We are delighted to share with you our Spring 2026 edition of the RMS Alumnae Newsletter.
As the magnolia begins to blossom across the School site, we reflect on a term filled with ambition and achievement. In this issue, we are honored to celebrate the official opening of our new kitchens by Dame Prue Leith, whose visit inspired students to view culinary arts as both a vital life skill and a rewarding career.
We also highlight the diverse paths of our alumnae, from Ruby Williams’ success in digital design to Sophie’s leadership in professional golf and Anoushka Harris’s recognition in sustainability.
We remain immensely grateful for your continued support.
We hope you enjoy catching up with the latest news from your RMS community.
Mr Kevin Carson Headteacher, RMS for Girls
Alumnae Stories
After graduating from RMS in 2022, alumna Ruby Williams has forged an impressive career path through a Degree Apprenticeship in Digital Design with Savills.
By balancing professional work with academic study, Ruby earned a first-class honors degree while gaining three years of invaluable industry experience, a journey that culminated in her winning the "Rising Star Award" at the Savills 2024 Apprentice Awards.
Recently returning to school to inspire current Sixth Formers, she shared that the traditional university route is not the only path to success, emphasizing that students should prioritize their own strengths and passions over societal expectations. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that finding the "right" career journey is a personal process, encouraging others to explore diverse opportunities like apprenticeships with confidence and ambition.
Read more news: rmsforgirls.com/news
Sophie (Class of 2017), an alumna of RMS for Girls, was recently honored as the 2025 Assistant Golf Professional of the Year by the Gateway PGA.
After moving to the United States on a sports scholarship, Sophie successfully balanced high-level athletics with academics, earning both a bachelor's degree and an MBA in finance. Currently building a distinguished career at the prestigious Bellerive Country Club, she has become a leader in the professional golf industry and a dedicated mentor through programs like PGA HOPE, which supports veterans.
Her journey from RMS to overseas professional success highlights the value of independence and resilience, serving as an inspiration for students to pursue unconventional career paths and excel in male-dominated fields.
Read more news: rmsforgirls.com/news
Alumna Emily Boxall recently shared her fintech app, 2mins, with Sixth Form students to boost their financial literacy.
Created through her start-up MicroFact, the app uses bite-sized games to teach Gen Z about taxes, credit, and investing.
By gamifying essential "adulting" skills, Emily is empowering students to navigate their financial futures with confidence.
Read more news: rmsforgirls.com/news
Ruby during her visit to RMS in February 2026.
Sophie (Class of 2017).
Emily with RMS Sixth Form students during her visit.
Alumna Anoushka Harris has been selected for edie’s prestigious 30 Under 30 class of 2025, a recognition that celebrates the next generation of sustainability leaders.
As Sustainability Manager for ABF’s Grocery Group, Anoushka leads complex environmental initiatives, including the Jordans Farm Partnership, and helps multiple brands integrate ESG principles into their core strategies and global supply chains.
Reflecting on her journey, she attributes her success to the curiosity and critical thinking she developed at school, particularly during her Geography A-Level studies. Now at the forefront of corporate sustainability, Anoushka continues to drive meaningful progress by bridging high-level environmental ambitions with practical, impactful business delivery.
Read more news: rmsforgirls.com/news
Three talented alumnae - Tilly O’Shea, Helena Burns, and Rosie Booth - have been named runners-up in the prestigious 2025 Specialist Crafts Catalogue Competition.
Their exceptional artwork, ranging from textiles to fine art, was selected for inclusion in the company’s 2025 catalogue and online showcase, which reaches thousands of art educators nationwide. All three artists have moved on to prestigious creative paths at institutions such as Central Saint Martins and The Courtauld Institute, demonstrating the continued success and artistic dedication fostered during their time at school.
Read more news: rmsforgirls.com/news
Anoushka named in edie's 30 under 20 in 2025.
Artwork by Tilly (above), Helena (below) and Rosie (left).
The school's podcast, Stirred By The Sun, has returned for a new series with new hosts and a focus on the growing trend of students seeking global educational opportunities.
