the Provinces of Ireland-Scotland, Malta and Central Europe to become a new province: Central Europe and the Islands. Our new province is made up of over 130 RSCJs across nine countries, with 30 schools in total. The new Provincial Superior is Sr Margaret Wilson RSCJ.

This big change in our organisation will bear much fruit with opportunities for greater collaboration and the sharing of skills and resources.

We gathered in October of this year to see the unveiling of a special Green Plaque at Digby Stuart College, in recognition of the contribution of Janet Erskine Stuart and Mabel Digby as pioneers of education and leadership of the Society of the Sacred Heart. The plaque was awarded by the Wandsworth Council and the ceremony attended by local dignitaries and a number of our Sisters.

Feast of the Sacred Heart meeting

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Births

Rachel (class of 2004) and David Vinton welcomed Rupert George Hendrik on 22 June, a brother to Oscar and Florence.

Emily Smith (née PriorWilleard, class of 2010) and Lee welcomed Frederick Christopher William Smith on 14 February 2025.

Devon Pearce (class of 2004) and Steven Doherty welcomed their beautiful baby boy, George Leonard on 9 May 2025. The first grandchild, and first boy in the Pearce family!

Helen Talbot (class of 2010) welcomed baby Raphael to the Escalante Talbot family on 18 August 2025. The youngest of four, he is the calmest of babies and loves to sleep to the loud sounds of his brothers and sister.

Elizabeth Wattley (née Cheshire, class of 2009) gave birth to baby Jonty Wattley on 13 July 2024 in Romford, Essex.

Marriages

Rev Susannah Griffin (née Peppiatt, class of 2015) married Dr Lucy Griffin at the end of August 2025.

Photo by Susie Triffitt (class of 2015).

Bryanne Hackman (class of 2013) wed Jake Obeng-Bediako on 19 July 2025 in Central London. The church service was held at St Botolph-withoutBishopsgate and reception at Merchant Taylor’s Hall.

In related news, Susannah and fellow alumna Claire Wren (née Drummie, class of 1994) discovered their Woldingham connection whilst studying for the Anglican priesthood at Ripon College, Cuddesdon. They were both ordained deacon this summer and have taken up their title posts in the dioceses of Oxford and Llandaff, respectively.

The wedding of Sarah Margaret Fenton (class of 1983) and Mr Jonathan Gimblett took place on 1 March 2025 at Bolton Abbey, Skipton, Yorkshire.

Other news

Jo Beasley (née Nelson Roberts, class of 1988) and Jo Van Der Borgh (class of 1990) have published a children’s picture book, The Terrakeet, with Walker Books Australia and Candlewick Press, USA.

Rupert Vinton Bryanne Hackman

Susannah Griffin

Susannah Griffin & Claire Wren

Sarah Fenton

Jo Beasley & Jo Van Der Borgh

Raphael Escalante Talbot

George Doherty

IN MEMORIAM

Jenny Baldwin (née Stephens, class of 1958) died on 11 November 2024 after a short illness.

Jenny joined Woldingham (which she always called Woldy) in 1952 aged 11. She absolutely loved her school days under the headship of the redoubtable Mother Shanley. She was a blue ribbon and captain of the first XI cricket team. Her sisters, the late Marion Trowbridge (class of 1966) and Caroline Gray (class of 1970) also attended the school.

Jenny left Woldingham in 1958 and, after a short career as a secretary, married John Baldwin and became a full-time wife and mother. Jenny’s connection with the school revived when two of her granddaughters, Eleanor (class of 2016) and Henrietta Arnfield (class of 2020), joined the school. She thoroughly enjoyed her visits for concerts, plays and sports matches, and the carol service was a much loved fixture in her diary.

Jenny is survived by her five children and 13 grandchildren.

Morag Nada, Lady Stafford (née Campbell, class of 1950) died on 27 November 2024.

Fiona Mary Wright (class of 1959) died on 10 December 2024. Fiona was a wonderful supporter of Woldingham as Year Rep for the class of 1959.

Margaret M. Thunder (née Mogs BrittCompton, class of 1942) died on 2 June 2025 aged 100 years. She was at the Sacred Heart, Roehampton.

Nicole ‘Nicky’ Oakley (née Mertz, class of 1949) died on 16 June 2025, aged 93.

Nicole attended The Convent of the Sacred Heart, Woldingham, during and after the Second World War, including a period at Stamford Hall when the school was evacuated there. She was a lively spirit and often regaled her family with terrifying stories of the pranks she and her classmates got up to during their school years.

However, Nicky was also an achiever and after leaving Woldingham, she studied Dietetics at Edinburgh University before embarking on a distinguished career. In 1966 she won a Churchill Fellowship, which enabled her to spend a year in the United States studying community nutrition programmes at local, state and federal levels. She returned with knowledge and experience in a field which was then virtually unknown, in the UK, and went on to play a key role in the development of community nutrition as an important strategy in the NHS. Her pioneering work laid the foundations for the model of healthcare delivery that the NHS is now committed to expanding.

Nicky enjoyed a full and rewarding retirement, dividing her time between her houses in London, France and Gloucestershire and always pursuing her love of good food. She is survived by her husband Nigel and daughter Francesca (class of 1981), who has followed in her footsteps with a Woldingham education and a PhD in Nutrition.

Jenny Baldwin

Nicole Oakley

Fiona Wright

Margaret Thunder

Marden Park, Woldingham, Surrey, CR3 7YA (for satellite navigation please use postcode CR3 7LR) 01883 349431 info@woldinghamschool.co.uk woldinghamschool.co.uk