Alumnae News

We are proud that so many pupils, past and present, have written to suggest how we as a school can help to tackle prejudice and promote diversity in a thoughtful, empowering way.  Read their open letter here and Mrs Bingham's response below.

Thank you to everyone who completed our recent questionnaire - you can still take part here. In these uncertain times, we are more committed than ever to providing opportunity to all girls, regardless of means.  Your thoughts are vital to inform our plans.

Our doors have remained open to key worker children throughout the crisis, but last week we welcomed back more Junior School pupils. We have also linked up with other schools to share our digital content including the year 11 students from Michaela community school who joined our pupils for A level preparation sessions.

We were delighted to see diversity champion Dr Jess Wade lending her support to mental health awareness week. This is your last chance to nominate her for GDST Alumna of the Year.  

Each year, Sixth Formers join the alumnae team, helping to organise events for former pupils. Thank you to Alice, Rebecca and Isobel who now hand over to this year's team: Amy, Alina, Eleanor and Mia. 

Many former pupils got in touch to let us know that Ms Phillips, who taught Classics at South Hampstead for 25 years, was celebrating her 100th birthday in May. We were delighted to send so many cards to help her celebrate this very special day.

Many of our alumnae have been busy providing poetry, podcasts and performance during lockdown. Don't miss Ella (year 8) in the wonderful adaptation of Mallory Towers, or Louis Theroux talking to Helena Bonham Carter (Class of 1984). For your guide to alumnae entertainment follow the link below.

From bomb shelters to boyfriends, the conversations continue between current pupils and alumnae penpals. You have shared some wonderful school reflections and we look forward to being able to introduce you in person.

Each month, we highlight our literary alumnae. Follow the series on the website and let us know if you would like to feature, or suggest a published author who is a former pupil. 

A number of alumnae events are now taking place online, including courses on starting up your own business. We are keen to continue to bring our alumnae together, so if you are interested in joining or organising a virtual event, please let us know. 

It was lovely to see a 'shout out' to our former head of English, Mrs Cullen, from Rachel Sylvester in the Times. We celebrated all our teachers on 'National Thank a Teacher day' - if you would like to recognise one of your former teachers, please let us know.

The next edition of Resplendens will be published in the autumn, focusing on environmental sustainability - contributions are welcome. In the meantime, please read our latest student publication, issued on World Environment Day. 

You can now browse through school magazines from the 1970s, 80s and 90s online. If you have copies of any missing years, do let us know. Our next project is to add magazines from the 1950s and 60s.

As part of our Academic Scholars' programme, scholars in Years 7 to 10 have produced a new journal. The inaugural edition of The Pilot Light features a range of essays on the theme of ignition. 

We were delighted to welcome two new alumnae to the Minerva Circle for pledging a legacy to South Hampstead in their wills. Their confidence and commitment to the school is invaluable right now.

We are supporting current South Hampstead families facing financial challenges during this crisis via the GDST and Junior School hardship funds. However, initial reports suggest the educational challenges for children from deprived families will be greater than ever. We remain committed to bolstering our support for means-tested bursaries for new pupils.

If you are in contact with friends from South Hampstead, do encourage them to join the alumnae community. We are only in touch with half our former pupils and would love others to join us.