LILY S, YEAR 7

Let’s start from the beginning. The first ever headmistress of Queenswood was Miss Marion Waller, and now, in Queenswood one of the four houses is named after her. She started the job in 1894 on the 23rd of September.

She ended up retiring in 1897 and Miss Ethel Mary Trew got appointed as the new headmistress. During Miss Trew’s time of being headmistress, there were a lot of exciting events that took place. For example, the school was moved several times, Queen Mary visited the school and many others.

Next, Miss Ritchie was made headmistress of Queenswood, in 1971. During this year the sports hall was opened. In Miss Ritchie’s time, a lot of great buildings and resources were opened. The new sanatorium and Winifred Turner Scholarship started.

Once the year 1981 rolled by, Miss Ritchie resigned and Mrs Butler swooped in at the opportunity and landed the job. In 1982, they appointed a resident chaplain for the first time. Unfortunately, in 1984, Mymwood prep school closed for good, however the sun rose back up the next year when the Belling Centre and the Sixth Form Centre was opened. In the same year, sixteen all-weather tennis courts were opened by Virginia Wade and the school council elected at the request of the girls to have a self-serve cafeteria for the first time. In the rest of Mrs Butler’s time as head of the school, there were several more buildings and facilities that remain to this day, as part of Queenswood history.

In 1996, after a long run, Mrs Butler was replaced by Ms Clarissa Farr. During her time, the library was renovated and a new swimming pool was opened.

When 2006 came by, Ms Clarissa Farr left the school, leaving Mrs Pauline Edgar to lead as Principal. In the same year, the Clarissa Farr theatre was opened by an Old Queenswoodian, Helen McCrory. Several years later the kitchen for cookery was opened by Gary Rhodes. And in 2014, Queenswood celebrated their 120th anniversary celebrated at the Barbican.

In 2016, Mrs Jo Cameron replaced Mrs Pauline Edgar. Mrs Cameron is our current Principal, and she is doing a wonderful job. This is her ninth year being Principal and I hope there are many more to come.