Hurst’s Lower Sixth girls marked a milestone moment on Monday 9 March as they travelled to the House of Commons to celebrate 30 years of co‑education at Hurst. The evening brought together students, staff, alumni, supporters, and distinguished guests for an inspiring celebration of leadership, opportunity, and the transformative power of education.

Hosted with the generous support of Mims Davies MP, the event welcomed current staff, former staff members, former Headmaster Tim Manly, and other long‑standing friends of the College. Their presence created a rich sense of connection across generations of Hurst’s co‑educational history.

An Exceptional Line‑Up of Speakers

A highlight of the evening was the remarkable group of speakers who shared insights from their careers and words of encouragement for the students. The evening was compered by Gill Robertson, one of Hurst's first ever girls and Hurst's first ever female school prefect. Other inspiring speakers included:

Natasha Kaplinsky, broadcaster and journalist

Katherine Molony, Hurst alumna and founder of Elevate(her)

Kate Jillings, Entrepreneur and Co‑Founder of ToucanTech

Phoebe Perry, Hurst alumna and composer

Sadiq Bhatti MP, Shadow Minister for Education

Their stories — spanning public life, media, research, entrepreneurship, and politics — offered the girls an inspiring reminder of the many paths open to them as future leaders.

Leadership, Legacy and Inspiration

The event also featured a speech from Headmaster Mr Dominic Mott, who reflected on 30 years of co‑education at Hurst and the value of encouraging young women to contribute to society with confidence and purpose. His address emphasised the significance of witnessing democracy in action and the importance of civic engagement in shaping informed, empowered citizens.

Students had the opportunity to explore the historic Palace of Westminster, observe the atmosphere of the Commons, and engage with speakers and guests whose work exemplifies public service, innovation, and resilience.

Celebrating the Engage Bursary Campaign

The evening also provided a fitting moment to celebrate the ongoing success of the Foundation’s Engage Bursary Campaign, which aims to widen access and ensure that more talented young people can benefit from a Hurst education.

We are delighted to share that a number of guests have pledged support to the Engage Bursary Campaign since the event, demonstrating the powerful impact of community generosity and the shared commitment to supporting opportunity for future generations.

A Night to Remember

As the girls reflected on the experience, many spoke of how inspiring it was to meet leaders from such diverse professions and backgrounds, and how the evening deepened their understanding of Hurst’s co‑educational journey and its vision for the future.

The Hurst Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to Mims Davies MP, all speakers, and every supporter who contributed to an uplifting and unforgettable celebration. Their generosity and enthusiasm made this milestone event truly special — a fitting tribute to 30 years of co‑education and a powerful inspiration to the next generation of Hurst students.