Leading our Youngest Pupils

Laura Fowler is our Head of Nursery, Infant and Juniors. Her passion for leading our youngest pupils is evident for all to see, and we enjoyed chatting with her to learn all about her experience and expertise.

Laura is an experienced Head, having achieved great things as Head of two schools prior to joining NGHS. Having worked in both the state sector and the independent, all-girls sector before joining us, we feel fortunate to have benefited from her wealth of experience and look forward to all the amazing new plans she has for NGHS too.

Laura always aspired to be part of the GDST before joining NGHS six years ago. She admires the exemplary teaching standards and enjoys being part of our powerful network of girls’ schools. Laura told us how lucky she feels to be able to offer our girls the opportunities that are so unique to the GDST.  These include competitions, sports fixtures, special occasions such as ‘meet the author’ sessions, alumnae talks and school trips, including the exciting Junior ski trip that our girls enjoy so much. In fact, organising the GDST Junior ski trips is one of Laura’s fondest memories. She is so proud to see pupils pushing themselves beyond their comfort zones, trying new things and making unforgettable memories.

Laura also feels proud of the creation of the school’s ‘RECIPE for Success’.  This underpins everything the girls do,  incorporating Resilience, Empathy, Creativity, Initiative, Positivity and Excellence every day. All of the NGHS Juniors understand and value the importance of these characteristics.

Laura’s vision for the NGHS Junior School is for pupils to develop not only academic excellence, but also the skills and characteristics that will enable them to truly excel in the world. Confidence, resilience and a sense of social citizenship are all important qualities that our pupils develop from a very young age. When these qualities are combined with the high levels of academic excellence that our girls demonstrate, Laura knows that they will go on to achieve truly great things.

Laura loves nothing more than seeing the girls engaging in their lessons so enthusiastically. She enjoys being part of the girls’ learning experience, where they enjoy their learning, participate with confidence, bravely try new things and are not afraid to make mistakes. She is also incredibly proud of the girls’ attitudes. They’re kind, supportive of each other, and genuinely care about the world they’re growing up in. There is a thriving School Council, Eco Club, and lots and lots of charity work. Girls can often be found litter picking in The Arboretum, or raising money for charities through events and enterprises.

We also spoke to Laura about the creativity of the girls. It’s amazing to know that almost all of our Junior pupils play a musical instrument. Music is everywhere in the NGHS Junior School, from steel pans to ukelele bands and many, many choirs. Our hearts are always full when we watch their amazing performances in The Squire Performing Arts Centre. Even our three year old Nursery pupils are unfazed by performing in a professional theatre in front of 250 people!

The NGHS Nursery has been open for girls from the age of 3 for just three years, and Laura loves nothing more than watching these youngsters progress through the school. She sees them settle into school brilliantly when they reach Reception. Both their academic learning and social development are wonderfully enhanced by joining the nurturing environment of NGHS at such a young age.

Similarly, when Laura sees the Year 6 girls transition to the NGHS Senior School, she feels very proud to watch their continued development. They take with them the wonderful qualities instilled in them through the RECIPE for Success, as well as their wonderful friendships and pride in being part of the NGHS family. There are no gender stereotypes holding them back, no ‘boys’ subjects, and nothing they feel they can’t achieve. Whether it’s Sport (which many girls from the age of 8 can be put off due to gender stereotyping and self consciousness in a mixed environment), Science,  Maths or any leadership role in the school such as Head Girl or Prefect, there’s something very special about the way our girls excel in our all-girls environment.

Thank you to Laura for taking the time to chat with us, and for all of her incredible work leading our fabulous younger pupils.