We managed to grab a quick “Q and A” with our new Registrar, Andrea Milner. (She hadn’t been here five minutes and already we were bombarding her with questions…) Here’s what she had to say:
Where were you working before joining Cobham Hall?
I was working at CATS College Canterbury, which is an International Sixth Form boarding college.
What has been your first impression of Cobham’s girls and staff?
The staff and students at Cobham Hall have been very welcoming and there is a lovely friendly atmosphere.
What do you hope to bring to Cobham Hall?
I am a positive person who is friendly and professional. I enjoy meeting new people and being part of a community.
I’m looking forward to welcoming prospective students and parents and developing relationships with local schools and agents helping to show what Cobham Hall has to offer.
What were your first few days like?
Very busy with lots to learn and remember.
What are the issues facing independent schools today in terms of recruitment?
Recruitment in independent schools has to take place all year round, welcoming visitors 12 months of the year. As competition can be fierce – and often confusing, with the introduction of free schools as well as those that are privately funded – it is important that future students and their families are aware of the things that we do well and what makes us unique.
In this financial climate parents want to know the investment they are making in their daughter’s education ensures that she is being placed in the best possible school to suit her and all of her needs.
What are the benefits of choosing an independent education for your child?
Independent schools offer a personalised approach and diverse experience in learning and parents can choose a school which has the right philosophy to suit them and their child. A wide range of curricular and extracurricular activities enhance the relationships between staff and pupils, helping the individual develop their skills and abilities, educating the whole person and preparing them for the global community.
And a fond farewell…
A fond farewell and heart-felt thanks go out to previous Registrar Sally Ferrers who joined the school’s staff in 1976.
“At the end of last term Mrs Ferrers left Cobham Hall to go and take up a less demanding (she hopes!) role in a business run by her daughter and son-in-law. She has loyally served the school for the best part of four decades, quite a wonderful achievement, and such length of service is increasingly rare in any field. She deserves enormous thanks for all she has done for us. We wish her all the very best, she thoroughly deserves it. I am confident she will still be keeping an eye on our progress through her membership of the Elders!”
Headmaster Mr Mitchell, on behalf of Cobham Hall and all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with Sally during her time at the school.