Up to sixty years since they had left Portsmouth High School, alumnae from the Classes of 1965, 1975, 1985, 1995, 2005 and 2015 returned for lunch and tours of the senior and prep schools last weekend. Current sixth form students led the tours across the school, getting side-tracked by reminiscence and laughter.
Head Girl Emma said:
‘It was a real privilege to show our alumnae around the school and share how it’s grown while still holding onto its heart. Hearing their stories made us reinforce how strong the Portsmouth High School community really is — across generations.’
‘There is nothing that can replace seeing people and places in person,’ said Louise Scott (nee Ellison) from the Class of 1995. ‘This has been the happiest opportunity to see old friends face to face.’
‘We reverted to being our 16 year old selves’ said, Jess, Ellie and Elly from the Class of 2015. ’The noise level just grew and grew.’
An alumna from the Class of 1985 added: ‘We went back to Dovercourt and had so many fond memories of our time here.
‘What is incredible are the amazing facilities in Art, Music and Sport – as well as the academics – giving young people a chance to try, and enjoy so many different aspects of an education.’
Fiona Tilston-Jones, from the Class of 1965 said: ‘It was so lovely to see the school even if we didn’t always recognise where we were.’
Assistant Headteacher, Mrs Katie Wood, an alumna of Portsmouth High School herself, added:
‘It’s always a delight and a privilege to welcome our alumnae back. Portsmouth High School girls, both present and former have an uncanny and universal ability to fill a room, in terms of presence, confidence and, as brilliantly demonstrated on Saturday, noise! It was wonderful to hear stories and laughter fill the halls once again, reminding us that while our facilities evolve and the world is constantly changing, the heart of the school – its spirit of friendship, curiosity, and joy – remains the same.’
