Verulam School honours career of its first female teacher – now 99

The first female teacher at Verulam School, Olga Hopkins, has been recognised for a life of service by the opening of the new Hopkins Study Room.

Olga, a remarkable 99 year old resident of Brampton Road, has led an extraordinary life of dedication, but for Verulam staff and pupils she will always be remembered as their inaugural ‘Ma’am’.

At just 18, she volunteered for the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) during World War II, contributing to the war effort. She began her initial training in 1943. As she excelled in her intelligence tests, Olga was assigned as a Wireless Mechanic trainee at the Royal Technical College in Glasgow. Throughout her service in the WAAF, Olga worked on Blenheim Bombers and Ansons, carrying out radio inspections and transporting radio equipment.

She vividly recalls the joy and relief on VE Day in 1945, joining her comrades in celebrating the end of the conflict. In 1947, Olga was demobilised from service and went to study at Cardiff University, later becoming a teacher.

Following the war, Olga broke new ground in education by becoming the first female teacher at Verulam School, where she taught English.

Her pioneering presence led to a unique tradition: students and staff alike were initially unsure of how to address her. Given her experience in the war, Olga suggested “Ma’am”, a title that continues to be used today. Her husband also contributed to the school, serving as a teacher during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Olga was honoured at the 80th VE Day celebrations at Buckingham Palace in 2025.

On June 26, Verulam School welcomed back Olga, accompanied by her daughter Katherine, who shared tea and cake with headteacher Fergal Moane and history teacher Jack Pettitt, as memories were exchanged and the impact of Olga’s time at Verulam fondly recalled.

Following tea, Olga and Katherine toured the school, visiting both familiar and new spaces. The highlight of the visit was when the school dedicated a special space in her honour – the room next to the Library will now be known as The Hopkins Study Room. This celebratory tribute will open for student use in September 2025 as a quiet independent study space during break and lunchtimes — a fitting legacy for an English teacher who inspired so many.