Alumni – Bishop's Hatfield Girls' School

#BEST Quiz Fundraiser Brings our School Community Together

May 22, 2025/in Alumni, General News, Home Page/by BHGS

#BEST Quiz Fundraiser Brings our School Community Together in Support of Bishop’s facilities upgrade project!

The buzz is still in the air after last week’s fantastic Quiz Fundraiser, and what an evening it was! Hosted in support of the new school block, learning space upgrade and Sixth Form zone remodelling project, the event was a vibrant showcase of community spirit, friendly competition, and heartfelt generosity.

From the very first question to the last bite of the delicious buffet, laughter and camaraderie filled the room. Staff, governors, current parents, and even families whose children won’t be joining us until September were all in attendance — a wonderful testament to the strength and reach of our school community.

We were also thrilled to welcome back several of our unwaveringly supportive ‘Old Girls’, including some of the very first pupils from the 1960s. This alumni presence brought a rich sense of history and legacy to the event. We were also delighted to welcome back our much-loved former headteacher, Mrs Nickson — what an honour!

The quiz itself, brilliantly run by Mr Edbrook and an enthusiastic team from our Parents’ Association, staff volunteers, and our head girls, had teams racking their brains and bonding over tricky trivia and laugh-out-loud moments. Huge congratulations go to the winning team Men In Beige — a group of sharp-minded parents who managed to outwit even the senior leadership team!

A special thanks goes to one of our supportive parents, whose efforts to secure a fund-matching agreement through her employer will give our fundraising total an incredible boost. The final fundraising total will be announced soon — stay tuned!

If you missed out on this event, don’t worry. There’s more fun to come! Keep an eye out for our upcoming fundraising events, and be part of the joy, generosity, and team spirit that make our school community so special.

Alternatively you can also make a difference in other ways: – Donations via Wisepay or our JustGiving page (https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/bishopsbest) to help with our £25,000 target! – Sponsor a Room or Equipment – Join, lead or help with a fundraising activity, bringing in your expertise or simply share an idea – Take on a personal challenge: run, cycle, or get creative though our JustGiving page to raise funds while doing something exciting! – Ask your employer about their fund-matching scheme for our next event. Please email fundraising@bishophatfield.herts.sch.uk with your questions and suggestion.

For more information about the #BEST campaign and how you can support our school, visit: http://bishophatfield.herts.sch.uk/bishops-best

Networking – Alumni Plant the Seeds for our Futures

May 2, 2025/in Alumni, Careers, General News/by BHGS

Learning the Power of networking from our own Bishop’s Alumni Network

Networking is about planting the seeds of relationships for the future – to build and extend throughout your career. With this in mind, in a recent Year 12 Careers event, we planted our Alumni contacts firmly into Bishop’s to grow our students’ professional networks. Year 12 had a morning working with the Bishop’s Alumni and some local professional volunteers, finding out how they have built and strengthened their networks and how they can be used by our current sixth formers. The Future First Alumni agency came to deliver a morning of activities including the “elevator pitch” – a useful tool to develop when wanting to make a speedy impact on future contacts! Our Alumni came from varied sectors from architecture to publishing – all had stories to tell, tips to give and offered access to their networks!

We would love to hear from any past Bishop’s pupils to join our Alumni network – attendance at events and/or advice to our students is always welcome and truly valued. Register here: https://www.futurefirsthub.org.uk/register/bishophatfield

Alumni are back to illuminate Y12 career path

March 15, 2025/in Alumni, Careers, General News/by BHGS

Bishop’s Alumni and Industry Specialists Illuminate Career Paths for Year 12 Students in a Career Sector Morning

As part of the Year 12 Careers Programme, we were thrilled to welcome back a group of our talented former Bishop’s students who are now in successful careers, along with other industry specialists, to share their knowledge and insights during a Sector Morning.

Our alumni community is diverse, with former students excelling in fields ranging from pharmaceuticals and hospitality to media and finance. The event provided a unique opportunity for our current students to engage with professionals who have walked the same halls and are now thriving in their respective careers.

