Last month marked the end of an era as Jan Leeper officially stepped down from her role leading Hurst’s prefect team. At the annual Prefects’ Dinner, held on Thursday 20th March, the outgoing prefect team came together to celebrate Jan’s remarkable contribution and to welcome Helena Higgins as she takes up the reins.

Jan has been a guiding force behind the prefect programme for many years, playing a pivotal role in training and mentoring successive generations of student leaders. Always ready with wise advice and calm support, she has left a lasting impression on countless OJs who will remember her with great fondness.

Since joining Hurst in 1999, Jan has held a variety of key roles – Housemistress of Martlet, Senior Mistress, Head of Careers, and the ever-discerning arbiter of uniform, hair, and makeup standards! Her influence has touched nearly every corner of senior school life.

In recognition of her service, Jan was presented with a thoughtful collection of gifts, including a beautifully curated photo book featuring the 150 prefects she has supported since 2008 – a fitting tribute to her dedication.

As we thank Jan for her incredible commitment, we look forward to the next chapter with Helena Higgins, Housemistress of Phoenix, at the helm of our prefect team.

We have found many of the group photos of prefects from over the years, but we are missing some of the earlier years. Let us know if you have once of these in your album – we would love to have a copy.