As we mark International Women’s Day 2025, the year of LHS’ 175
th
anniversary, we celebrate the remarkable women who have led, and continue to lead, Loughborough High School, shaping generations of future female leaders.
Throughout the School’s history, its Headmistresses have played a pivotal role in fostering excellence, resilience, and ambition in young women.
Miss Julien Harvatt (1978-2001) led LHS through significant educational reforms and financial challenges, ensuring the school remained accessible to talented pupils through the creation of the Bursary Fund. Under her leadership, the School’s facilities expanded, academic standards soared, and co-curricular activities flourished, from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to competitive sports. Her vision laid the foundation for the School’s continued success.
Miss Biddie O’Connor (2002-2011) embraced innovation in both curriculum and technology, introducing new subjects and modern teaching methods. She championed collaboration across the Loughborough Schools Foundation, spearheading the development of the collaborative music offer, and expanding opportunities for pupils to excel in both academics and the arts. Her tenure was marked by a spirit of hard work and fun, encouraging the girls to achieve beyond expectations.
Mrs Gwen Byrom (2011-2018) was a passionate advocate for girls’ education, serving as President of the Girls’ Schools Association in 2018. Under her leadership, LHS embraced technological innovation through the introduction of one-to-one mobile learning with iPads, a step that proved invaluable during the shift to remote education during the pandemic. Additionally, the build of the Parkin Sports Centre took place during her headship, a fantastic facility which has proved to be a wonderful resource for girls in particular.
Dr Fiona Miles (2019-present) has navigated the School through unprecedented global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in education. Under her leadership, the School has embraced cultural reflection, technological advancements and the development of a state-of-the-art Sixth Form centre. Additional opportunities she has created for the girls include overseeing the expansion of CCF (Combined Cadet Force) beyond the Sixth Form to include Year 10. Her vision for the future continues to empower young women to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
The legacies of these inspirational women continue to shape the future of Loughborough High School. Their leadership, dedication, and commitment to empowering young women serve as a testament to the power of all-girls’ education.
