Michaelmas 2026
We are delighted to share with you our Michaelmas 2026 edition of the RMS Alumnae Newsletter. I hope that you are well and I trust that you will enjoy catching up with a small sample of stories from recent months at RMS and within our alum community. From recent alumnae such as Lucy, Cosima, Reya and Evie to record breaker Megan, and Stacey, a most deserving recipient of the King's Gallantry Medal, RMS alumnae are incredible people who do wonderful things across a broad range of fields. We love hearing from RMS alumnae, our pupils love hearing about your work whether in print or in person. Do please keep getting in touch with the team at RMS so we can celebrate your success and perhaps find a convenient time for you to come in to speak with our pupils too! With all best wishes,
Mr Kevin Carson
Headteacher, RMS for Girls
What’s inside? Alumnae Stories School News Upcoming Events Support RMS
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Alumnae Stories 5,240 miles. 200 marathons. 8 million steps. £57,000 raised to help others find their lifeline. History = Made Huge congratulations to RMS Alumna Megan Boxall, officially the fastest woman to run the entire coastline of Great Britain! Completing the challenge in a mind-blowing 204 days, Megan shaved 97 days off the previous world record. While the record is historic, Megan’s “why” has always been about more than just the miles. Megan shared how the challenge was a way to celebrate her resilience following her diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and a period of mental health crisis. Her mission was to give back to Samaritans, the charity she describes as a “lifeline” during her darkest moments. By sharing her story on social media and national television, she has sparked vital conversations about mental health and proved that a diagnosis does not define your limits. Megan, you are the definition of “limitless.” We are so incredibly proud to call you one of our own! Megan crosses the finish line as a record-breaker.
Well done to former RMS student Reya Farlam, who was selected for the Senior British Fencing squad. Reya headed to Hong Kong this July to represent Great Britain in the Women’s Épée at the FIE World Fencing Championships. Since leaving RMS, Reya has had a phenomenal first year studying and fencing at Lawrence University in the US. Her Fencing coach praised her incredible work ethic and dedication, traits we remember well from her time with us. Wishing you the very best of luck, Reya. You are a true inspiration to our current pupils. Reya has been selected to represent Great Britain.
Evie Ingles is a Composer and Musician (and an RMS Head Pupil Alumna!) working on a Masters in Music at Birmingham Conservatoire. She recently led a discussion with our GCSE and A-Level Music students on Music Career Paths, looking at different opportunities and career prospects, and talking about her own experiences at Cardiff and Birmingham. Hearing about these recent, firsthand experiences is invaluable to our RMS pupils. A huge thank you to Evie for coming back to pass on her knowledge. Evie with GCSE and A-Level RMS Pupils.
Read more news: rmsforgirls.com/news Congratulations to recent leaver Lucy Woods, who has begun her training in the British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy. Out of 18,500 applicants, Lucy was one of just 164 successful cadets. “Hearing that only 5% of pilots worldwide are women was shocking, but thanks to RMS, this didn’t put me off as I was always encouraged to follow my dreams.” Good luck, Lucy! Lucy has started studying with British Airways.
Now at UCL and serving as Director of Strategy & Public Affairs at FlippGen, Cosima Wiltshere is ensuring young people have a seat at the decision making table. She has advised the PM, the House of Lords, and UNICEF on AI regulation and youth digital safety. Earlier this term, she presented a major youth-led policy paper directly to Parliament. She says: “My own organisation puts young people on those parliamentary roundtables... letting them directly shape government and corporate policy decisions.” Cosima is striving for change within youth digital safety.
In a recent BBC feature on the rise of digital retail and live shopping, Alumna Daisy Kelly shared the incredible journey behind her beauty brand, Glow For It. What started as a personal quest to solve a problem from her kitchen table has grown into an industry-leading brand that generated £100,000 in sales in a single 12-hour livestream. Seeing our former students lead the way in innovation, adaptability, and modern entrepreneurship is deeply inspiring for the entire RMS for Girls community. Daisy with Mrs Clare Freeman during a recent visit to RMS.
