The School
Our Headmistress
Mrs Tracy Handford was educated at Lancaster Girls' Grammar School, before taking a degree in Applied Biology and qualifiying as a teacher at the University of Leeds. She has an MA in Curriculum Studies from the Institute of Education, University of London.She brings with her the experience of working in a number of prestigious prep schools including Bishop's Stortford College and St Faith's, Cambridge.She is an experienced ISI inspector and is also involved in coaching of all the major girls' sports - hockey, netball and rounders.
St. Hilda's is an independent preparatory school, part of The Aldenham Foundation, for girls aged 3 -11, and boys in the Foundation Stage who are prepared for transfer to boy's preparatory schools at 4+.
It has at its centre a beautiful Edwardian house. Once the home of an artist who came to Bushey to study with the famous painter, Hubert Von Herkomer. The function of the building was transformed when Violet Curry brought her girls' school to its present site in 1928.
The founder of the school, Violet Curry, named the school after St Hilda of Whitby, the medieval Abbess of Whitby Abbey. St. Hilda believed everyone possessed talents which would blossom if given the right encouragement. Violet Curry also had a passion for advancing the education of girls, a philosophy we still celebrate and promote today.
The school has been tastefully extended over the years and now boasts a covered heated swimming pool, a tennis court, well appointed modern classrooms, specialist teaching rooms, a purpose built sports hall ( see link ), a delightful inner courtyard, an extensive garden and our own secret nature reserve. The Early Years department ( named "Little St Hilda's") is housed in a purpose built, self contained unit.
St. Hilda's is located in Bushey , a small village nestled in the greenbelt on the outskirts of North London, easily accessible by car and public transport.
A website cannot show the friendly atmosphere, enthusiasm and high standards of work produced by our pupils. Visit us for a personal tour of the school and meet the staff and pupils who will be delighted to show you our lovely school.