Murrell | Epsom College

Murrell, the newest House at Epsom College, opened its doors for the first time in September 2017. The House is named in honour of one of Epsom’s pioneering female figureheads: Dr Christine Murrell. Dr Murrell represented the Medical Women’s Federation at the first Epsom College Conjoint Committee meeting in 1932. She was the first woman to be elected to the council of the British Medical Association.

Murrell is one of three girls’ day houses, and is led by Housemistress Céline Winmill with the support of her dedicated team of tutors, deputy Housemistress and – of course – the Matron, Helen Woodward.

Céline Winmill, Housemistress

I have been a tutor in Wilson House since September 2021 but I have worked at Epsom College since September 2000 when I joined as a Raven House tutor and a teacher of French with Spanish. My career at Epsom has seen me taking posts of responsibilities such as Resident Tutor in Crawfurd in September 2002, Boarding Housemistress of White House in September 2004, Teacher in charge of the Academic Timetable in September 2014, Head of Upper Fourth (Year 9) in September 2015, Day Tutor in Carr House, Acting Head of French in September 2018 and Head of Whole School Timetable in 2021.

I hold an MA in English Linguistics and Phonetics from Bordeaux University and a PGCE from the University of Roehampton, UK.

I am married to Ian, who taught Computer Science at Epsom College between 2007 and 2015 – he now is a Design and Technology technician at Reigate Grammar School – and we have two daughters now 20 and 18, Jo-Anne and Noémie. Jo-Anne was born when I was working in Crawfurd House and she is now a chef in Epsom College’s kitchens and Noémie was born when I was Housemistress of White House and has just finished her Upper Sixth year at Epsom College, in Murrell House. We also have a small 4 year-old Cavapoo dog called Rudy.

Out of term time, we enjoy heading for an adventure in our campervan whether it be all over France and particularly in the south west where I am from, to enjoy water sports, cycle rides, walks or skiing in the Pyrenees. Epsom College has been my work place and my home for many years and I am very excited, honoured and very much look forward to be taking over as Housemistress of Murrell from September 2024.

Fiona Curwen, Matron

I am thrilled to have joined Murrell House in November 2024 as Matron. Murrell is such a welcoming place and I feel very lucky to be part of this wonderful inclusive community. The girls are supportive, positive, and full of energy with kindness and respect shown to everyone.

I have a deep connection to Epsom College, having been a parent here for 10 years, which makes joining the staff community even more special. I am married to Phil, a Chartered Accountant and we have three sons, two of whom have now completed their schooling here.

I have a Geography degree from the University of Southampton and spent a gap year travelling, before starting a graduate management training programme. I specialised in Learning and Development and worked in a large multinational company before setting up my own training and executive coaching business. I joined Epsom College a year ago as an exam invigilator, which was a fantastic introduction to working here. I have always loved being in a school environment and feel that all my previous experiences, combined with my role as a mum, have prepared me well for the role of Matron in Murrell.

In my spare time I still love to travel – enjoying holidays in sunny or snowy places. I also enjoy entertaining and spending time with family and friends. I like to stay active, playing sports or cheering on teams from the sidelines!

Olivia, Head of House 2024-2025

My name is Livi, I joined the Lower School in 2018 and Murrell House in 2020. Murrell is an amazingly supportive, well-rounded and warm house and I consider it my home from home.

For my A-levels I am studying History, Religious Studies and German as well as undertaking an EPQ. I am a peer mentor and have been a proud member of Philosophy Society for the past three years. Outside of my studies, I enjoy being an NCO in the Army section of the CCF and have represented the College in hockey, netball and athletics. In Lower Sixth, I particularly enjoyed being a member of the Addams Family cast where I gained new friendships in all year groups and some extraordinary memories.

In my Upper Sixth year, as well as looking forward to being Head of House, I am very excited for Choral Competition as it is always fantastic and a very special demonstration of house pride and commitment.

House History

Dr Christine Murrell

Dr. Christine Murrell (1874–1933) was a pioneering doctor and women’s rights activist. She earned her medical degree in 1899 and worked at the Royal Free Hospital and in private practice. An advocate for women’s health, she gave lectures for 20 years and published Womanhood and Health in 1923.

Dr. Murrell had strong ties to Epsom College, becoming the first woman on the Conjoint Committee in 1932, where she helped oversee medical welfare and fundraised for the College. She was also the first female representative elected to the General Medical Council in 1933, though she passed away before taking her seat.

In 2017, Epsom College honored her legacy by naming a new girls’ day house after Dr. Murrell. The house crest, featuring oak leaves and acorns, symbolizes strength and growth, and the motto “Be of Good Courage” reflects her Christian values.

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