Meet the Boarding Staff: Ms Diana Lambert, new Houseparent of Sedgwick
Westonbirt School will soon be opening Sedgwick House, its new junior boarding house for pupils from Years 6-8; and we are delighted to introduce its new Houseparent, Ms Diana Lambert.
Diana has a wealth of educational experience, both in teaching and pastoral care. Originally an English teacher for pupils across Year 7 to 13, she has taught in schools across the UK and in Indonesia, culminating in seven years as Head of English at Gordonstoun. She started as an assistant houseparent in her 20s and ran two boarding houses, then became Head of Sixth Form and finally Deputy Head (Pastoral) at Gordonstoun for five years. Although she retired from teaching in 2021, she continued work as the Deputy Director of The Gordonstoun International Summer School, which involved working with students from many different countries.
Originally born in Gloucestershire, and with two children both finishing university this year, she has returned to her roots, and to the role of Houseparent at Holford, our Year 13 boarding house. From September 2024, she moves to the new role at Sedgwick.
Her intention is to create a homely atmosphere for the children in her care and one where they feel safe, settled and happy. She says:
“We are in effect offering the children ‘a home from home’ here at Westonbirt, somewhere they feel supported in all practical ways but particularly emotionally, especially those boarding on a full basis.
I intend to create a house structure that will work with pupils from both schools and across both timetables. Even within the age groups, the children’s needs are very different. I plan to provide an evening routine for them that will allow them a good meal; time for fun; time to relax after the day’s activities; and help with homework, where needed. There will be consistency over things like the use of electronic devices, and bedtimes, and above all, I will ensure that they get a good night’s sleep!”
With its high ceilings and spacious rooms, Sedgwick offers accommodation that is both cosy, light and airy. Girls will board on the first floor and boys on the bottom, in brightly coloured bedrooms with feature walls. Bathrooms placed in pods of three give the children lots of privacy within these spaces. Sedgwick is also positioned right opposite the Sports Centre, so access to that will feature quite heavily in the boarders’ leisure and weekend activities. Pupils will also be able to tap into some of the existing boarding activities:
“There will be a clear programme of fun in terms of activities they can access, with things popular with this age group on offer, like sports, board games and arts and crafts. Sedgewick has a lovely garden, so we can run barbecues as well as friendly competitions and tournaments.”
Diana is also a big fan of sports and the outdoors, having set up and run expeditions both in the UK and abroad and with the Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme. She also has a Lowland Leader qualification, ideal for taking youngsters out on long walks and rambles.
“We know from experience that as well as creating routine and structure, boarding creates friendship and bonds that last a lifetime. This will be the first taste of boarding for our younger pupils and I am delighted to be a part of that.”