RMS alumna and paramedic Stacey Farrington (née Hughes, class of 2010) demonstrated extraordinary courage when she and her crewmate used their ambulance to block an intoxicated wrong-way driver on the M6, protecting surrounding motorists including a young family. Despite a head-on collision at motorway speeds, Stacey escaped with minor injuries and immediately treated the driver. She was recently presented the King’s Gallantry Medal by His Majesty the King—an honour received by fewer than 30 women since 1974. Stacey shares her story to pass on an empowering message to her daughters and our school community: "Girls can do anything".
Stacey meeting His Majesty the King.
'Stirred By The Sun' - Exploring the Vibrant Co-Curricular Life at In the third episode of the RMS school podcast, Stirred by the Sun, Headteacher Mr. Carson sat down with Head Pupils Becca and Aroush, along with a passionate group of students, to explore the school’s vibrant co-curricular life. Offering over 130 clubs each term, RMS provides an expansive range of activities, from space research and tech leadership to ancient history, drama, and national sports competition. A core theme of the discussion was student leadership and legacy. Many clubs, such as the RMSTEM Magazine and Digital Leaders, are actively run by pupils themselves. Year 13 students Amy and Amanda shared their experience co-leading Digital Leaders since Year 9, emphasising how rewarding it is to help younger students build confidence. Older pupils act as dedicated mentors, handing down leadership roles to ensure long-term continuity within the school community. The co-curricular programme also serves as a safe environment for personal growth and inclusion. For example, the Drama department ensures lead opportunities are broadly distributed, while sports teams cater to both elite athletes and recreational participants. These shared spaces empower students to step out of their comfort zones and develop essential life skills outside the formal classroom setting. When asked how they would spend an unlimited budget, students shared ambitious dreams, including procuring an electron microscope or CERN trip for STEM, a revolving stage for Drama, a wooden Trojan horse for Classics, and a trip to Silicon Valley for Digital Leaders. Headteacher Mr Carson concluded the episode with a quote from a former RMS parent: "It’s all there for you at RMS… you’ve just got to lean into it." Students are continuously encouraged to embrace existing opportunities or even launch their own clubs. The full conversation is available for everyone to listen to on Spotify via the link below. Read more news: rmsforgirls.com/podcast
Listen via Pupils enjoying the podcast recording.
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School News With the new 2026 Supergirl movie out earlier this year, we’re throwing it back to 1984. The original film was shot right here on our grounds, transforming our campus into 'Midvale Girls' School.' See if you can spot our science block, dormitories, and playing fields in these movie screengrabs...
Sixth Form Art and DT students recently climbed the scaffolding to tour the restoration of the RMS Chapel. They got a rare behind-the-scenes look at the incredible collaboration required for a project of this scale, meeting: - Conservation Architects preserving the listed heritage. - Quantity Surveyors & Contract Administrators managing costs and operations. - M&E Engineers hiding modern fire alarms and lighting so “nothing is seen, but everything works.” - Bakers of Danbury, the specialist construction firm famous for working on sites like Westminster Abbey.
Pupils touching the roof of the RMS Chapel.
Everyone was in awe of the a once-in-a-lifetime view, seeing the original 1930s architectural drafts, touching the dome ceiling, and seeing the intricate hand-carved details up close. For our hopeful future architects and surveyors, this was an invaluable, real-world look into the heritage conservation and construction industries. What an incredible way to inspire the next generation of architectural talent. We also saw a welcome return of the School clock tower bell last term, which has been restored to its former self.
Read more news: rmsforgirls.com/news
The School Clock Tower has been restored.
A-Level Results 2026 RMS for Girls is celebrating an extraordinary set of A-Level results for the Class of 2026. Demonstrating academic excellence, 20% of all grades were awarded the top A* mark - more than double the national average - with over 50% achieving A*–A and 80% securing A*–B. Over a third of students earned at least one A* grade. Subject highlights include 100% A* in Textiles, 100% A*–A in Art and French, and strong performance in Social Sciences, where nearly two-thirds of Psychology pupils and 60% of Sociology pupils achieved A*–A grades. These results paved the way for diverse future pathways, with over 70% of students securing their first-choice placement. RMS leavers are heading to over 35 top UK and international institutions including Oxbridge, Bristol, Exeter, Edinburgh, UAL, and Norland College - to study subjects ranging from Medicine, Law, and AI to Architecture and Veterinary Science. Wishing the Class of 2026 every success in their next steps beyond RMS.