In the first episode, Head Pupils Aroush and Becca, alongside Headteacher Mr. Carson, are joined by Head of Careers Miss Pickford to explore the increasing interest in overseas universities. This shift is largely driven by a globalised job market and a desire among students to broaden their horizons beyond the traditional UK higher education path.
A central theme of the discussion is the significant contrast between the UK’s UCAS system and the application processes for international institutions, particularly in the United States. While the UK process is often more streamlined, US applications are described as much more complex and lengthy, focusing on the "whole person" rather than just academic results.
The episode features insights from Year 13 student Eva, who is applying for Chemistry in both the UK and US, and alumna Aneka, a Division 1 tennis athlete now studying Marketing in the States. Both highlight how the US system values personal stories, family background, and extracurricular achievements alongside academic performance.
The episode concludes with essential advice for students and parents considering international routes: start the research process early. Miss Pickford emphasizes that early preparation in Year 10 and 11 is crucial to avoid "playing catch-up" in Year 12, as every country and institution may have unique requirements.
By utilising the resources provided by the Futures' department and building a diverse personal profile, students can navigate these rewarding yet demanding pathways with confidence.
The full conversation is available for everyone to listen to on Spotify via the link below.
Read more news: rmsforgirls.com/podcast
Alumna Aneka is thriving in the States.
Mr Carson and Head Pupils recording our podcast.
Christmas at RMS
Looking back at the festive season at RMS, it was a truly magical end to the year. There was a real shared sense of community and a spectacular showcase of talent.
From the serene, candlelit atmosphere of Nine Lessons and Carols to the phenomenal performances at our Senior School Winter Concert, our musicians brilliantly demonstrated their range and skill.
Our younger pupils also shone, with Ruspini House charming us during their Winter Performance, while Cadogan House brought boundless energy to their "Twinkly Nativity" and Christmas Cracker Fair, complete with a special appearance from Santa himself! Topped off by a picturesque dusting of real snow across the grounds, it was a wonderful time that celebrated the creativity and hard work of our entire community.
Read more news: rmsforgirls.com/news
The community gathered for our Nine Lessons and Carols Service in December.
An energetic Cadogan Nativity (above) and a stunning Winter concert (below).
The Ruspini Winter Performance (above) and a special visit from the man himself to Cadogan (below).
Dame Prue Leith Opens New RMS Kitchens
RMS recently celebrated a significant culinary milestone with the official opening of its state-of-theart kitchen facilities by the renowned restaurateur and Great British Bake Off judge, Dame Prue Leith.
The event marked a transformative step in the school’s commitment to vocational education and life skills, highlighting the importance of food technology and nutrition in a modern curriculum.
During her visit, Dame Prue engaged with students across various year groups, offering insights from her illustrious career and emphasizing that cooking is both a vital life skill and a rewarding creative outlet. She officially inaugurated the new space, which features professional-grade equipment designed to provide students with a high-level environment for culinary exploration.
The facility aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional hospitality standards, encouraging pupils to experiment with gloal cuisines and sustainable cooking practices.
The school’s leadership expressed immense pride in the project, noting that the new kitchen is not just about preparing meals but about encouraging confidence, teamwork, and health awareness.
Dame Prue’s presence served as a powerful inspiration for the students, many of whom are pursuing food-related qualifications. By investing in these top-tier facilities, RMS reinforces its dedication to a holistic education that prepares young women for the complexities of adult life.
The day concluded with a showcase of student-led culinary creations, leaving the school community energised and ready to utilise the new space to its fullest potential. Read more news: rmsforgirls.com/news
Prue met pupils as she toured the new kitchens.
The official openning of the Kitchens.
Prue filmed a unique TikTok with our Sixth Form prefects. We presented Prue with some special RMs goodies.
Prize Day 2025
We hosted its annual Prize Day back in October, a cornerstone event celebrating the remarkable academic and personal accomplishments of students in Years 11 through 13.
