Alumni
Message from the Chair of Governors
19th January 2026
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF GOVERNORS
It is with deep sadness that the Palmers Green High School Governing Board is proposing to close the school in August 2026. PGHS has experienced a sustained and significant decline in pupil numbers over many years, and the school does not have the financial capacity to continue to operate for another academic year.
This is not the future any of us had hoped for. However, as trustees of the school we have a responsibility to act carefully and responsibly in the best interests of the school, its pupils and its staff. Our absolute priority throughout this process will be the wellbeing of our community. Subject to consultation with staff, the Governors are proposing a planned, orderly and solvent closure. This approach will allow our families the time and support needed to make informed decisions about future schooling for their daughters and will ensure that staff are given time and assistance as they seek new roles for September 2026. We are committed to supporting our pupils as they complete what is likely to be their final academic year at PGHS, and to helping each girl find a forward school where she can continue to thrive.
The Governors have agreed that the school will work in partnership with the St Albans Education Group (STAEG) to support a managed and orderly closure, safeguarding pupils’ education, supporting families, and preserving the legacy of the school we all care deeply about.
Palmers Green High School has a proud and distinctive history, and we are committed to honouring that legacy through this transition. We chose to partner with STAEG because their values and mission are so well aligned with our own. We are confident that the spirit and traditions of PGHS and our school motto ‘By love, serve one another’ are reflected throughout the STAEG schools and in the work of the wider Group.
We are grateful for the support of our community and our focus, now and always, remains on our pupils.
Mrs Melanie Curtis
Chair of Governors
The Palmers Green High School Alumni Association is the umbrella group for all former pupils of the School. In earlier years, members opted to join after leaving the School. Now, all Year 11 pupils automatically become members when they leave the School after their GCSEs.
Member meetings are usually held once a year on Founder’s Day (normally the second Friday in May). Alumni are also most welcome to attend events at School which are of specific interest to them e.g. the GCSE Art Exhibition and Drama performances and are encouraged to contact the School Office at office@pghs.co.uk for information about tickets and timings.
How To Become A Member Of The Alumni
If you left Palmers Green High School before Year 11 or have never opted to join the association, we welcome your membership. Please email us at alumni@pghs.co.uk, or fill in the online form below to join us. Alternatively, if you wish to ask any questions you may phone the School Office on 020 8886 1135.
Alumni Newsletter
The Windflower Alumni Newsletter
Click on the link to read our 2025 Alumni Newsletter ‘The Windflower’. There are features on our 120th Anniversary Founder’s Day, our recent ISI Inspection and Sunday Times Parent Power Award, our 2025 exam success, and academic and sporting achievements. There are also some contributions from Alumni and we would like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who sent in articles. Please keep them coming throughout the year!
If you would like to receive a copy of our Alumni Newsletter (by email) please register or update your details by filling in the form below. We collect articles, memories and photographs throughout the year and would love to hear from our past pupils. If you have any news, memories and photos you would like to see in the next newsletter, please contact alumni@pghs.co.uk.
Alumni Registration Form
Our Inspiring Alumni
Our Alumni visit the School often and help to inspire our pupils to aim high when considering further education and careers. Palmers Green High School Alumni have studied an impressive variety of subjects at a range of leading universities including Oxbridge and Russell Group institutions among others. Our Alumni are dynamic members of society, having forged highly successful careers in professions including accountancy, arts, dentistry, engineering, law, journalism, medicine, politics and veterinary science.
Notable former pupils include:
- Stevie Smith, poet and novelist
- Marion Tait CBE, former ballerina and ballet mistress
- Dame Flora Robson, actress
- Kathryn Prescott, actress
- Megan Prescott, actress
- Margaret Seward, First Female Chief Dental Officer
Former pupils might also enjoy joining the ‘members only’ Alumni page on LinkedIn, which provides opportunities to re-connect with School friends and network with other PGHS Alumni! You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest news from the School.
