What was your background before PF?

I joined the staff of Prior’s Field in 1987. It was a refreshing change. Previously I had worked in comprehensive schools in UK, for the British Army of the Rhine in Service schools and then at St Catherine’s School, Bramley.

Miss West was in charge of the timetable and I was amazed when she asked me how much free time did I require! I really cannot remember having any ‘free’ time. 

All the staff were so friendly and enthusiastic and the girls were polite and anxious both to please and learn new things.

How did your role progress through the years?

I was Head of Food and Textiles. A few years later, I persuaded Mrs McCallum, the Headmistress, that Design Technology, Resistant Materials, should be introduced. This meant that the large Home Economics room had to be converted into a workshop. Mr Boyd was appointed to run this. He worked with me when I introduced Young Enterprise for the Sixth form. We had so many successful companies competing with other schools in Surrey. One year the girls earned so much it paid for a week’s holiday I the south of France.

The same year I put on a charity fashion show called ‘Moving Images’. Stores in Guildford donated clothes and even a wedding dress.

Health and Social Education was part of my remit too. I developed a rolling programme for each year group. I have so many amusing memories of my sex education teaching and I am sure the girls have too!

When did you leave and what have you done since?

I left Prior’s Field in 2004. I have been busy with a new life in Yorkshire.

Do you have any advice for the girls?

My advice for young people going into a career is to believe you can do anything if you are determined. Enthusiasm is infectious.

I know that the school motto holds true in that “admiration” of people who are successful in their field can give us “hope” for our future and the “love” of learning can really unlock ambition.