In Conversation

DR RUTH SULLIVAN David Birley

A former pupil at Sherborne Girls who has come full circle to now become its Head, talks about what drove her to become a teacher, the new performing arts centre and hopes for the School’s future.

DB Can you tell us about your own schooling?

RS I went to a state primary school, then on to the City of London School for Girls in Year 7. I came to Sherborne Girls for Sixth Form, which was brilliant: the best two years of my life!

DB What was your time at Sherborne Girls like?

RS I was really encouraged and nurtured as the staff were so wonderful. I did three A Levels and an S Level in Geography, tried everything from pottery, drama (with Sherborne School), and various sports. I loved having friends around me 24/7 and being able to go out exploring the local area on foot or by bike. My time at Sherborne Girls was transformational: it opened my eyes to so many opportunities.

DB What did you do when you left school?

RS I went to Edinburgh University to read Geography. As well as developing my independence and subject knowledge, it enabled me to pursue my love of the outdoors, especially mountaineering. I went away most weekends with the Mountaineering Club to climb mountains and explore the Highlands and took part in sport and drama. I also held down a part-time job, so kept myself pretty busy!

DB What led you into teaching?

RS I experienced at first-hand the life-changing nature of education and I come from a family of teachers, so it seemed natural for me to help others in this way. I knew I didn’t want an office job and that I needed to be active and fulfilled with a real sense of purpose. I also love communicating and explaining things to others.

DB Where did you start your teaching career?

RS I trained at Moray House in Edinburgh before starting my teaching career at St John’s in Leatherhead, which at the time was a boys’ school with girls in the sixth form. I was there for five years, becoming a housemistress and running the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which I had completed myself at university. I thought the programme was amazing and set up expeditions all around the world including to America, Iceland, Morocco and Norway.

After St John’s, I went to Glenalmond College in Perthshire to lead the Geography Department. While there, I helped run the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, led expeditions and the first ever all-girls pupil team in the Scottish Island Peaks Race.

Then, having taught at boarding schools, I took on a different challenge and moved to The Queen’s School, Chester as Head of Sixth Form. This gave me an insight and experience of a day-school environment which I eventually concluded wasn’t for me, so I decided to take a break from teaching. I applied for a master’s degree and was awarded a four year scholarship to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, which led to me completing an MSc and PhD.

DB What happened next?

RS During my doctorate I missed the interaction with young people, helping to nurture, instil and develop their interest and passion for learning. I took up the post of Head of Department (Geography) at Haileybury College, Hertfordshire, whilst completing my PhD, and was appointed Deputy Master the same year.

DB What led you back to Sherborne Girls?

RS After six years as Deputy Master, I felt I had learned a huge amount, benefited from phenomenal opportunities across all aspects of teaching and boarding education and in a very senior post. When I heard about the role at Sherborne Girls, I felt excited and ready to apply for such a fantastic opportunity.

DB What do you find most fulfilling about your role?

RS I thrive on sharing ideas, working as part of a team and facing challenges in a constructive way. Working with young people is hugely rewarding: their energy inspires me, and they help me to not take myself too seriously. Their high hopes, aspirations and vision for the future instil a great deal of positivity.

The staff at Sherborne Girls are the best I have ever worked with, and my days are filled with fascinating and engaging conversations. The parent and staff body are extremely collaborative and have been real sources of support since I joined, particularly during the pandemic, as has Dr Luckett, the Head of Sherborne School and Nicki Edwards, the Head of The Gryphon’. I have built on the superb foundations of my predecessor, Jenny Dwyer. >

DB How has Covid affected the School?

RS Inevitably there were lots of challenges presented by the restrictions. Fortunately, we rolled out our digital learning strategy in 2019, so were able to transition seamlessly to remote lessons when schools first shut. We currently have our highest ever student roll and it is wonderful to have all the girls and staff back and to see Sherborne Girls return to a vibrant, happy, purposeful environment, bursting with life and energy.

DB Do you have any specific aims for the School?

RS It’s more of an evolution: I want to support the girls in developing an understanding that they can achieve anything if they are committed, prepared to work hard and be truly passionate about it.

DB Tell us more about the new performing arts centre that has opened in your time.

RS The Merritt Centre is a truly fantastic venue and a wonderful addition to the School, named in memory of Gwendoline Merritt who was a muchloved member of the housekeeping team, remembered for her kindness, tireless service and generosity to the School. She was even known to sleep in the kitchen when the weather was bad to ensure she would be on hand to prepare breakfast for the girls in the morning. When she sadly passed away in 2014, she left her estate to the School, so we thought it was entirely appropriate that the centre was named after her. We also named the café ‘Queenie’s’, which was Gwendoline’s affectionate nickname in School.

DB How closely does Sherborne Girls work with Sherborne School?

