Queen Elizabeth’s Girls’ School

In 1888, a seed was planted on this very High Street. That seed was Queen Elizabeth’s Girls’ School, initially blossoming with just 40 pupils aged five to eighteen. Queen Elizabeth’s Girls’ School first occupied Russell House, right here where these modern buildings now stand. Imagine the scene in 1894. The school nearly withered, facing closure due to dwindling numbers and financial woes. But two dedicated assistant mistresses, Miss B. A. King and Miss Winifred Abbot, nurtured the young sapling, taking it on as a private endeavor, even removing the “Queen Elizabeth’s” name from the gates. Miss Abbott later steered the school back to public status in 1903, and by 1907, it had grown to 200 pupils. The County Council then invested in its future, leading to the reconstruction we see echoes of today. Fast forward to 1921, with Miss Gertrude Clemment as headmistress. A new focus on physical education took root, with the school’s first full-time PE teachers and the addition of tennis and netball courts. The school building expanded again in 1927, adding the structure we see today on the High Street, with new classrooms, a domestic science room, and a library. Queen Elizabeth’s Girls’ School continued to flourish, even establishing an Old Girls’ Guild, still thriving today. The 1930s saw the progressive introduction of a School Council, a radical move for the time, giving students a voice. In 1938, new buildings, including an assembly hall, were inaugurated by the Duchess of Kent. Queen Elizabeth’s Girls’ School even hosted a royal visit in 1957. Queen Elizabeth II, in her first visit to a state school, graced these grounds. The head girl and games captains presented gifts for the young Princess Anne and Prince Charles. The Queen then gave her first unscripted speech, a memorable moment for all present. Through periods of change and reorganization, the school has constantly evolved. The 1960s brought a wave of new buildings, including a swimming pool in 1965, still enjoyed by students and the community today. The school became comprehensive in 1973, further diversifying its student body and leading to the adoption of the distinctive blue kilts worn to this day. Even a devastating arson attack in 1991, which destroyed the school hall, couldn’t extinguish the spirit of Queen Elizabeth’s Girls’ School. From the ashes rose a two-story structure housing a new hall, library, and music rooms. Queen Elizabeth’s Girls’ School, a testament to resilience, continues to nurture young women, fostering a love of learning within these historic walls.