The 132nd School Birthday was celebrated with the customary Service of Thanksgiving for the school and for our founder, Francis Holland.  Pupils from the Senior and Junior school attended St Mary's Bourne Street, which was decorated with daffodils for this special occasion. The Senior and Junior School choirs participated in the serivce and the address was given by the Revd. Nick Mercer who described Canon Francis Holland’s vision to provide education for girls in the nineteenth century, and urged us to look for ways to help and serve the community in the same way. After church the whole school assembled to watch the staff versus girls netball match, which was a no-holds-barred contest. 

The staff were on the ground more than once as they fought for control against a mixed team of the School’s top players. The Headmistress as Centre proved worryingly competitive but despite the outstanding shooting of Miss Deadman and Mrs Ashe, and Mr Edes and Mr Upcott committing body and soul to the defence, they couldn’t prevent a narrow win, 12-11, by the girls’ team, captained by the formidable Sacha Ritchie.

The Senior School entertainment is traditionally secret and this year the surprise was intense as The Alternotivesburst into the school hall. A 14-strong a capella group from Oxford University, the students entertained us to a medley of pop, blues and jazz songs with dance and drama.

The Junior School girls were treated to a surprise performance and workshop by a flamenco dancer and spanish guitarist.

Delphine and Domingo are a professional and internationally respected flamenco guitarist and dancer specialising in school performances all over the UK. The girls thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the day was a great success.