30 Sep 2026
St Hilda’s School in Harpenden welcomed around 60 former pupils and staff back through its red doors for the school’s very first Alumni Event, bringing together generations of its community for an afternoon of memories, friendship and celebration.
Among those attending was former headmistress Mary Piachaud, who led the school from 1986 until 2002 and whose family have owned the school since 1950.
The oldest former pupil in attendance was in her mid-80s, the youngest her mid-teens; whilst several families were represented by two or three generations of St Hilda’s girls — including Mary herself, who was joined by her daughter and granddaughter.
An exhibition of artefacts from across the school’s rich history took centre stage, offering former pupils the opportunity to revisit photographs, memorabilia and objects from their own school days, prompting memories and conversations about how much – and how little – had changed over the years.
Indeed, former pupils from across the decades quickly found themselves exchanging stories and discovering connections through their shared experience of St Hilda’s.
Former pupils recalled swimming outdoors throughout the year, including breaking the ice to get into the pool during winter; receiving house points and order marks in equal measure; the chiming of the grandfather clock, which still stands at the heart of the school today; and the beloved winter hat but detested, scratchy summer boater.
Teachers featured particularly strongly in the stories shared, with former pupils remembering individuals who had encouraged them, supported them and made a lasting difference to their lives.
Indeed, some of the old girls were able to tell these individuals how much of an impact they had on them, with beloved former staff including Stephen Lloyd, Fiona Arbury, Su Dean, Barbara Grant, Wendy Swingler and, of course, Mary Piachaud enjoying the occasion.
Current headmaster Dan Sayers said: “The Alumni event was the first of its kind, bringing together old girls who hadn’t seen each other in decades. It was wonderful to witness those who attended rekindling old friendships as well as making new connections.
“The gathering was a reminder that a school’s history is not simply found in its buildings, photographs or
archives; it lives in the people who have passed through its doors and in the memories they carry with them.
“As former pupils reconnected and old stories came back to life it became clear that, whilst much of school life may have changed considerably over the years, the sense of community that we so cherish at St Hilda’s remains at the heart of the school.
“And perhaps that is the most enduring St Hilda’s story of all: once a St Hilda’s girl, always part of the story.”
