On Wednesday evening, Francis Holland School, Sloane Square Alumni Association held a very special leaving party for Headmistress, Lucy Elphinstone, and joint Head of Sixth Form, Julia Banks, who both depart Francis Holland at the end of August after an incredible 11 and 21 years’ respectively.

The event packed the Old School House common room with an impressive guest list of 90 former pupils and former staff, plus current staff, including Former Headmistress, Stephanie Pattenden, alumna and Governor, Julia Woodham-Smith and very many recent leavers, keen to offer their thanks and good wishes.

Alumni Association Co-chairs, Audrey Mitchell and Anne Cyron, spoke of Mrs Elphinstone’s dramatic impact on the School during her tenure, noting the School’s progression and change, more than at any other time in its history.

After a moving introduction from joint Head of Sixth Form, Caroline Wilkes, Julia Banks spoke with visible emotion and warmth of her time at Francis Holland, as her husband and son looked on.

We look forward to welcoming Mrs Banks to the alumni community and Mrs Elphinstone as an Honorary Member of the Old Girls’ Society when they officially become Francis Holland alumnae soon!

Claire Brazer, Alumni Relations Officer