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.
Open Evening 23rd September 5-8pm. Don't miss your opportunity to meet the staff, students and see the school. No need to book, but please bring a mask. Full details: https://t.co/QFO3oX2EEf https://t.co/5NJc1WzWrd
What a treat... getting to take a tour of the new building additions due to finish later this term Looking fabulous! @VarndeanSchool @WestridgeLtd https://t.co/LMqpmCVNaV
We're hiring! Administration Assistant, Teacher of Design Technology, Teacher of Music, and Design Technology Technician. Please visit our vacancies page for full details https://t.co/mNsHUlJ1ee #Brighton #Hove
Thank you to Brighton & Hove Music & Arts for coming into school to inspire our Year 7s about instrumental lessons in school. We've had a lot of interest and excitement already! #orchestral #instrumental #music https://t.co/jm7N6SjqNI