This prestigious ceremony serves to honor the hard work and resilience displayed by the cohort throughout the previous academic year. Distinguished guests, families, and staff gathered to witness the presentation of awards, which recognised excellence across various disciplines and contributions to the school community.
Beyond academic merit, the event highlighted the diverse paths students are carving out, from competitive apprenticeships to top-tier university placements. This celebration reinforced the school’s core mission: ensuring every pupil is empowered to thrive and is thoroughly prepared to shape their own unique and successful future.
Read more news: rmsforgirls.com/news
Our guest speaker Chloe Combi (top right) inspired our students to embrace their future with confidence rather than fear.
Remembrance Sunday 2025
Our Remembrance Sunday service took place in November 2025, bringing together pupils, staff, alumnae, and the wider community to honor those lost in conflict.
The service, once again back in the Great Hall, featured poignant readings from Scripture and literature, including Rudyard Kipling’s "If," alongside moving musical performances such as "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables."
The congregation later moved to the Dining Hall Quad for a traditional ceremony of remembrance, including the Last Post, a two-minute silence, and the laying of wreaths by groups such as the Army Cadets and Guides. A unique highlight of the day was a special Drill performance involving current pupils, staff, and alumnae - both stepping in last minute!
Read more news: rmsforgirls.com/news
Laying of wreaths (topl eft). A moment of silence (top right). The Last Post (bottom left). Drill (bottom right).
School News
After a hiatus, we are thrilled to announce the return of our much loved school magazine, Machio, brought back to life by our very own students.
From stunning artwork and global trips to triumphs in ESTEAM and sport, this edition is a celebration of everything that makes our community so special.
Click or follow the link below to read the digital edition.
Read Machio online: bit.ly/machio2026
We are proud to announce that RMS has fully met all required standards following our recent ISI inspection.
• Leadership, Management & Governance
• Quality of Education, Training & Recreation
• Pupils’ Physical & Mental Health & Wellbeing
• Pupils’ Social & Economic Education & Contribution
• Safeguarding
This is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the brilliance of our pupils, and the strength of our entire school community. We remain committed to excellence in every aspect of our pipils’ journey.
Read the report online: bit.ly/isisummaryreport2026
This year's Celebration of Sport event was a marvellous evening to send us off into the Easter Holidays.
Guest speaker and Team England Powerlifter, Jessica Gordon Brown, inspired our young athletes to dream big and embrace their sporting journey. Jessica has shown time and time again how to overcome the many challenges life throws at you.
Congratulations to all our award winners, and thank you to the PE department for an amazing evening.
Read more news: rmsforgirls.com/news
Two members of the RMS community, current Sixth Former Katie and Class of 2024 alumna Issie, have been selected to represent Great Britain at the 2026 Cadet and Junior Fencing World Championships in Rio de Janeiro.
Competing in the Women’s Foil categories, the pair are among the top-ranked fencers in the country, with Katie currently holding the UK’s #1 Cadet spot.
Both athletes credit the elite Fencers Club London facility located on the RMS campus for helping them balance rigorous training with academic success.
While Issie now studies at Loughborough University and Katie pursues her A-levels, they continue to support one another on the international stage, embodying the school’s spirit of ambition and excellence as they face the world's best.
We wish Issie and Katie the very best of luck in Rio. Look out for updates on their progress online via our website and social media.
Read more news: rmsforgirls.com/news
Issie in action at the 2026 Worlds (top) and Katie in action at the Euros (bottom).
Our sports personlaity of the year award winner (left) and Jessica Gordon Brown inspiring our guests (right).
Fehinti Balogun, the BAFTA nominated actor known for his roles in Dune and AppleTV's Down Cemetary Road, visited RMS in March to share his unique journey from acting to environmental activism.
During an inspiring afternoon, Balogun moved beyond discussing his success to lead thought-provoking workshops on the climate crisis.
He encouraged pupils to use their creative voices as tools for social change, demonstrating how art and storytelling can effectively communicate urgent global issues.
By blending personal anecdotes from film sets with his passionate advocacy for the planet, Balogun inspired the pupils to pursue their professional ambitions without losing sight of their social responsibilities.
