Last week, we welcomed back Amalia, a 2023 graduate, who shared her experiences at medical school in Nicosia, Cyprus, with aspiring medics at our school. Amalia highlighted the invaluable support she received from Bromley High in applying to an international university, including preparation for interviews. Her positive account of her experiences (the sunny climate certainly helps!) left a lasting impression on the girls, who undoubtedly benefited from her insights. Amalia’s advice, including the recommendation to take the UCAT (the test needed for medical schools) in August to allow ample time for personal statement and UCAS application refinement in September, resonated with the students. Additionally, learning that the course in Nicosia is partnered with St George’s, University of London, and qualifies graduates to work in the NHS, offered an intriguing option for those considering studying abroad but returning to the UK for work.

We regularly welcome past pupils back to school to share their journeys since leaving. Strengthening connections with our alumnae supports networking and career awareness, as past pupils serve as role models for current students. Their contributions, both in professional endeavours and community engagement, serve as guiding beacons for current pupils and aspiring alumnae alike. Since September, we’ve welcomed:

  • Saffron Gupta, Communications Officer for a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons. She delivered a presentation on Celebrating Women from Diverse Backgrounds.
  • Professor Dame Marilyn, has held numerous positions over her career, all of which involved her work with the people of Papua New Guinea and her expertise in feminist anthropology. She spoke to our girls about being a researcher for the New Guinea Research Unit of the Australian National University and a lecturer at Girton College and then Trinity College.
  • Parisa Wright, founder of Greener & Cleaner, an inclusive sustainability charity for Southeast London and beyond. She will be presenting to our girls on ‘Worrier to Warrior’.
  • Dr Mary Baker MBE, President of the European Brain Council, past President of the European Federation of Neurological Associations, Consultant to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and former Chair of the Working Group on Parkinson’s Disease formed by the WHO in May 1997. She will also be attending our Middle School parent panel event on relationships on Monday 20thMay, and a Year 7 and 8 event to talk on careers in neuroscience on Thursday 13th June.

It is always a pleasure to see our alumnae back in school, and the overwhelming comment that they make to me is how much they miss Bromley High. Their stories are filled with memories, friendship and connection, reflecting just how much they treasured their time here. They are always proud of the distinctive heritage that we hold from our 141 years, and they say how much they have been able to personally thrive as a result of having started their lifelong education in a school that encouraged them to learn without limits, with never a stereotype being applied, and within a school that was holistically committed to their education, both in and out of the classroom.

I am so grateful for all the support offered by our alumnae, both through careers and mentoring advice, and in support for our bursary programme. Our alumnae have demonstrated their unwavering support and commitment to the school’s mission, contributing to vital programmes such as the estates and bursary programme. The Bromley High School Alumnae community stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of excellence, camaraderie, and empowerment fostered by the institution. As we celebrate past achievements and embrace future opportunities, we remain committed to nurturing connections, inspiring excellence, and shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Over the past year, we have witnessed a notable increase in alumnae attendance at open days and a growing preference for Bromley High School among their daughters. This trend underscores the trust and confidence that alumnae place in the school, inspired by their own experiences and achievements.

Bromley High School boasts a rich tradition of excellence, not only in academic pursuits but also in fostering lifelong connections within its alumnae community. As we delve into the activities and initiatives of Bromley High School alumnae, it becomes evident how these connections shape the school’s identity and contribute to its ongoing success. We’ve been fortunate to have several alumnae step forward to share their experiences with the community, and some have been recognised as our Alumnae of the Month. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to read about some of our alumnae highlights, please look through our Alumna of the Month news archives.

As you would expect, our alumnae work in a wide range of professional sectors, ranging from Head of Business Marketing at TikTok, Emergency Doctor at King’s College Hospital, Great British Athlete, Head of South Atlantic Shipping Trading and Chief Financial Officer. Our alumnae span the world and every professional sector. The great opportunity here for our girls is that as part of the GDST, your daughter will automatically belong to our GDST Alumnae Network, where she can receive advice, mentoring and support from over 100, 000 GDST sisters. This number is expanding every year. Previous pupils of Bromley High are registered with the GDST Alumnae Network and they work with us to share expertise and collaborations. In return, we share our Bromley High School news and invite them to annual network events and reunions. The calendar of alumnae events reflects the vibrant tapestry of experiences and shared memories within the Bromley High School community. From intimate class reunions to grand annual receptions, these gatherings offer valuable opportunities for alumnae to reconnect, reminisce, and rekindle past friendships. Notably, the inclusion of virtual participation, via Zoom calls, ensures that distance is no barrier to participation, fostering inclusivity and accessibility. This year we have run a range of events and reunions, providing valuable opportunities for us to connect with our alumnae and listen to their inspiring stories. These events have ranged from our Alumnae House Afternoon Tea, Alumnae Reception and Fireworks Evening, 140th Alumnae Afternoon Tea, Classes of 1970s Reunion (with a 88% attendance rate, with some joining via Teams from all across the world!) This all-female network offers a community like no other. Being an alumna is to be a GDST girl for life.

Our GDST Rungway App is a dynamic platform designed to link our Sixth Formers with our alumnae, so that they can ask any burning questions they may have about life after school. Empowered women will empower women, and this is just another example of how the GDST sister network operates through a digital community.

If you are an ex-pupil of Bromley High School, and you’re not signed up with our alumnae team, please do contact Mrs Devon at n.devon@bro.gdst.net. I am very lucky to have Mrs Devon on my team, working hard at leading our alumnae and events programme. If you ever benefit from the pleasure of having a conversation with Mrs Devon, her positive energy and enthusiasm for the role will shine through. Mrs Devon will help to reconnect you with old friends so that you have the opportunity to share the bond that comes from having received a GDST education.

Today, we say farewell to our Year 13s as they enjoy ‘muck up day’ – with a Barbie theme! Year 11s left for their study leave last week. I would like to take this opportunity to wish our examination year groups the very best of luck for the public examinations. I would also like to emphasise the pastoral support that remains available at school during their study leave, and that even though the girls are not physically in our school building, they are still under our care and support. If any of your daughters need support during their study leave, we are still on hand to offer help and advice. Please reach out to their Form Tutor, Head of Year, or Mrs Hathway.

I look forward to celebrating your exam success in August!


Mrs Emily Codling, Headmistress