GCSE Results 2026 Pupils at RMS for Girls are celebrating outstanding GCSE results, reflecting their remarkable hard work, ambition, and the dedicated support of their teachers. The 2026 outcomes highlight impressive academic excellence across a diverse range of subjects, spanning sciences, mathematics, humanities, languages, and the creative arts. A high proportion of all grades achieved were at top levels 9 to 7, demonstrating the school's commitment to encouraging intellectual curiosity and individual success. Headteacher Kevin Carson warmly commended the year group for their perseverance, collaborative spirit, and personal growth throughout their secondary education. He noted that these fantastic achievements provide a strong foundation as pupils transition into the Sixth Form to begin their A-Level studies. Alongside top academic performance, the school community takes great pride in the students' confidence, creativity, and contributions to broader school life.
School News RMS students achieved fantastic success at the Wings of Hope Achievement Award (WOHAA) Grand Finals at London Business School, with all three school teams receiving awards. Team Wishes Come True won Excellence in Sports, Kindness Krew earned Best Presentation, and Sardines of the Future finished as Runners-Up for Excellence in Sports. Their hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to making a positive impact reflect the very best of our RMS community.
RMS Students with their award at the WOHAA Finals.
Year 12 student Suki is making a powerful impact as a neurodiversity advocate, turning her lived experiences into a mission for inclusion. She published the book 'Space Travels with Luna' on Amazon to help children understand autistic classmates, joined the Autistic Girls Network Youth Board, and was invited to present to ITV. Suki also completed a 100k walk with her dog, Charlie, raising vital funds for Pets as Therapy. Her inspiring leadership is making a tangible difference.
Suki with her new book 'Space Travels With Luna.'
Year 11 student Mia capped off an impressive swimming season by winning a national bronze medal at the Swim England National Meet. After recovering from an earlier injury, Mia placed third in the 200m Breaststroke Final with a personal best time of 2:43.92, following a strong performance reaching three finals at the British Nationals the week before. Special thanks go to her coach and Harrow Swimming for their support in achieving this incredible national milestone.
Mia with her medal and coach from Harrow Swimming.
RMS boarders wrapped up the year with unforgettable weekend adventures in their "home away from home." End-of-term highlights included 'Garthella', the annual summer festival with inflatables, food, and games on the Garth, a sunny trip to Brighton, and an open-air cinema night in the garden. A huge thank you to all the boarding staff and pupils whose energy and community spirit made this another wonderful year together!
RMS boarding students enjoying Garthella 2026.
Read more news: rmsforgirls.com/news Over the past year, the RMS community raised over £7,000 for local charity Playskill through bake sales, challenges, and various fundraising events. This donation will directly support local children with physical disabilities and developmental delays, helping them access essential support. A huge thank you goes to all the students, parents, and staff members whose collective efforts made this incredible achievement possible. Handing over our fundraising cheque to PlaySkill.
Year 7 students recently took part in an energetic fencing masterclass taster session delivered by coaches from Fencing Club London during PE. Pupils learned the basics of footwork, perfected their lunges, and tested their reflexes in fast-paced matches. The engaging session provided a fantastic introduction to the sport, inspiring plenty of enthusiasm and successfully uncovering some potential future fencing champions.
A Year 7 pupil taking her position during the workshop.
Year 10 pupil Niobe was called up to represent Wales in their U16 Football squad for a recent tournament. Playing as a goalkeeper for Watford FC JPL Women, Niobe delivered an impressive performance on the international stage. The entire RMS community is immensely proud of her fantastic athletic achievement.
Year 10 pupil, Niobe, in action for Wales.
