Former Head Pupils Inspire at the 2026 Harrogate Ladies’ College Speech Day
Head Pupils from the past 40 years reflected on their experiences and highlighted the exciting opportunities ahead at the 2026 Harrogate Ladies’ College Speech Day, the school’s last before becoming Duchy College in September.
Former Head Prefects Sarah Thompson, Lucy Thompson and Heather Gagen reflected on their experiences and looked to the future at the 2026 Harrogate Ladies’ College Speech Day
Lucy Thompson (Head Prefect in 2023), Heather Gagen (2000) and Sarah Thompson (1984) provided candid and thoughtful reflections on their time at Harrogate Ladies’ College, before looking forward to the school’s new era as Duchy College.
It is such a privilege to be back here today, speaking at a moment that feels so important in the school’s history.
I do not think the success of a school is determined by whether it is all girls or co-educational. What matters is whether it holds onto its values. This school never just produces high-achieving pupils, it produces decent people. Hardworking people. People who know how to support one another. People who understand community.
2023 Head Prefect, Lucy Thomas
L-R: 2026 Head Prefect, Josephine Williams, former Head Prefects Sarah Thompson, Lucy Thompson and Heather Gagen, Principal, Joanna Fox and 2026 Head Prefect, Anya Soranaraksopon
Speech Day also featured a review of the year by pupils and speeches from the outgoing 2025/26 prefect group.
I have gained more than I thought possible from my time at Harrogate Ladies’ College. Everyone is free to be themselves and celebrated for who they are. Being yourself is what allows this special and unique community to thrive.
Lower School Prefect, Jemima Crebbin.
Lower School Prefect, Jemima Crebbin
Principal, Mrs Joanna Fox, reflected on the outgoing Upper Sixth class and their wonderful contributions to the school.
Although you will soon be leaving us to start your next chapter, we hope you take with you a sense of belonging and know you are still part of our extraordinary family. I hope all our leavers have benefitted from their time here at Harrogate Ladies’ College. That you have learned to value authenticity and our ethos, and that these have helped to form the foundations of who you are.
Principal, Joanna Fox
Principal, Joanna Fox, addresses the crowd about the school’s next chapter as Duchy College, Harrogate
From September 2026, Harrogate Ladies’ College will operate under the new name of Duchy College. At the same time, the school will begin the phased and sensitive extension of their co-ed provision from Prep School into Senior School.
We now look to the future we are building as one of possibility. New facilities, new programmes, all designed to ensure every pupil, girl or boy, is equipped to flourish in a world that is changing faster than ever. As we prepare for change, we honour the courage of those who came before us – those who believed education could transform live, and who built a school that has done exactly that. We also honour the values of our school, which will endure as we become Duchy College.
Principal, Joanna Fox