Now living in Durban, South Africa, my mind often goes back to my teenage years in the UK.  

It was in September 1958 that I started my Senior School years at Watford Grammar School for Girls.  At the time the “Eleven Plus” exam was in two parts – the written part, followed by an interview with the Headmistress if you were fortunate enough to pass. 

My first year was spent in “Lady’s Close” – where I clearly remember playing outside with Pick-Up-Sticks and Jacks.  Our main topic of conversation as 12 year olds was whether we were Cliff Richard or Elvis Presley Fans. 

I hated swimming lessons, which were in the outdoor pool with a shed-like structure as a changing room. 

The Headmistress, Miss Jessie Tennet was very strict, particularly when it came to appearances.  Pride in the school was very important.  In the summer term we wore either gold or blue checked dresses, and in the winter navy blue skirts, gold blouses, a tie and, of course, our blazers.  The badge had to be visible on our berets, and we also had straw boaters.  The length of our dresses or skirts was measured as 2” above the ground when kneeling.  Eating, or chewing of gum, was STRICTLY FORBIDDEN in the street, or any time you had your uniform on…….. Prefects “policed” this at various locations in town.

Italic Handwriting was a subject – where we were all taught to write with fountain pens with bottled Quink Ink and Italic nibs. 

After completing my GCE ‘O’ Level exams I continued for one year in the Sixth Form doing a Secretarial Course – which involved Pitman’s shorthand, typing, book-keeping and an ‘O’ level in Spanish. 

We had an assembly every morning in the school hall, and on break-up day we always sang “Jerusalem” ….. And did those feet in ancient times, Walk upon England’s mountains green!!

I emigrated to South Africa in 1972 ..  in the following 53 years I have returned to Watford many times to visit family, but always in the school holidays.  However, this year my wish to go Down Memory Lane became a reality when I realised that the schools had yet to break up.

An email to the school office resulted in a conducted tour around the school by two charming Sixth Formers – Inaaya and Aisha.  I was accompanied by my younger sister, Hazel, who is also an ex pupil of WGGS.

Many things have obviously changed – the Library used to be almost opposite the Headmistress’s Office.  The location of the current Library used to be our Gym – with climbing frames and ropes hanging from the ceiling.  The long corridors now have Fire Doors at regular intervals, and there are now lockers lining the passage ways making them narrower.  The swimming pool, thankfully, is no longer open air but now suitable for all weathers ….. and there are many new buildings linking the main school to Lady’s Close. 

Our tour ended in the Headmistress’s Office (which brought back memories of my visit there being interviewed as an 11 year old!!) but this time we were made to feel most welcome by the current Headmistress, Miss Tai, who kindly answered any questions we still had about school days at WGGS in 2025. 

My sister and I would like to express our gratitude to not only Miss Tai but also to Mrs. Randhawa, the Assistant Head Teacher and Head of Sixth Form – and of course also to our two guides, Inaaya and Aisha. 

It is a morning we will not forget – Thank You 

Jennifer Garratt –  Pupil  1958-1964

Hazel Garratt      – Pupil   1962-1967