I’m delighted to have joined Edge Grove this term as its first female Head and to have the privilege to lead such a dynamic and forward thinking school community. After 5 years working in the British International School of New York in Manhattan, I am so pleased to be back on home soil and, as is so indicative of the community spirit of the school, have been welcomed with open arms by staff, pupils and parents alike.
The school has flourished over the last 8 years under the leadership of Ben Evans and I am excited to be able to build on those successes and lead the school into its next phase of development. Nothing I do matters much without the trust and respect of the whole school community and I have spent the last half term meeting every member of staff individually and getting to know the children. Taking over a school in the current climate hasn’t been without its challenges but, again, it is testament to the strength of the school and relationships within it that we have faced these with resilience and tenacity to ensure that we continue to do the very best for our pupils.
Moving forward, I am keen to uphold the culture and traditions of the school that make it unique and a vital part of that is retaining links with the alumni who played such an important part in shaping the history of the school. I have recently been looking through the archives at some old daily journals from the boarding school and it is wonderful to be able to share these with our current pupils.
I very much look forward to meeting you in person when we are able but, until then, please enjoy the latest news from the school and stay safe and well.
With very best wishes.
Lisa McDonald Head
A very warm welcome to our Autumn newsletter from the Edge Grove Society. Thank you to everyone who has sent in updates and news to be published, your content is crucial to making this a success.
Although we are unable to welcome visitors into school at the moment due to Covid restrictions we are always delighted to come and visit you or have a chat on the phone to hear your stories. One such visit that happened over half term was our current Head and Deputy head Boy visiting Paul Orchard- Lisle (Edge Grove 1946-52). The boys have written a short piece about the visit later in the newsletter.
This edition has plenty of old boy and girl updates for you to enjoy, features on alumni who went onto Exeter University, past and present boarding and news of the schools fundraising endeavours. We have recently been informed of a legacy from Puddy Pratt (wife of Jimmie Pratt ex Headmaster) for which we are extremely grateful. For further details of this and our legacy program click here.
What a year this has been! We would normally be welcoming back our recent leavers for bonfire night and planning a Christmas lunch for our young alumni in the library but sadly we are unable to hold these particular events this term. We are hopeful that we will be able to organise an EGS day in the summer utilising the space in beautiful grounds we have here so keep your fingers crossed.
Best wishes to you all, stay safe and please stay in touch over the festive period.
Best wishes
Sue Maughan Development & Alumni Manager
Farewell to Ben Evans - Headmaster 2012-2020
It was definitely not the send off we had planned for the Evans family after eight fantastic years here at Edge Grove due to the Covid restrictions that were in place but nevertheless we sent them on their way with a commemorative book of messages from the parents and children, and a video compilation from the staff and very warm wishes for their next adventure at Windlesham House school. One of Ben's favourite artefacts at the school was Mr Pratt’s grandfather clock in the front hall which was too big for him to sneak out! However a generous collection from the parents enabled him to buy a grandfather clock of his own for his new home as a keepsake from Edge Grove.
