A Fond Farewell: Westonbirt Celebrates Mrs Dangerfield’s 13 Years of Leadership 

11th December 2025

Westonbirt came together today for Mrs Dangerfield’s final assembly to celebrate and thank a headmistress who has led the school with dedication and warmth for the past thirteen years. The occasion captured the spirit of the community she has led, weaving together humour and genuine affection from pupils and staff alike. 

The assembly began with a tribute from those who know Mrs Dangerfield’s influence best: our Sixth Formers and members of Study One. Having spent their entire educational journey under her leadership, they presented a nativity film and song that they had written, performed, and directed themselves. 

A theme emerged throughout the assembly around Mrs Dangerfield’s presence and support across each aspect of school life. Pupils from every key stage took to the stage to share reflections on the ways Mrs Dangerfield has supported them, both in and beyond the classroom. Whether it was on the side of a sports field or seated in an audience, she has been a constant and encouraging presence. As one student put it, ‘She’s always there on the side-lines, cheering us on come rain or shine.’ 

Among the speakers were Amelia and Edie, Westonbirt’s longest-serving pupils, who have each spent fifteen years at the school and have outlasted even Mrs Dangerfield’s tenure. They shared some of their earliest memories of her, including Amelia’s recollection from Year 1 of climbing onto Mrs Dangerfield’s lap during assembly and staying there for the remainder, and Edie’s memory from Reception of a snowstorm, spent enjoying hot chocolates by the fire. They went on to speak about the influence she has had on their personal development and how her guidance has helped shape who they are today. 

Laughter filled the hall as the stage was suddenly taken over by Mr Nash and Mrs Bradbury, dressed in costumes from the school’s recent production of Beauty and the Beast. This led into an unexpected flash mob performance of ‘One Day More’ from Les Misérables, with the whole school eventually joining in and the lyrics of the song ringing true. 

Following the presentation of gifts, the assembly honoured a Westonbirt tradition with the unveiling of Mrs Dangerfield’s official portrait, which will be hung alongside those of previous Heads. As Mr Nash noted, ‘I am sure that through the portrait, Mrs Dangerfield will always retain a watchful eye over Westonbirt.’ 

In her closing words, Mrs Dangerfield emphasised what she believes sits at the heart of Westonbirt: ‘Community is the most important aspect, it truly threads everyone together, in and out of the classroom’ she shared. These words encapsulate the ethos championed throughout her thirteen years, creating a school where every individual feels valued and supported. 

Mrs Dangerfield departed through a lacrosse guard of honour, a fitting farewell for the England Lacrosse President and a headmistress whose love for sport has been felt across the school.  

Thank you, Mrs Dangerfield, for the support and kindness you have given the Westonbirt community. Your legacy will be felt for many years to come.