A Fond Farewell to Mr Whelpdale

During his time here, he has led with integrity, compassion, and a clear sense of purpose — building a community rooted in kindness, confidence, and care. As we prepare to say a fond farewell, we sat down with Mr Whelpdale to reflect on his proudest moments, the lessons he’s learnt, and the memories he’ll take with him.

1) What are you most proud of during your time as Head?

I’m incredibly proud that our school is exclusively for girls. It means our students can truly be themselves, grow in confidence, and feel empowered to choose subjects like STEM without hesitation. They’re becoming young women ready to take on the world — and that’s something really special.

I’m equally proud of the team effort behind everything we do here. Every member of staff is committed to making a real, lasting difference in our students’ lives. It’s a community where we all support and inspire one another. At LHS, we encourage our girls to be activists, innovators, and trailblazers — and honestly, watching them rise to that challenge is one of the best parts of being here.

2) What have the students taught you during your time here?

Wow – so many things! Being at this School has taught me more than I ever expected. One of the biggest lessons? Never take anything for granted. Every single student here is unique, each on her own journey, and I've truly come to appreciate that “one size doesn't fit all.”

I've also laughed more here than at any other school – proper, belly-aching laughter! But alongside the joy, there's been a deeper, more thoughtful takeaway: always consider the context. We often don’t know what someone – whether student or colleague – might be going through. It’s reminded me how important it is to approach others with kindness, empathy, and to give them the benefit of the doubt.

3) What will you miss most about LHS?

Everything and everybody!! The LHS community has become my family over the years – and what a wonderful, welcoming, and warm-hearted family it is. I’ve come to love this place and the people in it, and there honestly hasn’t been a single day when I haven’t looked forward to coming into School. That alone speaks volumes about the students and staff who make LHS such a special place. What I’ll miss most? The camaraderie, the kindness, the mutual respect – it’s all so tangible, you can feel it the moment you walk through the doors.

Let me share a little story that’s always stayed with me: it was near the end of my very first term as Head in 2013. I was sitting in my office after the School day had ended, and a note was quietly slipped under the door. It read: “Thank you for being our Head. We think you are doing a great job. From a Sixth Former.” Just one short message – but it meant the world. It still does. Back in 2013, my plan was to stay for 4 or 5 years and then move on. But here we are, 12 years later… and I’m still here. That says everything. Yes, I will miss so much about this glorious School. LHS will always hold a very special place in my heart.

4) What has been your vision for the School, and do you feel you’ve achieved it?

Making a difference — that’s always been the goal. Helping every student reach her full potential — academically, yes, but just as importantly, in terms of her overall wellbeing. And along the way, building a school community grounded in respect, kindness, and a real sense of belonging. Have I achieved it? Well, when you care as deeply as I do about LHS, you’re never really finished. There’s always more to do, more to give, more to improve. That’s the nature of the job — and part of what makes it so special. As I retire, I do so with pride in what we’ve built together… and with the knowledge that the work continues.

5) What have been the biggest challenges, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenges? Oh, where to start! More often than not, they come from outside forces we can’t control – like the Government’s completely unfair and, frankly, discriminatory decision to slap VAT on our hard-working parents. It’s maddening. The injustice of it all really gets to me – I won’t lie.

Then there’s the small matter of time… or lack of it! There just aren’t enough hours in the day. School life runs at full speed during term time – it’s full-on. I often joke (though it’s not really a joke) that I wake up thinking about School, go to sleep thinking about School, and even dream about School. That’s just life as a Head! Truthfully, I don’t think I’ve cracked how to ‘deal’ with all of this – not entirely. What I have done is try to lean into it, embrace the chaos a little, and not let the tough stuff weigh me down too much. I’m naturally optimistic, and that definitely helps. And when things feel truly overwhelming? There’s always chocolate. Or ice cream. Sometimes both!