Haberdashers' Girls' School facts for kids

Haberdashers' Girls' School is a private school for girls in Elstree, Hertfordshire, England. People often call it "Habs" or "Habs Girls". This helps tell it apart from the nearby Haberdashers' Boys' School. The school was started in 1875 by the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers. This is one of the oldest and most important trade groups in the City of London.

The History of Haberdashers' Girls' School

The plaque at the old campus, now the Japanese School of London

The story of Haberdashers' Girls' School began a long time ago. In 1690, a man named Robert Aske gave money to the Haberdashers' Company. He wanted them to build a home for older men and a school for boys. This first school was in Hoxton, north of London.

Over time, the foundation grew and changed. In 1873, they decided to create four new schools. Two were in Hoxton and two in Hatcham, south-east London. Boys and girls went to separate schools at each location. All four schools opened in 1875. The Hatcham schools offered a wider range of subjects.

In the early 1900s, the Hoxton schools moved to new places. The boys' school went to Cricklewood (near Hampstead). The girls' school moved to Acton. These schools became independent and charged fees in 1976.

To make room for more students, the boys' school moved to Elstree in 1961. The girls' school followed them in 1974. The old girls' school building in Acton later became the Japanese School in London.

In 2021, the school decided to change its name. The name "Aske" was removed from both the boys' and girls' schools. They are now officially called Haberdashers' Girls' School and Haberdashers' Boys' School. This change was made to reflect modern values.

School Life and Achievements

Amazing Academic Results

Students at Haberdashers' Girls' School do very well in their studies. A huge number of girls get top grades in their exams. For example, over 97% of girls achieve high grades (A* to B) in their A Level exams. Also, more than 99% get excellent grades (A* to B) in their GCSE exams. This shows how hard the students and teachers work.

Meet the Headmistresses

The school has had many inspiring leaders over the years. The current headmistress is Hazel Bagworth-Mann. Here is a list of the headmistresses who have guided the school:

• 2019 - 2023: Rose Hardy, MA
• 2011 – 2019: Biddie O'Connor, MA
• 2005 – 2011: Elizabeth Radice, MA
• 1991 – 2005: Penelope Penney, BA
• 1974 – 1991: Sheila Wiltshire, OBE, BSc
• 1969 – 1973: Jessie Gillett, BA
• 1944 – 1968: Eileen Harold, MA
• 1920 – 1943: Dorothy Sprules, MA
• 1904 – 1919: Margaret Gilliland, MA
• 1888 – 1903: Edith Millar
• 1875 – 1888: Elizabeth Powell

Famous Former Students (Old Girls)

Former students of Haberdashers' Girls' School are called "Old Girls." They have an alumni group called the Haberdashers' Old Girls' Club. This club started in 1904 and helps former students stay in touch.

Many Old Girls have gone on to do amazing things in different fields:

• Laura Aikman: An actress who has appeared in many TV shows and films.
• Florence Bell: A scientist who helped discover the structure of DNA, which is like the blueprint of life.
• Linda Bennett: A successful fashion designer and business owner.
• Luciana Berger: A former Member of Parliament, working in politics.
• Bidisha: An arts critic, writer, and broadcaster.
• Nica Burns: A well-known theatre producer.
• Vanessa Feltz: A popular TV personality and radio host.
• Sophie Deen: A children's author who writes fun and educational books.
• Gaurika Singh: A swimmer who was the youngest competitor at the 2016 Summer Olympics. She represented Nepal.
• Talulah Riley: An actress known for her roles in movies and TV.

See also

• List of girls' schools in the United Kingdom