SPOTLIGHT ON: Andrea Cawthorne - Class of 1990

There’s something incredibly powerful about returning to the place where your story began, especially when that place continues to inspire you.

For Andrea, a former St Helen’s student and now a valued a teacher in our Prep School, the journey has truly come full circle.

Andrea first walked through the gates of St Helen’s aged seven, joining 2A, then based in Claremont, now the Music Block. “The teachers were so welcoming and supportive,” she recalls. “And the girls, including many boarders, were friendly and open. I was fascinated by their stories, and we quickly bonded over weekend playdates and shared experiences.”

Even at a young age, Andrea thrived on connection, something that would shape both her school life and her future. From her love of netball and lacrosse, where she formed lasting friendships with teammates (many of whom are now also teachers), to unforgettable trips to the Isle of Wight, France, and the ski slopes of Italy, every moment helped strengthen her sense of self and belonging.

“I absolutely loved my subjects,” she says. “The small class sizes made everything feel personal, and geography in particular really captured my imagination.”

But it was in Sixth Form where Andrea truly found her stride. Appointed Head of Middle School in Year 13, she worked closely with school leadership during a time of exciting change. “Dr Burne had just joined as our new Headmistress; we were all learning and growing together. It felt like a real team effort.” A standout memory? Meeting Princess Alice at the opening of the MacKenzie Building in 1990, a milestone she remembers with pride and warmth.

Reflecting on the all-girls environment, Andrea credits St Helen’s with nurturing her confidence and belief in her potential. “We truly felt we could do anything we set our minds to. Being part of Bonnington House helped me develop a sense of family and purpose from an early age, and House Arts gave me the confidence to work as part of a team and find my voice.”

The career preparation she received was equally impactful. “Mrs Button, our careers advisor, knew every girl personally. The school offered meaningful work placements and brought back alumnae to share their journeys, which really helped shape our thinking about life beyond school.”

Years later, a chance meeting with Mary Morrist, member of staff at St Helen’s at the time, at an Old Girls’ event would change the course of Andrea’s life once more. “Being interviewed and then returning as a staff member was incredibly rewarding,” she says. “St Helen’s gave me the foundation I needed. To now give that back to today’s students feels incredibly special.”

Andrea’s story is more than just a reflection of the past, it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of St Helen’s. Her journey speaks to the transformative power of community, the strength of lifelong connections, and the importance of believing in yourself, values that continue to define what it means to be part of St Helen’s.