Grosvenor Tucker, a mother of six girls who was determined that her daughters should have the best education. Mrs. Tucker enlisted a group of like-thinking men and women to take on the job of opening a school charged with maintaining high academic standards. In turn, this Committee turned to Miss Dorothea Beale, the headmistress of Cheltenham Ladies College, for her advice in selecting a headmistress. Miss Beale recommended Miss Matilda Tothill, a teacher at Cheltenham who was trained in the educational techniques which she had developed, and were the most modern of the day. In any discussion about the progress women have made during history, Miss Beale stands out as a leader in breaking down the barriers which have prevented their advancement. It was she who said that the education of women was as important as that of men and urged that girls should be allowed to take the same external examinations as their male counterparts. Miss Tothill agreed to come to Bermuda, on the condition that she could bring with her a teacher of her own choosing. When she arrived from England with Miss Millicent Strange, the committee had found and rented a house on Reid Street for the School. On the 17th September 1894, the Bermuda High School for Girls was ready for its first 51 pupils. Lucy Horsfall, one of the School's earliest pupils, remembered it during its days on Reid Street, and described the building as "somewhat gloomy and inconvenient''. However, she recalled Miss Tothill as "a wonderful teacher'', who spoke with an "incisive, clear-cut accent''. During Miss Tothill's six years as Headmistress, she started the kindergarten, designed the crest, prepared pupils for external examinations and moved the School into its newly built home on Richmond Road. Her successor was Miss Caroline Baker, who was also rec ommended by Miss Beale. Soon after her arrival, Miss Baker was faced with an outbreak of diphtheria, which had the effect of frightening off a portion of the pupil body. Despite having to deal with this difficulty, her period as Headmistress was one of consolidation and development. Miss Baker encouraged Miss Rose Gosling, a teacher who joined the School under Miss Tothill, to further her education overseas. As a result, Miss Gosling was qualified to take over as Headmistress after Miss Baker. And she became one of the most loved and revered Headmistresses in the School's history. Her tenure, which lasted from 1906 to 1934, was marked by the maintenance of a high academic standard, but she is particularly remembered for the emphasis she placed on correctness of dress, and her own impeccably ladylike behaviour.

Just as Miss Baker had encouraged Miss Gosling to go abroad, she too arranged for her successor, Miss Marjorie Hallett, to further her education overseas.

Miss Hallett was one of the School's most academic Headmistresses, and her influence was felt as soon as she took the job. Examination results immediately improved and college and university entrance became increasingly common for the girls. Miss Hallett was a perpetual student, never missing an opportunity to learn more, particularly about educational techniques. Her work in this area was recognised by Mount Allison University, who awarded her a doctorate in 1949. Later, she was presented with the OBE by the Queen in recognition of her service to education. While Miss Gosling and Dr. Hallett are the School's longest serving Headmistresses, Mrs. Frances Zuill was one of the most loved members of staff. An old girl of the School, she had taught there since 1927. She was appointed second head in 1954. And her appointment as Headmistress in 1965 -- although just two years long -- is a highlight in BHS history. While tradition and stability are important characteristics for a school, it is also important to look ahead and ensure that pupils are being well prepared for the future. At BHS, that is a tradition all the Headmistresses -- and Headmasters -- have upheld. This has ensured that the girls who have gone on from the School have always been well equipped for their future. PHOTO BHS HEADS -- The Headmistresses and Headmasters of The Bermuda High School between 1894 and 1978.

EARLY DAYS -- Bermuda High School students pictured attending a lesson in the early 1900s.