Students Lauren and Kinitoke sat down with Helen, a former NLCS student, to explore her experiences and memories of life at the school. From overcoming initial challenges to her advice for today’s generation, Helen’s story is a bridge between the past and present.
Every week, our Sixth Form students visit a local care home in Edgware, building strong relationships with the residents over the years. During their visit last term, they had the pleasure of meeting Helen, a resident at the home and an ONL. The girls enjoyed their chats with Helen so much that they wanted to share her memories and advice with the whole school community. Lauren and Kinitoke took on the role of student reporters and sat down with Helen to learn more about her time at NLCS.
You can read their interview with Helen below:
When did you attend NLCS?
I attended the Sixth Form at NLCS just after the War. The headteacher at the time was Kitty Anderson. She wasn’t a Dame when I was a student.
What are your memories of the grounds at Canons?
Every morning I walked up Canons Drive. I got the bus from Hendon that dropped me right at the bottom. It was a lovely and peaceful walk in the summer months, however whenever I recall it now it is always raining. Walking up to the gate of the school for the first time was a very overwhelming feeling. It was a memorable part of school day.
What was your experience like as a student at NLCS?
When I first arrived I had a preconception that it was going to be very snobby, this is because I had joined as a Sixth Form student and had spent my time beforehand at what you would call state schools these days. After a few days I got to understand the way of working and the culture and I liked it enormously. The school allowed me to be more open minded and I became very appreciative of what the school was doing.
What were some of your memorable classes or teachers from your time at NLCS?
I loved my French teacher’s love of their language. It allowed me to study French to a very high level. I think her name was Ms Sharpe! Her lessons are what allowed me to become fluent in French which was very handy when I moved to France for work. All my teachers were highly intellectual and curious.
How did students interact with one another?
Hockey seemed to be the thing that most people bonded over. They were constantly playing hockey! I personally tried to avoid any sporting activities but overall you did feel a great sense of community.
What advice would you give an NLCS girl in 2025?
Make the most of it and all the opportunities it brings!
A humorous point that Helen made was that she was shocked that NLCS Sixth Formers no longer wear uniform. She made a comment that they could never get away with that in her day but it was something they all longed to get rid of!
