Happy International Women’s Day!

“The opening of a co-educational Sixth Form has been transformational for QEH, enriching the whole school. We are so fortunate to have so many incredibly talented young women joining the school each year. It is inspiring to see the boys and girls learning and working together for their final two years of school. We hope to keep in touch with all of our rapidly growing number of female Old Elizabethans!” ~ Rupert Heathcote, Head of QEH

Today marks a day that is used globally to celebrate women and we wanted to celebrate and pay tribute to our inspiring girls. Girls first joined QEH in 2017, and we saw our first female Old Elizabethans emerge out of the big blue doors and into the world in 2019.

We spoke to some of them to find out where they are now:

Anna Emmett Martin (2018 – 2020):

I joined QEH in 2018 as part of the school’s second female cohort. I took English Literature, Art and French until our time in school was sadly cut short by the pandemic. The time I did have was invaluable and unforgettable. A significant part of this was thanks to the young women who I shared those experiences with.

During that same period of the pandemic, I moved to Edinburgh for university. But, the prospect of moving to Italy was particularly attractive! I’m living the dolce vita in Siena now, and next year I’ll (hopefully!) graduate with a degree in Italian and English Literature.

Saskia Morris (2020 – 2022):

I was a QEH student between 2020 and 2022, studying Politics, Geography and Spanish. My teachers were challenging and supportive in equal measure, helping my cohort through the lasting impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic. There were so many extracurricular activities available at QEH - I took up debating, competing in various external competitions and played on a variety of sports teams. I was lucky enough to be a member of the school prefect team, becoming the first female Captain of Boarders in 2021.

I am currently taking a gap year and have been working at a recruitment agency in Bristol. Here I’ve met a lot of motivated people and I’ve learnt a lot of new skills, which will benefit me in the future. Later this month, I will begin travelling through Central America, starting in Mexico and making my way through many countries to Costa Rica. In September, I will begin a four-year course in Politics and Spanish at Manchester University, which I’m very much looking forward to.

Maddie Daw (2017 – 2019):

I was at QEH  2017 – 2019, joining as part of the first intake of girls to the Sixth Form alongside 13 other girls. I studied Maths, Economics and Biology A-levels and was also heavily involved in all the extracurricular things that QEH had to offer. I was part of the school choir, singing on Charter Day in the cathedral and at spring/autumn concerts, as well as playing netball and getting involved in 2 drama productions. The outdoor pursuits department at QEH is amazing – I went on gold DofE expeditions to Exmoor and Snowdonia, and a trip to the Italian Dolomites in July 2018. In Year 13 I got the opportunity to be the first female Captain of School for QEH. This had many highlights, but having to wear bluecoats was NOT one of them!

After QEH, I studied Economics at University of Nottingham and graduated in 2022.  I actually completed the third year online from home in Bristol due to the pandemic, whilst working 4 days a week supervising the local village farm shop and cafe. I joined an R&D Tax Consultancy in Bristol in September 2022, and I am studying towards the ICAEW ACA professional qualification alongside.

Ruby Wightman (2021 –2022):

I joined QEH Sixth Form in 2019, as I wanted a change and to step out of my comfort zone. I was extremely honoured to have been awarded the role of Captain of School at the end of Year 12 during lockdown – even though I couldn’t do the traditional jobs such as leading assemblies, I had a lot of fun recording speeches on video and doing podcasts with my fellow Captain. It was an amazing opportunity and I’m very grateful to have experienced it!

I am now in my second year at the University of Leeds reading psychology. Whilst this is an extremely challenging course, I am really enjoying the subject, and of course the university lifestyle also. I always very much enjoyed my psychology A-Level lessons at QEH, and am glad that these brought me to studying the psychology course at Leeds. During the start of this academic year, I also spent some time working on a project for the NHS App, aiding in verifying citizen identification and document fraud detection – again, a really great opportunity to build my skill set. After university, I am hoping either to apply to the Civil Service graduate scheme or pursue clinical psychology.  

I wouldn’t be where I am now without the skills, I learned at QEH, and will always remember my Sixth Form years fondly.

Iso Wright (2022-2023):

I left school in 2022. During my 2 years at QEH, I loved having a laugh in the common room, getting involved in our student lead gender equality club and playing hockey. A big highlight for me was going to the national finals for hockey in Year 13. We had a great time, and it was lovely feeling so supported and celebrated by the school community.

I am currently on my gap year, working as a pediatric therapy assistant at the Bristol Royal Children’s Hospital. My previous work at QEH Junior School was a great way to kick start the year and gave me knowledge that helps me in my current role. I work in an amazing team to help rehabilitate children after they have had surgery. I am gaining invaluable experience that will help me on my path to (hopefully!) becoming a doctor.

It’s fantastic to see how our QEH girls are flourishing beyond their time here.

If you are one of our female alumnae, we would love to hear from you and learn what you are up to now. We are also hoping to host an event specifically with our female Old Elizabethans in mind so if you have any ideas or would like to help us organise an event, contact Abi Purvis, Development and Alumni Relations Assistant: apurvis@qehbristol.co.uk

Or, if you would like to enquire about entry to QEH, please contact our admissions team: admissions@qehbristol.co.uk