International Women’s Day Event
On Tuesday we welcomed back three OEs – Maria Wall, Tamika Hewitt, and Daisy Bamber – for cake and conversation with Epsom’s female pupils. The informal talk centered around subjects such as how the OEs felt when they were in the Sixth Form – developing confidence, navigating big decisions about university choices and careers, and what life after Epsom looks like.
All three kindly shared the struggles they had faced and what they did to overcome these challenges. Daisy explained how one university course wasn’t for her so she took two years out, before enrolling at Oxford instead. Looking back at their time at Epsom, they fondly remembered different people and events and realised, with hindsight, what a safe space the College was in which to try new activities. They encouraged the girls to push themselves out of their comfort zone. Other advice included keeping a folder of their achievements – to bolster their confidence, and never to be afraid to speak up or share their ideas.
“The talk was reassuring,” said one Upper Sixth student, “and the speakers provided a great perspective as they had only left Epsom College a short time before”.
Our thanks go to Maria Wall, Tamika Hewitt, and Daisy Bamber for coming back to Epsom to guide the girls with their life choices.
Lower Sixth Peer Mentors Inspire Shrewsbury House Pupils Ahead of International Women’s Day
Lower Sixth Peer Mentors, Lucinda Austin, Aisling Glanville, Olivia Gioffredo, Beanne Klutse, and Maria Pontes, delivered an inspiring assembly to the pupils at Shrewsbury House Prep School. Headmistress Joanna Hubbard had invited the Peer Mentors to speak about the significance of International Women’s Day.
The students provided a brief historical overview of the day’s origins, highlighting the tragic 1911 New York textile factory fire in which 146 women lost their lives. They explained how this event became a catalyst for change, coinciding with the growing global movement for women’s suffrage. They also introduced the symbolic colours of International Women’s Day – purple, green, and white – each representing justice, hope, and purity.
The Peer Mentors encouraged the Shrewsbury House pupils to challenge gender stereotypes and discrimination, question bias, and celebrate the inspirational women in their own lives. They also drew attention to influential figures such as Princess Diana, scientist Kizzmekia Corbett, and activist Michelle Obama, emphasising their lasting impact on society.
With this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Accelerate Action, the Peer Mentors reinforced the importance of striving for gender equality, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Epsom College Welcomes our Three New Governors
Perfectly timed around International Women’s Day, the College is thrilled to announce the appointment of three new Governors: Mrs Seema Bains, Mrs Nicky Sinker, and Ms Sarah Whyatt. They bring expertise in a range of areas including legal, financial, risk, and sustainability.
- Seema Bains – Brings a wealth of legal experience and expertise as a partner at DWF, a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. Seema is also Head of DWF’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leadership Group. Recognised in the HERoes Top 100 Women Executives List, she champions gender diversity and inclusive leadership.
- Nicky Sinker – A chartered accountant with a background in COO/business management roles across financial and legal sectors. Nicky brings valuable insight into strategy, governance, risk management and sustainability, as well as helping organisations reduce their climate impact.
- Sarah Whyatt – With an MEng from Durham University and a career in finance at a major energy firm, Sarah has experience of working in a variety of different finance roles, specialising in financial planning, performance management and sustainability disclosure requirements.
Their diverse knowledge and experience will enrich our Board of Governors, and we look forward to working with them.
