JENNIE BURTON

It is with great sadness that we report the death of Jennie Burton who died peacefully on 11th November 2023

Details of Jennie’s Valete, from the 1998 School Magazine, are below:

Mrs Burton retired after 23 years of loyal service to the School. She was appointed as Head of Biology in 1975 and then in 1989 the first Head of the Sixth Form.

Her involvement in School life has been wide and varied, reflecting her boundless energy and first-class administrative abilities. For many years she led the lighting team for School Concerts and theatrical productions; she also organised the collection of aluminium foil for Guide Dogs for the Blind and was in the forefront of the organisation of many a School Fair and Fete.

Under Mrs Burton's guidance, the Sixth Form flourished. She raised its status, giving it a much higher profile within the School. She organised a wide range of extra-curricular activities and opportunities, encouraging the girls to develop a sense of their own identity and independence, enabling them to make a smooth transition from School pupils to mature students in further education. Her development of the tutor system was a particular example of the firm, but kind, care and concern which she expressed for her pupils.
 

In spite of her administrative talents, Mrs Burton’s great loves were for her subject, her teaching and her pupils. First and foremost she was a classroom teacher and her interest and enthusiasm for Biology was imparted to all her students, enabling them to achieve their full potential. She set the highest standards both for herself and her pupils, and in recent years two of her A-level students gained national recognition for the quality of their examination papers.
 

Mrs Burton has devoted her time and energy whole heartedly to the School. Her professionalism, wisdom, meticulous attention to detail and clarity of thought will be a great loss to pupils and staff alike. We all wish her a long and happy retirement.