An Informal, Insightful Session

The morning was designed as an informal conversation carousel, where alumni rotated through groups of students, explaining their career paths and offering invaluable advice on how to break into various key sectors. It was a collaborative, engaging format that encouraged open dialogue and allowed students to ask questions and gain practical tips directly from those who had once been in their shoes.

Career Tips and Essential Skills

A key part of the event was the advice shared by our alumni on the skills that helped them succeed and ‘what they wish they’d been told’ when they were in school. This candid exchange was not only insightful but also served as an inspiration for students, helping them to better understand the steps they can take now to shape their own career journeys.

Welcoming Alumni Back into the Bishop’s Family

We are always excited to reconnect with our alumni and celebrate their achievements. It is incredibly rewarding to see former students return to Bishop’s to inspire and guide the next generation. Our alumni are a vital part of our school community, and their success stories motivate our students to dream big and aim high.

If you are an alumni and would like to get involved in future school events or contribute to our Careers Programme, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact Mrs Higgins, Head of Careers (jhiggins@bishophatfield.herts.sch.uk), or join our digital Future First Hub here: https://www.futurefirsthub.org.uk/register/bishophatfield

We look forward to welcoming even more alumni back into the Bishop’s family and continuing to foster strong connections that help our students thrive!

Mrs Higgins

In Memory of Diana Press, former Headteacher

March 2, 2025/in Alumni, General News/by BHGS

Former Bishop’s Hatfield Girls’ (Grammar) School Teacher and Headteacher, Diana Press, Passes Away on 2nd March 2025

🌹 In Memory of Diana Press (1930-2025) 🌹

It is with sadness that we share the news of the passing of Diana Press, a revered figure in the history of our school. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends during this difficult time.

Mrs Press taught Geography at our school, which was then known as Hatfield Girls’ Grammar School, and became Head of the department in 1976 after Mrs. Pickett’s retirement. Her dedication extended beyond the classroom, serving as Deputy Head from 1974 and stepping in as acting Headteacher on multiple occasions following Mrs Ashworth’s retirement in 1984. In 1988, she became Headteacher, a role she held until her retirement in 1990, and is fondly remembered for her warmth and dedication to her pupils. She was also a school representative for the National Union of Teachers.

Her commitment to our school didn’t end there. Her genuine interest in her pupils led her to become an unwavering advocate for the Bishop’s Hatfield Old Girls Association after retiring, fostering a lasting connection with alumni and attending reunions and lunches well into recent years. She cherished every opportunity to reconnect with former students.

Here is a photo from the 40th Anniversary celebration of the school in 2000, where Mrs Press is seen with former Headteachers Miss M. Ashworth (left) and Mrs. Brooks (right).

Rest in peace, Mrs Press. You will be deeply missed. 🌿

#gallery-4 { margin: auto; } #gallery-4 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 100%; } #gallery-4 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-4 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Year 10 explore IT Distribution in Computacenter

December 5, 2024/in Alumni, General News/by BHGS

Year 10 pupils visit local IT distribution centre

Ten Year 10 pupils visited Computacenter in Hatfield Business Park. They learned about the routes into work of two employees, Renee and Georgi, the latter being a Bishop’s alumni (a former Bishop’s pupil). They related their school experiences to further education and to their current roles as Early Careers CSR Specialist and Human Resources Consultant.

After finding out about some of the company’s business ventures, clients and global reach, the pupils undertook a task in two groups of planning a 60 second TikTok video on educating others about cyber security. Pupils had interesting ideas that they presented confidently.

Afterwards, we went on a tour of the distribution centre and learnt about how consignments are handled at various stages of the distribution process. Pupils enjoyed the tour and noted the high security on leaving the building.

Having been presented with Computacenter bags and notebooks, we concluded the highly interesting and informative morning.

#gallery-5 { margin: auto; } #gallery-5 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 100%; } #gallery-5 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-5 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Teacher Retirement News

July 14, 2024/in Alumni, General News/by BHGS

A Fond Farewell to Mrs Waters who retired this Summer

In the Summer of 2024, we said goodbye to Mrs. Waters, who retired after 39 years in the teaching profession!

