From the Head

I extend a warm welcome back to all Old Girtonian’s “Under the Peppercorn Tree” in the re-launch of this newsletter.

Remaining in touch with former students and staff is an important tradition in our school community, a tradition I have come to know and love over the past fifteen months since my appointment as the third Head of Girton Grammar and the eighteenth leader of this fine school since our inception as Girton College.  As you would know, there is much to admire in our school. 

True to our history, we continue to maintain the traditions of the school, including the mission of the Old Girtonian Association, to protect the memory and deeds of past Old Girtonian’s and to maintain strong links with the school.

Since our last newsletter Girton Grammar School has continued to move forward.  The 1950’s Jean d’Helin building has received a full-scale refurbishment, giving the Junior School the front-of-house it deserves and making it much easier for visitors to find Junior School Reception.  Our youngest students now enjoy some of the features already cherished by their older peers in The Naunton Family Building, including more natural light and specialist rooms for Languages, Science and Art. 

That said, Girton is much more than its buildings.  Despite two years under the cloak of COVID-19, we have retained and re-imagined important school events including Speech Night, which is now celebrated in separate Junior and Senior School events.  House Dinners remain a cherished part of the school calendar, as does the annual Foundation Day Church Service and Christmas Carols Services.  We remain supportive and proud of the Arts, with Junior School and Senior School productions bigger than ever.

Although some of the faces may have changed since you last visited Girton, noting the retirements of three foundation staff members in founding Head, Mr Clayton Jones, founding Deputy Head, Mrs Robyn MacCulloch, founding Head of Junior School, Mr Dennis Garoni, those of us who now carry the torch remain committed to honouring the past whilst looking forward to the future.  For old Girtonian’s that means you will always be welcome to return to your school.  We hope to see you again some time very soon.

Dr Clayton Massey

Head of Girton Grammar