Proudly Celebrating 390 years at our Founders' Commemoration Day 2024

On Friday 15 November 2024, we proudly marked our 390th anniversary, celebrating nearly four centuries as the oldest surviving independent girls’ school in the UK.

This milestone was commemorated by the whole school at our annual Founders’ Commemoration Day; an occasion extremely close to our hearts, steeped in history and tradition.

Originally known as Founder’s Day, this celebration honours John Whitson, founder of The Red Maids’ School, whose visionary commitment to girls’ education began even before the school’s foundation in 1634.

Following a 2016 merger with Redland High School for Girls, the occasion now also commemorates Reverends TG Rose and Urijah Thomas, who established Redland High in 1882. Each year, students don traditional red uniforms -echoing Whitson’s historic trade in red dye – and participate in a ceremony including a wreath-laying at Whitson’s tomb in St Nicholas Church, followed by a service in Bristol Cathedral.

The event brought together students, staff, their families and alumnae celebrating our rich heritage of education and progress. 

Head Paul Dwyer explained, “Founders’ Commemoration Day is an extremely important day for us as we gather to celebrate the heritage of Redmaids’ High School. We remember our pioneering founders and recognise their extraordinary vision for girls’ education. I think they would all be incredibly proud to know that centuries later, we continue to realise their dream in offering an outstanding and forward-thinking education for girls in Bristol.”

This year’s anniversary coincides with another milestone for us as we join the prestigious Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) family of schools, becoming its 26th member next year. This partnership will enhance opportunities for collaboration, bringing GDST’s dedication to innovation and leadership in girls’ education to Bristol. 

Ranked as Bristol’s top academic school, Redmaids’ High remains committed to educating young women who will lead, excel and make a difference. The school looks forward to its next 390 years and beyond. 

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