RS The schools work very closely and we feel that our ‘Separate Yet Together’ offering provides pupils with the best of both worlds. Each school is committed to single-sex education, providing focus in the classroom. But our pupils benefit from an extensive joint cocurricular and socials programme, including: debating, choir, CCF, pupil pastoral forum, orchestra, drama, shared barbecues, black-tie dinners and many others.

We also work closely with The Gryphon School, including collaborating on preparing pupils for Oxbridge entrance, sharing career event opportunities and specialist academic initiatives.

DB What are your priorities for Sherborne Girls in terms of community work and outreach?

RS We are committed to ensuring our pupils understand the importance of service. Amanda Mackintosh, as our Head of Outreach and Community Liaison, is fantastic at encouraging the girls to raise funds and engage with the community, whether it is serving as a youth ambassador on the town council, litter picking, or volunteering in one of the local primary schools.

Another important initiative for the School is our Candlelight Bursaries programme. These full, transformational bursaries aim to widen access and support girls whose challenging circumstances at home mean a boarding education can be life-changing. We partner with the Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation to identify girls who need our help the most. This is a key fundraising focus for the School, and we hope to increase the number of girls we support in this way.

DB Looking back, what would you say to your younger self?

RS I think I would try to be less critical of myself. I want pupils to leave Sherborne Girls with a real inner confidence, able to speak out for what they believe in, and equipped to deal with any challenge that life throws their way and to seize every opportunity.

DB What do you do in your downtime?

RS I love running and take part in Triathlon events and half marathons. I also love to travel, spend a lot of time reading, cooking, completing jigsaws and I relish walking my cockapoo, Honey.

DB Do you have a personal ambition?

RS Absolutely: I have always wanted to do voluntary work either here or overseas. At present I help with Crisis at Christmas in London and work in one of its centres for a week each December. I have had such an amazing and wonderful life; I like giving back and want to do more.

DB Do you have a personal wish?

RS To have good enough health to fulfil my future plans and for others to be kind to both themselves and to others.

DB Do you have a wish for the School and for our town?

RS For Sherborne Girls to go from strength to strength and be true to its roots: to celebrate and educate every girl as an individual, whatever her strengths and interests, and to help the girls develop as compassionate global citizens.

For the town, I would like it to continue to be a friendly, kind and welcoming place to all. I always think that Sherborne feels like a sunny place even when the sun doesn’t happen to be shining!

PLANNING PERMISSION – DO YOU NEED IT?

Victoria Reed, Chartered Legal Executive, Humphries Kirk

The pandemic saw record numbers of us undertaking DIY projects or getting tradesmen in to improve our homes. Our enthusiasm shows no sign of abating either, with the waiting list for builders stretching into next year.

Victoria Reed, a Chartered Legal Executive in the residential property team with Humphries Kirk LLP agrees this trend is likely to continue and adds some words of caution, “Always make sure you get any necessary approvals, or you could run into problems when you come to sell your property.”

Not all alterations require planning permission. Generally, you will only need it if your proposed works constitute development. This has a special meaning under planning rules. It includes structural alterations and the sort of work a builder would ordinarily do. Repainting the walls or replacing window frames, does not normally need permission, although special rules apply for listed buildings and conservation areas.

If works fall within the scope of permitted development rights, you will not require permission. This exception covers some of the most common types of home improvement, such as small extensions and loft conversions. However, permitted rights are subject to conditions and limitations and may not apply in all locations.

Not obtaining the appropriate planning permission can have serious consequences.

The local planning authority could require you to restore your home to its original condition. Buyers will also want to see evidence of compliance as the planning authority could proceed against them, as owner, in the future.

You can apply for planning permission or building regulations approval retrospectively. If the works are more than four years old, the council cannot usually take enforcement action over a planning breach. For building regulations, the period is one year.

Approaching someone for retrospective consent could make the risk uninsurable, so it is important to discuss your situation with us early on. We can then help you make informed decisions and avoid any unintentional consequences.

Restrictions in your title deeds or lease

Your title deeds or lease may contain restrictions. For example, they may stop you building on your land without first getting consent from a third party.

Complying with these types of restriction can be problematical. For example, you may not know who to approach for consent in the case of a title restriction, particularly where the restriction was created a long time ago. Applying for your landlord’s consent is usually more straightforward, but you will need to factor in the time it will take and the additional cost.

We can help

Our Land Team advises on all aspects of Planning and Title for both Residential and Commercial Property. For further information, please contact Victoria Reed on 01929 423301 or email v.reed@hklaw.uk. We have experts in all our offices.

START WITH A CUPPA, NOT A HEADACHE

Planning a home renovation? Our Land Team will let you know if you need planning permission or not. Humphries Kirk solicitors will always offer advice in plain English...

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