Annette has not only been a colleague to us all but more importantly an inspiration simply through being the woman she is: first and foremost an unbelievable mum; a wife; a friend; and a role model to all College girls and staff.

In and out of the classroom, she has promoted sport, encouraged all pupils to enjoy a happy and healthy lifestyle and transformed a school that was in search of greater equality. Her down to earth attitude has encouraged pupils to embrace who they are in all ways, and to achieve their best in any situation. A champion woman that champions girls to believe in themselves, strive for success and aim for their greatest dreams.

Annette has made a huge contribution to sport here at College. She joined us as a Sport Science teacher and Head of Girls Games as well as Housemistress and brought a wealth of experience. Annette worked hard to introduce alternative sports carousels, develop the coaching for girls and herself coached across all three terms in hockey, netball and athletics. Her expertise from being an elite hurdler herself has helped many girls enjoy the athletics programme she helped to develop. In the Sports Science Department she has inspired many young and active minds. Her alternative methods of teaching and her willingness to teach pupils in a variety of ways always ensures that they understand the trickier concepts. She understands the needs of all her pupils and works tirelessly to ensure they reach their potential. Additionally, under the direction of Kate Hornsby, Annette has helped many cohorts of Lower Sixth students through the Junior Sports Leadership qualification.

Annette has consistently been a strong voice advocating for girls as well as fostering the sisterhood of female Housemistresses. However, Chandos is where Annette’s loss will be felt the most by the girls and by her dedicated and committed team.

With Kerry and the Samuels by her side since day one, Annette’s first challenge when she was appointed was to establish a strong identity for Chandos and incorporate the former Westal cottages into the House. The values and ethos of Chandos have been crafted by this wonderful woman and some have now become non-negotiable traditions: the Ibiza weekend, the hot tubs and the Prosecco and Pizza Nights. Behind all this fun, however, lies a true professional. A caring colleague, who deeply cares about those working close to her. Her pastoral care is second to none and has taught so much to many of us.

Family comes first but as OC Tuesday Roberts (Ch, 2020) says: ‘Turning a House of 80+ girls into one massive family is a mighty hard thing to do’ and it is the success of this that defines what a magnificent woman she is.

We all know that Annette is going to go on and do fabulous things but how sad that she is waving goodbye to Chandos and to all of us. We wish Annette and Mark, Josh, Lili and Evie the best in their new adventures and hope that it won’t be long until we hear from them.

Ester Leach