To mark International Women’s Day, Portsmouth High School, GDST, proudly celebrates five remarkable alumnae who returned during National Careers Week to share their stories through our Girls Like You assemblies. Each one spoke with honesty, warmth and courage – reminding us that ambition rarely follows a straight line and that the strength of PHS girls lies in their curiosity, resilience and belief in themselves.
Hannah Lushey (Class of 2021): Finding Your Voice in a Male-Dominated Field
Our first speaker, alumna Hannah Lushey, opened the week by sharing her journey from PHS to her current role at SGN, the gas network company. Unsure of her direction when she left school, she simply followed what she loved – STEM and Humanities – leading her to study Geology with Physical Geography at Southampton. In a cohort of sixty with only five girls, Hannah found strength in the supportive bonds she formed.
After graduating, she joined Fortis construction before securing a place on SGN’s graduate scheme, where she is now the only woman. She spoke candidly about how this has shaped her: the importance of empathy, communication, and having the confidence to stand out.
‘I demonstrated alternative thinking,’ she said. ‘Diversity of thought is an essential skill, particularly in the current climate.’
Her message was clear: embrace what you enjoy, trust your perspective and never underestimate the power of bringing something different to the table.
Matilda Nicholls (Class of 2019): Belief, Grit and an Olympic Dream
On the second day, elite sailor and British Sailing Team athlete Matilda Nicholls returned to share her extraordinary sporting journey. Competing in ILCA6 dinghies, now ranked No. 3 in the world and training for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, she spoke with energy and humility about the foundation PHS gave her.
‘The biggest thing I learnt at Portsmouth High School was to believe in yourself and back yourself,’ she said. ‘The school put confidence at the centre of everything.’
Matilda’s journey shifted after hearing Olympic champion Saskia Clark speak in 2017 – a moment that made her realise sailing was where she belonged. With PHS’s unwavering support, she became U16 European Champion and later completed a First Class degree in Psychology from Exeter, giving her the mental tools she uses every day as an athlete.
‘I’m the CEO of my own campaign,’ she explained. ‘Yes, I have an incredible team around me, but I have to bring all those elements together.’
Her message to students was bold and uplifting: ‘Failure is not a verdict – it’s just feedback. The path might be windy and wavy, but have a dream and go after it.’
Nia Ahmed (Class of 2019): Growth Begins with Discomfort
Midweek, pupils heard from alumna Nia Ahmed, who opened her talk with a reassuring truth: she once sat where they were, with no idea where she was heading.
After leaving PHS with A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and English Literature, she began Biochemistry at Southampton – but made the brave decision to drop out on Day One. It was, she said, the moment that forced her to confront what she truly wanted.
With support from the PHS Careers Department, she secured a place to study Pharmacy at UCL. London was transformative. ‘Ask questions. Try new things. Believe that everything is possible,’ she urged.
A chance meeting with former pupil and governor Sorbi Khatak led to a pivotal role at Eli Lilly’s, another turning point that changed her trajectory. She later completed her Masters at Monash University in Melbourne and now works at Southampton Hospital and in a GP surgery.
‘Comfort equals safety, but growth equals possibility,’ she told pupils. ‘Experience life as though you are always a student.’
Charlie Smith (Class of 2016): Saying Yes to Opportunity
On the fourth day, we welcomed back alumna Charlie Smith, Class of 2016. Reflecting on her time at PHS, she admitted she once felt the same uncertainty many pupils feel today.
‘I borrowed other people’s dreams,’ she said, ‘until I finally leaned into my passion for languages.’
After A Levels in physics, maths and French, Charlie tried to follow a sensible path into engineering — but it didn’t feel right. A gap year working in a French hotel opened her eyes to what she truly loved. She went on to study French, Spanish and Russian at Warwick, later spending eight months teaching in Russia before COVID cut the adventure short.
Today, Charlie works at NATS designing simulation air space – one of only ten people in the country with this role.
‘PHS showed me that you don’t always need the perfect set of qualifications,’ she said. ‘Be a self-starter, take responsibility for your path, and say yes to every opportunity.’
Nancy Fenton (Class of 2018): Trusting the Path You Can’t Yet See
Our final speaker of the week was alumna and former Head Girl Nancy Fenton. Returning to PHS, she described the school as ‘a truly unique learning environment’ and ‘a time absolutely treasured’.
Nancy once thought politics would be her future and even completed a placement with a local MP. But when results day came and went, she realised her passion lay elsewhere – in property. After leaving a course that didn’t feel right, she reset, took a gap year and then found her stride studying Real Estate at Reading.
‘I finally found what I loved doing,’ she said.
Nancy now works for JLL Real Estate and offered pupils heartfelt advice:
‘Your journey is a pathway not already known. Understand yourself, be bold. Portsmouth High School and the GDST will always have your back.’