The visit highlighted the power of youth activism and the importance of using your platform for the greater good.
Read more news: rmsforgirls.com/news
Fehinti running a workshop with our pupils.
Cadogan House pupils recently captivated audiences with a magical production of Peter Pan Jr.
The performance featured the Darling children, energetic Lost Boys, and a dramatic Captain Hook, all brought to life with help from "pixie dust" and enthusiastic stagecraft.
Supported by expert direction from The Arts Place London, the young cast were brilliant. Staff and parents expressed immense pride in the pupils' dedication during rehearsals, which resulted in a wonderful set of shows. The event perfectly showcased the school's commitment to encouraging creativity and confidence through the performing arts.
Read more news: rmsforgirls.com/news
Cadogan pupils shone during their performances of Peter Pan Jr.
Pupils from Year 5 up to Sixth Form took to the stage in February for this year’s Pop, Rock and Jazz Concert at RMS.
The show featured everything from full-throttle rock bands to polished solo performances. Check out the gallery below to see the highlights from our Cadogan House and Senior School performers
Read more news: rmsforgirls.com/news
The RMS Community gathered together for this year's Spring Concert in March and enjoyed a wonderful night of live music.
From Classical to Jazz, Pop to TV Theme Tunes - it was a showcase of the incredible talent in our school.
Read more news: rmsforgirls.com/news
RMSTEM is a student-led magazine project that presents cutting-edge insights on AI, medical breakthroughs, and conservation.
It’s an inspiring magazine featuring young women tackling today’s biggest scientific challenges and leading the charge into the future.
Read the latest Edition by clikcing or following the link below.
Read RMSTEM online: bit.ly/rmstem4
On a cold November Sunday, Sixth Form students from RMS and Merchant Taylors' School demonstrated incredible grit by completing a 26-mile charity walk.
Starting at the Rickmansworth Aquadrome and finishing in central London, the team successfully completed the challenge in just under 10 hours.
The event raised vital funds for PHAB, a charity supporting young people with disabilities. Despite the physical toll, students maintained upbeat spirits through games and conversation. This impressive display of mental fortitude is part of the school's long-standing commitment to PHAB, which includes volunteering at their annual Easter camp to provide life-changing opportunities for disabled children.
Read more news: rmsforgirls.com/news
The Sixth Form students at RMS have been building on growing relationships with other local schools.
As well as joining students from Merchant Taylors' School in fundraising initiatives, we enjoyed welcoming them to our annual Sixht Form Winter Ball back in February.
The evening consisted of time to socialise over welcome drinks, a sit down dinner, and a disco held in our perofmring arts venue The Space.
We look forward to seeing what the next term holds as we work towards strong and positive connections between, not only MT's, but Sixth Form students throughout the area.
Read more news: rmsforgirls.com/news
RMS students and Merhant Taylors' boys together.
Students enjoying this year's Sixth Form Winter Ball.
Mr Martin's Colour Run
Benjamin Martin, 1972 - 2025
The RMS community lost a much-loved teacher, colleague, and friend in September last year, as we learned of the passing of Benjamin Martin - Mr Martin to many of our pupils - after a period of illness
After much planning, we held a unique Colour Run in his memory at the end of Hilary Term, inviting pupils from Ruspini all the way through to Sixth Form to take part. It was an afternoon of both reflection - remembering Benand joy, as we chose to celebrate him and his life in this vibrant way.
Obituaries
Valerie Potter (Neé Cranswick), 1933 - 2025
Valerie was born in Dovercourt, Essex, on June 24, 1933. Her childhood was one of happy village life and seaside summers, but it was also forged by early loss. By age 12, Valerie had lost her sister, her grandmother, and her father. This early adversity cultivated the remarkable resilience and self-reliance that defined her.
Supported by her father’s friends, Valerie boarded at the Royal Masonic School for Girls, later becoming the first woman in her family to attend university. At Bedford College, London, she transitioned from mathematician to Classicist, earning a first-class degree. It was here she met lifelong friends who introduced her to her husband, Julian.
