Alumni Profiles

Student

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  Chloe Francis

  2001 - 2008

  During my time at DHSG, I remember a school full of like-minded students and encouraging teachers; plenty of after-school activities and clubs, and sporting excellence.  I took advantage of the Specialist Language College status – an exchange to Hannover in Germany and visits to the European Parliament in Strasbourg were highlights.

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  Laura Molway

  2003 - 2005

  When I think of DHSG, I remember feeling overwhelmed and bewildered when I first arrived at the DSHG sixth form – it was a lot bigger than my previous school and everyone seemed very grown up! People were friendly though and went out of their way to settle me in. I made some incredible friends and I was inspired by my teachers. I remember the embarrassment of life drawing in the art room and having a brilliant time on a school trip to the Minack theatre. The Gregory team made English lessons the highlight of my week and Mrs Wiltshire (“Frau”) gave me the tools and self-belief to pursue a career in Modern Languages teaching.

• Hannah McCausland

  1991 - 1998

  It was an adventure! Being at a school in the middle of Plymouth compared to my local village primary school was exciting to be closer to the city. I also remember what it felt like at the beginning – both teachers and students were proud to be part of a school with such a long reputation for success.  No doubt about it though, expectations were high and competition was quite fierce for achieving a lot as a student both within the curriculum but also in extra-curricular activities. 

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  Nicola Howson (nee Jonas)

  1991 - 1998

  I loved being at DHSG. I came from a cornish primary school as the only pupil and knew no-one, but found it very easy to settle in, with staff and other students alike very welcoming and friendly. The ethos of the school is very supportive, progressive and encouraged me as an individual to achieve my potential. I am in touch with several of my peers- with two of them being bridesmaids when I got married in 2007. I have always felt proud to have been a pupil there.

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  Hayley Evers-King

  1998 - 2005

  I have many fond memories of my time at DHSG. In particular I remember the strong school spirit and pride instilled in all of us as part of the school community. DHSG cultivated the interest in science that has driven my career. My science, technology and geography teachers, and the opportunities provided whilst at DHSG, were a big influence on my decision to become a research scientist. In particular I remember being involved in an engineering programme with the Royal Navy and the University of Bath, and a really fun physics competition; which introduced me to science in the real world and gave me confidence to pursue a career in these fields.

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  Sue Priest (nee Davidson)

  1977-1984

  DHSG was the making of me.  I had come from a school where only 5 girls passed the 11 plus and I was the only one who had been accepted into the school, so didn’t know anyone in my year when I started.  I loved the school – the subjects were so much more interesting and densely packed than I was used to. It was wonderful to be stretched intellectually, and with girls of a similar ability. 

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  Kat Savage

  1991 - 1998

  DHSG was a crucial character building time in my life. I was always a very charismatic girl with a deep love for the arts. This was always encouraged by my teachers at the time and I ended up doing many drama exams, plays and performances for the school. I also had a philosophical mind, more interested in the school library than any particular club. I got very attached to some of my teachers,

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  Emmi Bowles

  2007 - 2012

  Joining DHSG was a massive change for me coming from a small town in Cornwall. I’d always loved school and learning so to be in a place where everyone wanted to learn was great.

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  Natalia Rye Carriegas

  2007-2014

  I look back to my time at DHSG with very fond memories. Thinking about what I most enjoyed about my time at school, I feel obliged to mention the wide range of extra-curricular activities and opportunities offered to me: more than any other, the trip that stands out most in terms of its long-lasting impact is the Italian Exchange in 2010-11.

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  Laura Grace Knapper

  2013 - 2017

  I moved to the DHSG from an independent mixed school when I was 13. When I moved I met many fearless girls with completely different backgrounds and opinions. I learnt tremendous amounts from them and all the teachers. It shaped me into a far more open-minded and calmer person than I once was. This has been a very important characteristic in university and helped me adjust almost immediately.