Mrs Waters joined Bishop’s in April 2012 on a temporary maternity cover contract, but she quickly fell in love with our school and never looked back. Over the next 12 years, she became a pillar of both PE and Health & Social Care, as well as a dedicated 6th Form tutor, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed her path. We’ve heard she is embarking on an exciting new chapter, pursuing her passion for the antiques trade.

Were you lucky enough to be taught by Mrs. Waters? Do you have cherished memories of her PE or Health & Social Care lessons? We’d love to hear your favorite moments.

Do you have great memories of your PE or Health and Social Care teacher at Bishop’s? Why not share them with us by emailing alumni@bishophatfield.herts.sch.uk #BishopsFamily #Retirement #TeachersOfBishops #ThankYouMrsWaters #bhgsfuturefirst

Saying Goodbye to Year 13s at the Leaver’s Ball

June 27, 2024/in Alumni, General News/by BHGS

On the 27th June, Year 13 enjoyed their Leavers’ Ball at Mill Green Golf Club thanks to Mrs James, Mrs Healy and the Prom Committee.

And what a great evening, it was! From 7pm, the music was blaring and everyone hit the dance floor! After jumping in the photo booth with friends, we all came together to unwind and celebrate the start of our post-exam summer. Heels were thrown to the side and the sweet bar was swiftly emptied as Year 13s danced the night away.

After an hour or so of picture taking and singing, it was time for everyone to refuel at the buffet in preparation for many more hours of dancing, singing, and trying to convince Mr Kench to join us on the dance floor. Whilst we were eating, DJ Andy was kind enough to announce a series of awards, such as Kindest Person, Most likely to Become famous, and Funniest person.

Mrs Ruffhead and Mrs James joined in the dancing, enjoying some ABBA with all the girls, but DJ Andy came out and danced the Candy with us all, showing us how it’s done!

The Leavers’ Ball was a great end to our time at Bishop’s, leaving us all with amazing memories and stunning pictures taken in the scenic landscape of the golf course.

Amelie H (Year 13)

Year 13, please keep in touch! If you have not done so already, please register with our Future First Hub. It only takes a couple of minutes: https://www.futurefirsthub.org.uk/register/bishophatfield

Careers: A Taste of the World of Work

May 2, 2024/in Alumni, Careers, General News/by BHGS

Year 8 and Year 9 get a taste of the World of Work

Bishop’s was firmly focused on Careers this Monday when our Year 8 cohort set off to experience their first day in the world of work as part of our Work Shadowing programme. The Year 8s had been tasked with developing their first career skill of problem solving/creativity – finding their own placement for the day through their own network of family and friends. This task may have included finding out what Dad “really does at work” or getting a “lovely lunch” from Mum in her workplace! Some Year 8s embarked on new environments from local retailers and nurseries to the fast-paced London life complete with train travel. All Year 8s were expected to ask questions about the roles they viewed and to consider what career skills would be developed in these jobs. This is a first step in considering environments they may want to work in and will lead onto our future careers programme events.

A year on in our Careers Programme, we found the Year 9s actively involved in a Career Skills Day being delivered in school. A panel of local employers gave up their whole day to run a carousel of activities from communication, to project management involving a first step into the world of interviewing and assessing their portfolio of skills. Our local corporates included: Tesco, Morgan Sindall, Computacenter and Pay point. Our resident Careers Counsellor Mrs Osman was also on hand to explain the help she can provide to guide our pupils in their “futures” decisions!

To finish the day, some of our own Alumnae came back to talk to the next generation of Bishop’s pupils. They presented on their career journeys from their time at Bishops’ to their steps into the outside world. Our presenters were from para-legal, surveying and voluntary sector backgrounds. It was a busy and enlightening day all round for our Key Stage three pupils!

