TRIBUTES Joan Clanchy
Eileen Mackintosh (Class of 1948, former Deputy Head) of Anne Williams (former staff and parent) “Joan was inspirational and approachable, with great dignity and also a sense of fun”. A hundred years on, principles remained the same; methodology must change. By 1976, girls’ independent schools faced very serious challenges: financial viability, wider career choices for women and demands for co-education. Joan met all these problems head on and was never afraid to take initially unpopular decisions. Helen Mackie (former Head) writes that “Joan was a hugely modernising influence and brought the school up to date.” When Joan Clanchy became Headmistress of St George’s in 1976, she was undoubtedly the right person in the right place at the right time. At 36, she was young to be a Head in these days, so it was a bold choice by the Council. It was fully justified. Nigel Shepley (former staff and school historian) writes that “if asked
Apart from the fact that Mrs Clanchy was not a pupil of St George’s School, her educational pedigree is impeccable! Alastair M Johnston (Lord Dunpark) - Chairman of Council in 1976 when Mrs Clanchy was appointed
to draw an identikit picture of our early, pioneering headmistresses, it would surely closely resemble Joan Clanchy”. Joan, too, passionately believed in a ‘broad, liberal academic education for girls’, based on non-competitive examinations and care for the individual. Joan had the determination, the ability and ‘charismatic’ personality to put these ideas into practice. In the words
26 | Spring 2021
The decision to amalgamate with Lansdowne House School had already been taken but Joan faced a testing time in putting the plan into action. There was very real pain and anxiety for pupils, staff and parents. Joan passed through the crisis with ‘serenity, confidence and humour’ (Women of Independent Mind). Most pupils and some members of staff joined St George’s. A traumatic time for both schools as they gradually settled in, guided by Joan’s sensitivity and understanding. Susan Newton (Lansdowne House) remembers her apprehension when sitting in a St George’s classroom for the first time. Then “a tall, smiley lady came in and said reassuringly “I’m a new girl too”. Old girl Sally Williams (class of 1986) recalls
“She worked tirelessly to provide the girls with an education that would suit them for the modern world.” Anne Everest, Head from 2010-2016
Her remarkable skill at getting to know people; the daunting task of learning 800 names (not to mention those of staff and parents) seems to have left her quite undaunted. Head Girl, Susan Pentland from the 1976 Chronicle
