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Since 1875, EHS has been shaped by the vision and dedication of its headmistresses. Each brought her own strengths to the role - whether guiding us through challenging times, championing new subjects and opportunities, or ensuring every girl felt empowered to reach her full potential.
Explore their stories below and discover the women who have led EHS across 150 years.
1875 – 1895
The founding Headmistress of EHS, Miss Cooper was determined to keep the school at the forefront of education. In 1882, she travelled to the USA to visit 60 educational establishments, producing a detailed report that remains in the school archives. Seven years later, her friend Lewis Carroll visited EHS for a performance of Alice, gifting French, German, and Italian editions of his book to the library. Many letters between the two are still preserved today.
1895 – 1899
Further details coming soon
1899 – 1924
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1924 – 1931
Miss Collier introduced overseas school trips, with pupils visiting the Louvre and Avignon. This was the beginning of EHS’s long tradition of international educational travel.
1931 – 1953
Arriving at a time of low morale, Miss Casswell brought energy, discipline, and warmth. A keen chemist, she modernised science teaching, hiring the school’s first physics teacher at a time when the subject was seen as a male domain. She increased both staff and curriculum time for science, laying the foundation for today’s strong STEM provision. She also led the school through the challenges of World War II, her rousing speeches lifting spirits in difficult times.
1954 – 1967
The defining event of Miss Hopkins’s headship was the school’s move to a new building – a six-year process of planning, moving, and settling in. She transformed music at EHS, growing the number of instrumental pupils from one to 150, and established a proper Careers Advisory Service. Lively and sociable, she also championed creative approaches to language learning.
1967 – 1987
Miss Belton led during a time of social change, adapting to the rise of the modern teenager. Following the reduction of the voting age to 18, she introduced political engagement for Sixth Formers, bringing in speakers from political parties and the press. She oversaw the construction of the Sixth Form block and created the prefect system to give girls leadership experience, ensuring the school offered an environment that bridged the gap between school and college life.
1987 – 1997
Further details coming soon
May 1997 – January 1998
Miss Howarth served as acting head during the transition between Mrs Horsman’s departure and Miss Mullenger’s appointment.
1998 – 2005
Miss Mullenger’s lively, extroverted personality infused EHS with renewed energy. She championed the arts, overseeing the construction of the Octagon and expanding drama and music opportunities, including the introduction of Theatre Studies at GCSE and A level. Known for her entertaining assemblies and personal approach – she learned every pupil’s name – she left a legacy of a vibrant extra-curricular culture.
2006 – 2019
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2019 – Present
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