A pioneer in the male-dominated world of post-war commerce, Valerie excelled in advertising. Most notably, while working for the Milk Marketing Board, she helped to push a simple pub meal to boost cheese consumption - the Ploughman’s Lunch. Every time you see it on a menu, think of Valerie.
Valerie and Julian married in 1961, raising their family in London. It wasn’t all plain sailing - tragedy struck when their second child Benjamin died while only two months old. In 1968, she began a second distinguished career in education. She served as Head of Classics and Head of Senior School at Queen’s College, Harley Street, where she was known as an oracle of sound sense and a master of relieving the tension out of intractable debates.
Her retirement years in Orford, Suffolk, were her happiest. Valerie immersed herself in the community, translating the town’s Latin charter and chairing the Aldeburgh Music Club. She was a woman of many talents: a formidable bridge player, a "solid wall" on the tennis court, and a steward of her mother-in-law Mary Potter’s artistic legacy.
Whether offering grandchildren four puddings at once or buying a house via Google Earth in her 80s, Valerie remained practical, sharp, and endlessly generous. She was a devoted mother, a perceptive mentor, and a stalwart friend. Her legacy lives on in the family she adored and the lessons of strength and kindness she left behind.
Margaret ‘Joyce’ Paton (Neé Molland), 1930 - 2025
Joyce passed away on the 11 December 2025 at the age of 95 years, with her two children at her side in Hastings New Zealand. Joyce was at Weybridge and Rickmansworth from 1939 to 1946. She loved her time at the Royal Masonic and was a keen participate of the New Zealand Old Girls Association.
Joyce immigrated to New Zealand in the early 1950s looking for adventure and found it a plenty, she married a Scotsman she met on the boat. They built 4 houses together, produced 2 children, travelled the world and were always looking for new experiences and adventures. Joyce’s great love after family and friends was the theatre she acted frequently in amateur productions, only giving up in her mid 80s. Joyce worked as a secretary and teacher mainly in the law and criminology field.
To quote Joyce; "Thanks to the wide education I received at the Masonic School and making the right choice of husband, I have enjoyed a variety of interests in my long life."
Joyces favourite quote; "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women are merely players."
Written
by Kirsty Paton.
Upcoming Events
SAVE THE DATE - Day of Celebration
When: Saturday 20th June 2026
Where: The Great Hall at RMS for Girls
Please save the date for this year's Day of Celebration, to be held in The Great Hall at RMS on Saturday, 20th June 2026. The morning will consist of our annual Prize Giving for Years 7-9, followed by an opportunity to walk through the Senior School, viewing our pupils' work from this academic year. There will also be a chance to enjoy refreshments together in The Dining Hall.
More information about the day, and how to book your place, will be communicated in due course via email and online at rmsforgirls.com/rms-alumnae/events
SAVE THE DATE - Sports Day 2026
When: Wednesday 24th June 2026, 12.30-4.30pm
Where: The Sports Centre at RMS for Girls
Always a highlight of the school calendar for the whole RMS community, Sports Day will be taking place on Wednesday 24th June this year.
More information about the day will be communicated in due course via email and online at rmsforgirls. com/rms-alumnae/events
SAVE THE DATE - Remembrance Sunday at RMS for Girls
When: Sunday 8th November 2026
Where: The Great Hall at RMS for Girls
We would love to invite you to save the date for 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 will also have the chance to book onto lunch following Drill, and enjoy tours of the School as it is today.
More information about the day, and how to book your lunch and tour, will be communicated in due course via email and online at rmsforgirls.com/rms-alumnae/events
Reunions
Melbourne OMA and OMGA Reunion
When: Friday 1st May 2026, 12:30pm
Where: Rising Sun Hotel 2 Raglan St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
If you live near Victoria, Australia, please do get in touch with development@rmsforgirls.com and we can put you in touch with the organisers of this event.
Pupils performing Drill on Remembrance Sunday 2025 in The Great Hall.
Pupils recieved prizes at our Day of Celebration in June 2025.
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
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.
