Over the last century and a half, students leaving OHS have gone on to thrive in the fields of music, film, theatre, TV, fine art, academia, arts & crafts and cookery. Household names such as Maggie Smith, Mel Giedroyc, Miriam Margolyes and Emma Bridgewater share a common bond with luminaries such as poet Elizabeth Jennings, playwright Nina Raine, cookery writer Fuchsia Dunlop, artist Amy Isles Freeman, classicist Emma Wilson and Bafta Chair Dame Pippa Harris.
The reason they thrived during their time here is the same reason our students thrive today: because we give them the support and encouragement to believe anything is possible.
Girls at OHS develop a lifelong love of the arts through study, performance and practice, by meeting inspirational figures such as Sir Ian McKellen, and through the freedom they enjoy to try out new things. That might mean producing your own dramatic adaptation of a beloved novel, taking up the oboe, joining an a cappella group, performing in the school musical or getting behind the lighting desk and mastering your production skills.
Budding dramatists have the opportunity to act in large ensemble pieces or intimate studio productions, potentially in conjunction with the National Theatre Live project, which pairs student companies with living playwrights in an adaptation of their work. Musicians are encouraged to perform in major concerts at historic venues such as Oxford Town Hall and the Sheldonian Theatre. Artists have the opportunity to showcase their work in end-of-year shows and get their work mentored by alumnae such as Amy Isles Freeman.
The only question, then, is where will your passion take you?
