I originally hail from the Northwest: I grew up in Manchester and came to London to study Modern Languages at Queen Mary College, University of London. I’ve lived in and around East London ever since and have been teaching for twenty five years, during which time I have taught in six London secondary Schools in five London boroughs, as well as a stint as a Kindergarten – Year 2 ‘flying squad teacher’ in a remote school in Western Australia, four hours on a mail plane from the nearest mining town! My most recent post was as Senior Deputy at Blackfen School for Girls where I have been for nine years.
Connaught School has so many strengths; Our school is a place where girls’ talents and abilities are nurtured in a safe, creative space and where they can develop their ambitions, creativity, leadership and the power for self-determination. We are a warm, diverse and high-achieving school with an excellent track record for teaching girls to aim high. This has an impressive impact on achievement. The reason for our success is because our purpose is guided by a strong vision to develop independent learners in an inclusive community. Our motto, ‘Seize the day’ is underpinned by strong values of Excellence, Resilience and Inclusion, giving important direction to our school community.
At Connaught, we:
- Strive for excellence: igniting learning in our school community to develop our potential and achieve future success.
- Strive to be resilient: we bravely rise to challenges and empower our young women to be confident and active citizens.
- Strive to be inclusive: we value our diverse school community and celebrate our individuality and challenge inequalities.
This vision and values, developed by our whole school community, describe the vibrant atmosphere in our school. The classrooms and corridors buzz with positive attitudes towards behaviour for learning; it is a place where learning is in the very fabric of the buildings.
Pupils are polite and respectful. They care about each other. Pupils told us that one of the best things about the school is that staff are always there to help them if they have any worries; They feel safe in school. Serious incidents of poor behaviour, such as bullying, do not happen often. When they do, leaders are quick to put matters right.
OFSTED October 2019
The girls are proud of their school. Every one of them is valued for their individuality and character. They feel happy, safe and supported. Each girl’s learning journey is supported by regular monitoring and dialogue with parents/carers as she progresses through her school journey. A comprehensive and strong extra-curricular programme alongside the academic curriculum ensures that she experiences a holistic offer to develop her character and provide stimulating learning opportunities to enhance her cultural understanding to prepare her for life beyond school.
We are temporary custodians of this fine school, and your daughter will become part of a rich and diverse history of educating girls that dates back to 1932. We are a diverse and inclusive school community and welcome the enriching variety of backgrounds and traditions that all contribute to making Connaught School for Girls a wonderful place in which to both learn and work. Our brilliant staff work hard to ensure that we provide a safe place for your child to grow and learn and, in its 90th year and as we write the next chapter in its history, it is my privilege and honour to serve the school as Headteacher. In order to maximise your daughter’s potential, I would encourage you to actively engage with the school to enhance this partnership.
As well as this website, please follow us on:
Twitter @ConnaughtSFG
Facebook ConnaughtSchoolforgirls
Instagram @Connaughtschool
There is so much for your daughter to benefit from at Connaught. I look forward to welcoming you when you visit the school.
With best wishes,
Linsey Hand
Headteacher