It is with great sadness that we write about the death of Mary Rose Farley (Bateman) who died peacefully on 8th September, aged 86,

Headmistress of Berkhamsted School for Girls 1971 – 1980.

Described by Mary Beachcroft (in the 1980 Berkhamsted School for Girls Magazine) as ‘young and bubbling with enthusiasm, she was eager to be in on everything. Her energy encouraged a similarly energetic approach throughout the school, with an increase in activities generally, and classes in new subjects: economics, fencing and ballet. With her encouragement, the music and drama departments flourished. Miss Bateman stamped her own personality on the school and splendidly maintained the traditional high academic standards set by her predecessors.’

She will be remembered by many as an inspiring English teacher (she taught English throughout her time as Headmistress at Berkhamsted), and for her support of the Berkhamsted Old Girls Guild both as President of the Guild (1971-1980) and afterwards. In 1980 she moved on to become Headmistress of The Perse School for Girls, Cambridge.

She will be sadly missed by all those whose lives she touched. Her funeral will be held at St Peter & St Paul Church, Long Compton, on Wednesday 29th September at 3.30 pm.

Sue Wolstenholme presenting Mary Rose Bateman with her leaving gift from the Old Girls' Guild. To read more, see page 47 of the 1980  Girls' Chronicle magazine in the Archive. 

One of Mary Rose’s last visits to the School was as part of the 125 Celebrations in 2013. Seen here cutting the cake with Mark Steed, Priscilla Chadwick and Ashley Clancy. She also returned for the Queen's visit in May 2016 as part of the Schools 475 celebrations.