If you are (or know of) a former Bishop’s student who would like to support us in Careers activities, please click on this link to register your interest and be part of our Future First alumni network : Alumni Hub Register or visit our Alumni page: Alumni Association (formerly Bishop’s Hatfield Old Girls’ Association)

Don’t forget to check our website Careers page which has a wealth of information on possible Careers Pathways: Careers and Work Related Learning

#gallery-8 { margin: auto; } #gallery-8 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 100%; } #gallery-8 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-8 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Speed Interviewing

March 15, 2024/in Alumni, Careers, General News/by BHGS

Year 12 experience Speed Interviewing during Bishop’s Mock Interview events

In line with Bishop’s 360, our school like to develop the whole person and in the Careers area, we look at all the skills required to develop our pupils’ futures – and one of them is getting “the job”! A key aspect to achieve this is the dreaded interview. Therefore, for the second year running, our Year 12s were put through their paces by a panel of interviewers across two mornings at a fast paced Mock Interview event. The feelings among the pupils on the day was a mix of nervous excitement – as for many it was the first time they had been interviewed. Our Mock interviewers were all from different sectors: Banking, IT, Finance, Law, Media, Leisure, Accountancy. They were all very experienced and keen to test our sixth formers. Each pupil was given two or three interviews each – so there was a chance to improve any techniques or answers. The volunteer companies were worked hard; not a minute to look up before another candidate arrived to interview! Despite a pressurised environment the interviewers were full of praise for our interviewees. Quotes such as “very confident”, “explained themselves well” and “great skills” were mentioned. Our pupils even commented that they had enjoyed it… eventually! This event follows up our Mock Assessment centre and looks to give all Year 12s an opportunity to try out being interviewed and reflect on “what went well” and “even better if”. Some of our pupils even secured their Work Experience placements – that’s networking for you!

Thanks goes to all our businesses that supported our event: Computacenter, PayPoint, Crane and Staples, Barclays Bank, The Crown Estate, Bourne Leisure, Penguin Random House publishers, Roche, University of Hertfordshire and MJL Pharmaceutical Advertising.

Professionals from our alumni community are always welcome to help us inspire and guide our students in their career journey. If you feel you can help, please get in touch via our Alumni Hub or email jhiggins@bishophatfield.herts.sch.uk. If you are a former pupil of our school and have not registered with our alumni network yet, please scan the QR code below or visit : https://bishophatfield.herts.sch.uk/alumni/ Our alumni network could help make a difference in your career too (and it is a great way to catch up with friends you have lost touch with)!

#gallery-9 { margin: auto; } #gallery-9 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 100%; } #gallery-9 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-9 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Inspiring Alumnae return for a Careers Sector Skills Workshop

December 10, 2023/in Alumni, Careers, General News/by BHGS

You can’t be what you can’t see!

An exciting new Careers Sector Skills workshop day took place for Year 11 and Year 12 on Friday 10th November. The day was one of the first we held in conjunction with Future First, an education charity that helped us upgrade our alumni network with a new digital hub.

Aside from providing a great way for former students/staff to reconnect with their peers, the digital hub allowed us to invite alumni (ex-pupils) to explain their career journeys after leaving Bishop’s to current students. The day also gave our students the chance to consider the various skills required in each career and how they might develop these in the future.

The workshop came at the right time for the students who were thinking about the next steps in their careers. Eight former pupils attended and shared their career paths. From media analysts to forensic scientists, there were relatable role models. Additional sectors included marketing and public relations, nursery and primary school teaching, data analysis, cabin crew and law.

A Year 12 student said, ‘it was so informative and eye-opening to see the many and varied career paths people have chosen. Maybe one day I’ll be back here doing the same thing!’

Alumni are vital to schools and their pupils as career role models, mentors, specialist in-curriculum volunteers, work-related experience providers, governors and sponsors. Our alumni community has grown into a rich network of members in every field imaginable, across the last six decades, some even going back to when Hatfield Girls’ Grammar School opened in 1960.

If you are a former Bishop’s student and have advice, support and guidance you wish to offer to the new generation of Bishop’s pupils – or simply wish to reconnect with your peer group – why not join our network of alumni? Should you know anyone else who attended our school, whether they are your children, neighbours, friends or their children, or if you are still in touch with former pupils or staff, please send them this link and ask them to sign up. Even if ex-pupils have already been on our previous database, they need to actively opt in to the new platform: Join our Bishop’s Old Girls Alumni Network by clicking on this link!