End of Year Message from the Head Mistress

We have (almost) weathered the pandemic and we've managed to respond positively to the complexities of virtual teaching, year group bubbles and Teacher Assessed Grades, whilst ensuring staff and students' wellbeing was always a priority.

When we returned to school last September, wearing masks and socially distancing, I hoped that by the summer we would be able to host the celebrations that make the end of the year so special. Sadly, Covid has continued to wreck the best laid plans as regards inviting alumnae and visitors into school, but we are still looking forward to the pupils' participation in many events: Sports Day, U6 Graduation, the Summer Spectacular and the Celebration of the Year. I am now setting my sights on welcoming you in person to our alumnae reunions in the Autumn Term!

Despite all the challenges we have faced this year, the pupils continue to inspire with their resilience, energy and ingenuity. Our First Eight won the Championship Eight’s race in National Schools’ Regatta a few weekends ago, retaining the title first won in 2019. Students continue to excel in many areas of academia. Our hard working and creative staff have found innovative ways to keep the girls performing together, with Mrs Ashe putting together a string of outstanding virtual concerts and Miss Bedford leading ‘The Girl Writes….’ initiative. The first play written and produced by our L6 students for an all-female cast has its debut this week.

Please keep a lookout for our emails and social media posts about our Annual Giving Day on June 25th. All the proceeds raised on the day will help fund a new Sixth Form bursary – a vital part of our plan to increase diversity and enrich the experience of all our pupils. We have 58 bursary students currently at LEH and we'd like to be able offer more places to bright students, regardless of their families' income. I realise that this has been a very difficult time financially for many in our community, but if you are able to support this worthy cause, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Wishing you a happy, healthy and relaxing summer; let's hope the sun continues to shine on us all.

Very best wishes,

Heather Hanbury
Head Mistress