Year 10 pupils recently enjoyed an educational history trip to Berlin, where they explored significant cultural and historical landmarks. Their itinerary included a walking tour featuring the Brandenburg Gate and TV Tower, visits to Holocaust memorials such as the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, and iconic Cold War sites like Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall. The students also experienced the Berlin Underworld Tour and Spy Museum, bringing their history studies to life. Year 10 pupils enjoying their enlightening trip to Berlin.
RMS pupil Cordelia delivered an outstanding performance at the East England Regional Open Water Championships in Norwich. Competing in both the 3K and 5K events on the same day, she achieved personal bests in both races. Cordelia earned multiple Gold and Bronze medals at County and Regional levels, including Gold in her age group for the 5K Regional. Her exceptional success drew praise from the Chair of Hertfordshire Swimming, who commended Cordelia for making the county proud.
Cordelia and her medal.
Year 6 celebrated their final day at Cadogan House in memorable style as they prepared to move up to Senior School. The day began with an emotional assembly alongside parents, followed by making friendship bracelets, signing yearbooks, and enjoying a fun fairground with games and bubbles. We thank our Year 6 leavers for being such bright, inspiring leaders at Cadogan House and wish them the very best as they begin their Senior School journey. Year 6 pupils enjoying their last day in Cadogan House.
RMS for Girls has earned a commendation in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards for Independent Girls’ School of the Year. This honor recognizes the dedication of our staff and pupils from Early Years through Sixth Form, highlighting our commitment to nurturing core values, building confidence, and preparing students for the future. We remain immensely proud to be recognised among such outstanding institutions. Commended for Independent School of the Year!
The student-led RMSTEM team has officially released the 5th edition of their magazine for the Hilary Term. This summer issue features insightful, student-written articles covering advanced medical science and biology, artificial intelligence, environmental conservation, and cutting-edge engineering. The publication highlights our students' exceptional initiative, academic curiosity, and dedication as they continue to explore the future of STEM. Read here: https://bit.ly/rmstemepisode5 The latest RMSTEM Magazine is out now.
Read more news: rmsforgirls.com/news Last term, year 7 to 9 pupils delivered a fantastic production of High School Musical Junior, performing to four sold-out audiences. The entire cast and crew showcased exceptional talent, energy, and dedication throughout the run, making the show a resounding success. Congratulations to everyone involved on an incredible production!
RMS is proud to announce the new Pupil Leadership Team for 2026–27, led by Saarala and Alessia. The team includes seven Deputy Heads, each supported by prefects, who will work together to give back to the school and bring fresh ideas to student life. We look forward to seeing the positive impact and fresh perspectives they will bring to the RMS community.
Our Nursery and Pre School, Ruspini House, is delighted to welcome Jumbo the tortoise as a new weekly boarder. Jumbo now spends Monday through Friday on site, where pupils in Bluebells and Blossoms will learn about caring for him and observing his routines. This hands-on experience offers students a wonderful opportunity to develop responsibility while learning to slow down and enjoy the journey. Jumbo will spend time with our youngest learners.
Nursery and Reception pupils at Ruspini and Cadogan House enjoyed a special visit from Edge Farm. Our youngest learners spent a wonderful morning meeting, feeding, and interacting with an array of fluffy and feathered animal friends. The hands-on experience provided a delightful, interactive opportunity for the pupils to learn about animal care and connect with nature.
Nursery pupils meeting farm animals during the visit.
Year 6 pupils kicked off the summer term with a memorable residential trip to Cornwall. The pupils enjoyed a rich variety of activities, from creating beach art and tackling an inflatable water park to exploring greenhouse gardens and playing table football. The trip provided a wonderful opportunity for the pupils to challenge themselves, build independence, and strengthen friendships through outdoor adventure. Year 6 pupils enjoying the beach on the trip.
Cadogan House pupils recently enjoyed a fun, hands-on baking session in partnership with Leiths Partner Schools Kid’s Kitchen. The children had a wonderful time learning fundamental culinary skills while whipping up simple, three-ingredient biscuits. The interactive workshop offered a fantastic way for students to build confidence in the kitchen, develop practical skills, and enjoy baking together.
Pupils in Cadogan having fun baking together.
