On Saturday 22 June we welcomed back over 70 of our alumnae and former staff for a wonderful reunion lunch.

We were delighted to have such a huge number of guests this year, with alumnae and former staff from 1954 – 2002. Special congratulations particularly to the 1969 leavers who celebrated their 50th anniversary!

Over a coffee (or something a little stronger) old friends greeted each other and chatted about their memories of life at NGHS. It was also lovely that some of them could meet up again with their old teachers and thank them for the inspiration they provided many years ago. They also heard from our current Head, Julie Keller, who thanked them for coming and updated them on school news and swelling pupil numbers, showing that a passion for girls’ education still exists.

After lunch, many had a good look around the school, remembering those rooms in which they had their lessons, comparing notes and chuckling about those ‘naughty’ moments when they may not have been on their best behaviour.

They were amazed at some of the changes, and equally at some of the things that had barely changed at all. The school retains some of its old charm while also being at the cutting edge of education and technology. The Squire Performing Arts Centre was of particular interest, being in the place where the Uniform Shop and Old Dining Hall once stood.

The gorgeous sunshine, amazing food from our catering staff, and some lovely bubbly made it a truly fantastic event at which everybody had a wonderful time. We already can’t wait for the next one – if you would like to come back to school to reunite with your friends, look around your old classrooms, or offer advice to our current girls – please let us know!