BBC presenter Fiona Bruce guest of honour at South Hampstead School’s 140th anniversary

BBC presenter Fiona Bruce was the guest of honour at South Hampstead High School’s 140th anniversary celebratory dinner.

Ms Bruce shared her experiences of being a female journalist and working mother in a speech delivered to alumnae, parents, staff, students, governors and former headmistresses at Waterlow Hall.

“A school can give no greater gift than confidence,” she said. “I left school feeling that even if I couldn’t do everything, I could give it a go.”

The school first opened as St John’s Wood High School with 27 pupils in 1876. In almost a century and a half, it has grown to include nearly 900 girls aged between four and 18.

Girls’ Day School Trust chief executive Cheryl Giovannoni said: “The school, like its community, creates an intellectually curious atmosphere with a wide breadth of interests and an emphasis on individuality.

“Its notable alumnae include award-winning actors and authors, Turner-Prize-winning artists, academics and journalists, TV and radio presenters, directors and filmmakers, musicians and singers, politicians and campaigners.”

In January Vicky Bingham will begin her tenure as headmistress.