Remembering Mrs Margaret Smithers
HEAD TEACHER 1977 - 1986
When Mrs Smithers was appointed Head Teacher in 1977, she was ideally suited to the job in several ways.
Varndean was in the process of converting from a girls’ Grammar School to a mixed Comprehensive High School. A variety of new skills were required to educate a broader range of students. Mrs Smithers possessed these, having already been a Deputy Head at Dorothy Stringer (then a secondary modern school) and Head of Knoll Girls’ School in Hove.
However, she also understood Varndean’s traditions. As Margaret Stonor, she had been a student here herself, serving as School Captain in 1942-3. Unlike many of her contemporaries, she remained in Brighton and described war-time schooling, including having to race to the air raid shelters at the back of the school when the sirens sounded for a day-light raid.
She successfully guided the fortunes of the new mixed comprehensive for 9 years until her retirement, when she passed the baton on to Pam Bowmaker.
Students enjoyed an amazing trip to the @RoyalAlbertHall on Sunday to watch the Classical Gala - thanks Mr B for giving them this opportunity #music #gcsemusic #btecmusic https://t.co/isXbLxYuSR
A selection of photos from the Summer Dance Show 2022 are now available to view on our website, featuring a variety of performances from all year groups: https://t.co/oM8qld2HX3 https://t.co/2clCmlYdHW
Thank you Mr. D for the Y11 well done packs you made for your class - each with a personalised key ring. #worldclass #theextramile #kindness https://t.co/udPBFHT8BQ
Thank you for joining us Mr. Watts too @StCCEastbourne and hearing our students talking about their achievements
Well done to all our #HotChocFri nominees recognised for winning the Y8 MFL spelling bee, a great attitude with Y11 catch up sessions & helping Y10s, winning the Y7 spelling bee, an outstanding drama performance, a diligent attitude and a big welcome to a new student! https://t.co/YQQpiN87lb
We are open tomorrow as part of the @artistshouses #Fiveways trail - do come along and see the amazing GCSE #Art & #Technology #ceramics #areaofexcellence https://t.co/7ZmcE38TPf Sat 21st May 10:30-4:00 https://t.co/fSBW3iO1nV