WELCOME LETTER FROM THE HEADMISTRESS

The founder of St Hilda's, Violet Curry, was inspired by the story of Hilda, the Abbess of Whitby Abbey in Yorkshire.  Hilda was a great and inspiring teacher who led many of her flock into the paths of literacy. 
 Today we are very conscious that our children will eventually take their place in the workplace of the 21st century, but we still strive to follow the example of St Hilda 1300 years ago, in the pursuit of knowledge and excellence.

Here, at St Hilda's, we aim to develop each child to their full potential both academically and socially.  We expect and achieve high academic standards and at the same time offer a broad, stimulating and fully balanced curriculum.  Children are treated as individuals and special talents are fostered and encouraged.

We pride ourselves in our happy and caring atmosphere and our fully committed staff and pupils, believing that our children thrive best in a positive, enthusiastic environment.   We hope that our pupils develop, with us, an enthusiasm for learning which will last, beyond their school years, for life.  We have small classes and aim to instil social awareness and a sense of responsibility at a very early age; respect for others and themselves, high self-esteem and to develop their full potential both academically and socially.

The facilities include over 4 acres of gardens, tennis and netball courts, a heated, covered swimming pool, large sports hall, purpose built art and CDT rooms, science laboratory, computer suite and a well equipped library.
 
We also offer supervised early morning care from 8.00am and after school care until 6.00pm (5.30pm in The Foundation Years), and a "Breakfast Club" open from 07.45am by arrangement.

Please use the links above to read more about us.

We look forward to meeting you.
Loraine Cavanagh
Headmistress

Mrs Loraine Cavanagh, became Headmistress in January 1994.  Mrs Cavanagh is a member of the Advisory Group of the University of London for Key Stage 1 and 2.  She is married with two sons. 
Mrs Cavanagh has been a member of the IAPS since 1994. Mrs Cavanagh is Chairman of the Education Committee of the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools (IAPS). She has been a district training officer and has served on the Council as District Representative. She is an inspector and is the IAPS representative at the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) Primary Committee meetings. Mrs Cavanagh is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) which works to promote the Arts and education in a global sense.

Our Mission Statement

At St Hilda's we aim to provide excellent, well-balanced, academic education within a supportive, caring community, encouraging each child to give and achieve her personal best and to develop into an independent individual, with a deep respect for others, who is fully prepared to take the next step in her education with enthusiasm and confidence.

Click here to read excerpts from our 2007 "Outstanding" Inspection Report.

The History of Our School

Miss Violet Curry - Founder of St Hilda's 1918

St Hilda's was founded in 1918 by Miss Violet Curry, and has occupied its present 4 acre site at Bushey since 1928.  The beautiful Victorian house at the centre of this site has been continually improved and adapted to provide an excellent educational environment for young children.

The facilities include tennis and netball courts, a heated, covered swimming pool, large sports hall, purpose built art and CDT rooms, science laboratory, computer suite and a well equipped library.

The Curriculum

Throughout their time at St Hilda's School, children study a wide range of subjects beginning with the foundation stage and progressing to those required by the National Curriculum.  We are committed to testing at Key Stages 1 and 2. 

In the Lower School departments, children are taught mainly by their Form Teacher with certain specialist subject teaching such as Swimming, Music and French.  The highly experienced Lower School staff are all specialist Infant Teachers, supported by qualified classroom assistants.  As the children progress through the school, more specialist teaching is introduced, and in the last two years the girls are taught by specialists in all subjects. 

Class music is taught throughout the school, and many of the girls opt for individual lessons in piano, flute, saxophone, violin, cello and guitar.  All children from Year 2 upwards are taught the recorder. 

Drama is very important in the School.  Each term plays, musicals and entertainments are performed by the children.  The children are encouraged to take graded English Speaking Board examinations from Reception to Form 6.

All children from Reception upwards have homework appropriate to their age and are encouraged to develop independent learning skills.  Field trips and outings are also considered an important part of the curriculum and the girls are encouraged to increase their self-reliance and broaden their horizons.
Click here for our Curriculum Policy Statements.
Click here to read excerpts from our 2007 "Outstanding" Inspection Report.
Click here to visit our FAQs. and find out more about us