Welcome Back from the Head Mistress

Dear Friends,

Hooray! We’re back! After months of home schooling, we are finally able to do what we do best; to return to teaching the pupils face to face and allow them to participate in the raft of extra-curricular activities that are such an essential part of an LEH education.

It really has been a tough few months for everyone and at times, stress levels have been high. The students have had to spend far too much time glued to their screens – as have staff, often while home schooling their own children. There has been huge uncertainty about the form the public exams will take this summer and the knock-on effect that this might have on the allocation of university places.

And who would have thought that we would have to turn the school into a Covid Test Centre? As always, the whole staff have put in a superhuman effort to fulfil every one of the Government’s demands. We live in hope that when we return to school after the Easter holidays, we will able to reinstate some of our traditional activities and celebrations like U6 Graduation, the Summer Spectacular concert and the Celebration of the Year.

There is much good news to report to you. We had a bumper number of applications for places in the Junior School, Thirds and Sixth Form this year, and the quality of applicants across the board has been exceptional. In September we will be joined by 12 girls in Sixth Form and an additional two forms in Thirds, comprising around 140 pupils. This means that over the next few months we will create new classrooms and refurbish old ones, recruit more members of staff and prepare for a whole new generation of LEH students.

Seeing the school grow and thrive is so exciting; we are very confident in the life affirming education we offer here and it's gratifying to know that so many parents share our vision.

In writing, I'd like to say a special thank you to the Oxbridge alumnae who gave up their precious time to meet our current L6 during our first virtual Oxbridge "visit". The event was attended by over 50 pupils and we have received excellent feedback, with L6 letting us know how much they appreciated hearing first-hand and unexpurgated what it's like to study at these august institutions!

I have much enjoyed hearing about your experiences during lockdown and how magnificently you've coped with the many challenges thrown your way. So much has been out of our control over the past year: when would we be able to be together again? When we do, will we be able to shake hands or hug? What will the new normal be like, and how will it differ from what was normal just over a year ago? In the midst of the unknown, the anxiety, and even the grief we have experienced, this is the perfect time to celebrate the rebirth and renewal that Spring brings.

I wish you all a very happy, sunny and peaceful Holiday.

Heather Hanbury
Head Mistress