Journalist and television presenter Dame Esther Rantzen DBE paid tribute to the fundraising efforts of our Junior School girls who have raised an impressive £6500 for the children’s charity, the NSPCC.

On a visit to the school on 24 May 2018, the ChildLine Founder and NSPCC Trustee congratulated the girls for their efforts which included a series of fundraising activities across the school including a sponsored Maths coding challenge. 

As well as thanking the girls, Esther spoke about her own personal experiences over the last 50 years in TV show business. Reflecting on her success in a male dominated industry, she wholeheartedly encouraged the girls to not be afraid to fail and that their resilience and perseverance to succeed would pay dividends. 

Dame Esther Rantzen DBE said: “Going to an all-girls school was the foundation for my drive and enabled me to become a strong female lead at a time when the TV industry was very male dominated. Is an all-girls school relevant to my success? Yes! My Head teacher was an inspiration, she said it doesn’t matter if women haven’t had certain jobs so far, they can do it.” 

Mrs Sarah Skevington, Head of Blackheath High Junior School, said: “I am very proud of the fundraising efforts of our girls. The children have been learning about the vital work that the NSPCC carries out across the country to help children who are in trouble and were immediately keen to do their part. They have been fundraising tirelessly for the NSPCC and the staggering amount raised is testament to their hard work and perseverance. I could not be prouder - well done girls!”