Farewell from Mrs Lisa Brown - Junior School Headteacher

A heartfelt thank you to you all for supporting me through a fabulous 31 years at the school, nearly 12 years as Headteacher, where there has never been a dull moment. Parents are often astonished at the positive changes in their daughter within weeks of joining the school and that magic works for staff too. Young, ambitious and just a little bit quirky, I planned a couple of years here and then an onward move. Little did I know that I would spend the remainder of my career here, continuing to learn and be challenged in innumerable ways. Being able to develop myself, feel valued and have a sense of belonging were key components to satisfaction; here, it has been possible.

She believed she could, so she did! This ethos underlies so much of daily life here where we accept each other, children and adults, for who we are. So much can be achieved when the people around you have faith in you, are encouraging and enable you to flourish. What a privilege to work in such an environment. Here, I believed I could. It may take time for your daughter to believe she can, and for some, the hidden benefits of being part of the Redmaids’ High community only become increasingly evident as they emerge as young women, navigating the outside world in their twenties and believe they can, despite stereotypes and expectations.

When reflecting on my time at the school, there are so many highlights in a very eclectic profession. Being a classteacher, I loved the relationships I built and the differences I could make on a daily basis and as Headteacher, I especially enjoyed creating the Junior School library. I have been involved in merging two girls’ schools, navigated the Covid pandemic and now have supported the school to become part of the GDST. The ‘Never Underestimate a 7-Year-Old’ campaign was a highlight, as I believe that, in general, we do underestimate what children can do. We need to give them the opportunity to aspire. You have to give it a go and you never know where things might lead. Years ago, three girls in Year 5 did just that and we were invited to the final of CBBC Newsround’s ‘You too can be an Absolute Genius’. At the other end of the spectrum, the ‘sponge the Headteacher’ for charity two years ago went down very well and, funnily enough, there are demands for it to be an annual event now!

What a privilege to be somewhere that I could thrive, where I have continued to grow and change. Here, I was given the self-belief that I could and a sense of belonging, born in tradition, but focused on the future of girls’ education. I leave the school in the safe hands of Anthea Newton and wish the whole school community the very best. For me, once a Redmaid, always a Redmaid.