Read more news: rmsforgirls.com/news In July, Year 7 and 8 pupils enjoyed an action-packed residential trip to Club Corrèze in France. The adventure was filled with activities on land and water, including canoeing down the Dordogne River, high ropes, rock climbing, mountain biking, and target sports. Throughout the week, the students showed brilliant resilience, growing in confidence and independence as they tackled new challenges together and made unforgettable memories. Pupils getting to grips with one of the fun activities.
To celebrate Sir David Attenborough’s birthday, the RMS Eco Committee sent him a handmade card expressing gratitude for his lifetime of environmental advocacy. The school was deeply honored to receive a reply from his family, recognising the students’ dedication. Having our pupils’ passion for planet conservation acknowledged by those closest to Sir David was an unforgettable moment that continues to inspire the entire RMS community. Our pupils' letter to Sir David Attenborough.
The Class of 2026 gathered last term for a memorable Leavers’ Dinner to mark the end of their RMS journey. The emotional evening featured heartfelt speeches from Head Pupils, yearbook signing, and shared reflections on their time at RMS. As our Year 13 students look ahead to their futures, the entire RMS community celebrates the incredible legacy they leave behind and wishes them every success in their next chapter. Year 13's gather for a group photo at their leavers' dinner.
There was a buzz of excitement across the RMS grounds recently as pupils and staff suited up to visit the school’s beehives. During the hands-on visit, participants got a close-up look at the hives and enjoyed mixing with our smallest boarders! This sweet experience offered a wonderful opportunity for our pupils to connect with nature and learn more about local biodiversity firsthand.
Pupils helping maintain the bee hive during their visit.
Cumberland House took home the overall Sports Day trophy this year, bringing the term to an exhilarating close. Students demonstrated outstanding team spirit and determination across all track and field events, making the entire school community proud. The high-energy competition was made even more memorable by a remarkable five school records being broken during the events!
The RMS community came together for a memorable Celebration Day 2026, honoring the ambition, creativity, and dedication of its pupils. The day featured a Year 7–9 Prize Giving Ceremony in the Great Hall alongside an engaging Student Showcase. Parents and visitors actively participated in the festivities, taking part in Food & Nutrition showcase lessons, friendly matches in the Sports Centre, and historical tours of the RMS Air Raid Shelters.
Obituaries Stella Lesley Matsubara (née Pearson) (Atholl 1965) I am sad to share that my mother, Stella, passed away on 9th April this year at the age of 78. Stella joined the prep school in Weybridge in September 1957 at nine years old, eventually moving to Rickmansworth in September 1958. She always spoke fondly of her school days and adapted well to the regime of boarding life. Although she never spoke positively about her time on the hockey field, discovering, thanks to the school Archivist, that she was actually Captain of the 1st XI was a wonderful surprise! Mum proudly shared her treasured Ashlar with her name beautifully engraved on the underside, and reminisced about Drill and the lake (which I now realise is more of a large pond!). The school clearly had a profound impact on her strong work ethic, general approach to life and moral code; attitudes and values she went on to instil in me, my older brother, and my younger sister. Though hard to imagine that mum’s dress flair stemmed from her years wearing the Royal Masonic tunics, she had a real flair for fashion and interior design. Whilst she initially took a role in Accountancy as a school leaver, she went on to spend the majority of her working life in retail of which the greatest part was in ladies fashion. My mother was an accomplished salesperson with a flamboyant and generous character. Those who remember Stella will no doubt picture a girl with a mass of curls. While I am not sure if her remarkably loud laugh developed during her school years, it was a defining trait throughout her adult life. At her funeral in May, friends and former colleagues repeatedly shared how Stella lit up every room she entered, and how much they will miss her laugh. She is survived by her husband, Stephen, their three children, seven grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. Emma Taker (née Matsubara)
Stella (center) during a recent visit back to RMS.
Upcoming Events Community Drill 2026 When: Tuesday, 13th October, 2026 Where: RMS for Girls You are warmly invited to attend this year’s Community Drill Performance on Tuesday, 13th October, at 7:00pm in The Great Hall. Refreshments will be served at the Center Doors from 6:30pm.
