We are incredibly proud to celebrate 150 years since the founding of Oxford High School, established in 1875 under the headship of Ada Benson. From humble beginnings with fees of nine guineas a term, Oxford High has been a place of limitless learning, empowered girls and harnessed rebellion, shaping generations of confident, ambitious young women.
To mark this milestone in school, we enjoyed a spectacular 150th birthday cake and celebrated ‘1875 Day,’ where staff and students dressed in outfits inspired by the Victorian era, bringing history to life in a fun and immersive way.
A Gala Concert: Honouring Women in Music
Written by students in year 11.
On Sunday 16th November, Oxford High School held an unforgettable 150th anniversary gala concert at the Sheldonian Theatre, celebrating the achievements of women in music. The event featured current students, alumnae, and Prep school pupils, filling the theatre with an audience eager to witness a celebration of female composers and music empowering women.
The concert opened with Schola Cantorum performing O virtus Sapientiae, a haunting plainchant by 12th-century composer Hildegard of Bingen. This was followed by the world premiere of ‘Futures’, a choir and orchestra piece commissioned by renowned choral composer Bob Chilcott, with a libretto by Year 11 student Lisa Buse and alumna Maria Oancea. The piece explored OHS girls’ vision for a future celebrating women’s achievements.
Special guest Anna Lapwood MBE, OHS alumna and organist of the Royal Albert Hall, performed her piece An Irish Blessing alongside the Prep School Chamber Choir, Senior School choirs, and alumnae. Anna described the event as “extremely special,” and students were thrilled to meet such a musical pioneer inspiring women worldwide.
The concert continued with Senior Orchestra performing ‘the wife; the Woman’ by alumna Georgie West, highlighting the historical challenges faced by composer Alma Mahler. The second half included works by suffragette composer Ethel Smyth, performed by Alumna and Senior Choirs, and pieces by Leonora d’Este, Lili Boulanger, and alumna Susannah Foster, showcasing women composers past and present.
The evening ended with a triumphant performance of Smyth’s The Wreckers by Senior Orchestra and a joyous rendition of Happy Birthday led by Dr Foster, celebrating OHS’s enduring legacy.
A Time Capsule for the Future
As part of the anniversary celebrations, students across all houses, led by House Captains, carefully selected items representing school life in 2025 to place in a time capsule. These included video messages, photo collages, school uniform, newspapers, letters to the future and some secret items, set to be revealed in 25 years. This exciting initiative was created by Ms Nebesnuick, Assistant Head Co-curriculum.
The capsule’s burial was a true community event. Mrs Gardiner Legge placed the first soil, dedicating it to “the Oxford High School community of the future.” House Prefects, teachers, Heads of Houses, Ms Nebesnuick and a representative from the support staff all contributed soil, with Mr Irvine completing the burial. Today, the site is marked with a beautiful commemorative plaque, ensuring its significance is remembered for decades to come.
Honouring 150 Years of Inspiration
This 150th anniversary celebration is a remarkable opportunity to connect past, present and future generations of Oxford High School. We extend our heartfelt thanks to those whose hard work made these celebrations truly unforgettable. These milestones reaffirm why Oxford High School remains a beacon of inspiration, ambition and community for generations of girls and women.
The 150th year is far from over! Later this academic year, we look forward to welcoming our alumnae for the Big Reunion on Saturday 9th May 2026, a celebration of OHS connections and community across the decades. Alongside this, we are inviting the OHS community to support our ‘150 for 150’ bursary appeal, which provides a talented girl the opportunity to attend Oxford High School regardless of her family circumstances. By pledging just £12.50 a month (a total of £150 over a year), you can help transform lives and ensure that OHS continues to empower girls for the next 150 years.