To book your place, visit us online at rmsforgirls.com/rms-alumnae/events BOOK YOUR PLACE - Remembrance Sunday 2026 When: Sunday 8th November 2026 Where: RMS for Girls We would love to invite you to this year's Remembrance Sunday service, to be held in The Great Hall at RMS on Sunday, 8th November 2026. After the service, there will be an opportunity to enjoy refreshments on The Dining Hall, followed by a performance of Drill. Alumnae also have the chance to book onto lunch following Drill, and enjoy tours of the School as it is today. To attend the service and the performance of Drill is free of charge, but to stay for lunch and tours of the school will cost £25 per person.
To book your place, visit us online at rmsforgirls.com/rms-alumnae/events
Reunions OMGA and OMA reunion, Melbourne 2026 by Nikki Cranston (OMGA) Our small Melburnian OMGA and OMA group met for lunch on 1st May 2026, each of us amazed at how quickly this date had arrived! Mostly, our collective health was reported as good, despite our group’s increasing age. David (OMA) was in fine health; however, his wife Gael had endured a bad fall resulting in a severe injury to her right wrist. Typically for Gael, she had learned to manage very well with her daily activities, using her left hand. Some of the group had been travelling, both within Australia and overseas, since our last reunion except for Wendy (OMGA) and myself. However, our turn will be this year, as both are travelling ‘home’ to the UK, during the summer period but in different months. Sally (OMGA) and her husband David are always busy, travelling or occupied with their individual interests. David takes an interest in portraiture and is doing well - also, a prolific poet, while Sally is always busy in her garden. Both are happily involved with their (growing up fast) family. David (OMA) and Gael enjoy their lives in South Melbourne and, when not travelling, visit cinemas and theatres and all the delights of the city. Wendy is not fully retired from her nursing career and is still occupied for most of her time but likes to go 'home' to visit her UK family, whenever she can. My time is taken up with singing in three choirs, my family, my garden and blind and deaf Bertie, who is my hopelessly unintelligent but loving little rescue dog! We have arranged another get together on Friday, 6th November, at 12:30pm. We will be meeting at the usual place: The Rising Sun Hotel 2 Raglan Street South Melbourne 3205 Do get in touch with development@rmsforgirls.com if you would like to attend.
From left to right: David Robinson (OMA), Nikki Cranston (OMGA), Sally Wrenn (OMGA), Wendy Chorley (OMGA), Gael Robinson, David Wrenn.
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Support RMS At its inception and throughout its history, RMS has been built on charitable giving. Today, a community of generous benefactors support the school and enable us to progress with developments around the school and offer a vibrant, creative environment where every girl can fulfil her potential. Thanks to the generosity of RMS parents, past parents, alumnae and staff, the school has been able to complete a number of major development projects. There are many ways in which you can support RMS and make a real difference to our school.
We are committed to developing and maintaining world class facilities for our girls. Gifts supporting capital projects at RMS are the catalyst for our ambition.
For more information about how you can support RMS please visit: rmsforgirls.com/support-us
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Join us in building an enduring legacy that echoes our founder’s vision. Every gift, whatever its magnitude, will have a tangible, life-changing impact.
Our aim is to ensure that an RMS education is available to all. Leaving a gift to our Bursary Fund in your will can help us achieve this vision and change the life of the most deserving and talented girls.
There are few greater privileges than seeing our girls become outstanding young women. When they leave us, we ask their families to consider donating their deposits to the Leavers’ Fund, which supports bursaries and scholarships for talented girls.
We are hugely grateful to every alumna, parent and friend of the school who offers their time to talk to pupils about their career or university, whether on site at RMS, or at their place of work. Sharing your experience gives our girls invaluable insights which help to inform their own career choices.
We’d love to hear from you!
development@rmsforgirls.com
01923 725767
RMS pupils enjoying the sun during break time, Summer 2026.
RMS for Girls, Rickmansworth Park, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, WD3 4HF +44(0) 1923 725767 development@rmsforgirls.com rmsforgirls.com