Founding & Early Years
St. Helen’s College was founded in 1924 as a private school for girls aged 4 to 16. The original school building at 281 Long Lane was bombed during World War II, and Mrs. Hempstead, who by this time had succeeded the founding Heads, moved the school to 223 Long Lane where lessons continued during the war years.
The school moved to its present site in Parkway in 1948 and then began to admit boys and restricted the age of pupils to 11. Following her retirement, Mrs. Hempstead followed the progress of the school with interest until her death, at the grand age of 103, in 2010.
Mrs. Evans took over as Headmistress in 1970 and was succeeded by Mr. and Mrs. Crehan in 1987. Mrs. Crehan is the daughter of Mrs. Evans, so the change of Head saw the school stay within the family. In 2016, Mr. and Mrs. Crehan moved into new roles as Principals/Governors and a new Head, Ms Drummond, was appointed. In 2019, the Governing Body was expanded to include Mr. Daniel Crehan and Mr. Joseph Crehan, two of Mr. and Mrs. Crehan’s children.
Forfar Education, a New Legacy
In 2024, at the end of the school’s centenary year, Mr. and Mrs. Crehan chose to transfer the ownership of the school to Forfar Education to secure the legacy of St. Helen’s College. The current Head, Ms. Sophie Green was appointed in 2025.
The Lower School & Nursery
The Lower School was established in Long Lane in 1999, and the Upper School facilities have been developed gradually over the last ten years. Ducklings nursery, a setting for 2-3 year olds, was established in January 2017.
There are now approximately 350 pupils at the school.
Old Helenians
Lasting friendships flourish at St. Helen’s College and ex-pupils and their families retain strong links with each other and with the school. Each year, many Old Helenians return to school to support events such as Sports Day, the Summer Fete and the Year 6 musical at the Compass Theatre. Many have enrolled their own children to St. Helen’s College and links with some families stretch back over decades. Once a member of the St. Helen’s College family, always a member!
Educational Visits, Speeches and Workshops
If you work in an interesting field and would like to visit us to inspire the current children of the school, we would be delighted to hear from you. Authors, doctors, dentists, lawyers, politicians, film-makers, research scientists, entrepreneurs…all are welcome! You could visit to speak informally at an assembly, to run workshops for groups of children (for example on our annual STEAM Day), or to be a Guest of Honour at one of our special events. Please contact admin@sthelenscollege.com if you would like to be involved with us in this way.
Legacy Giving
We welcome gifts, large or small, through donations or bequests from ex-pupils, ex-parents, ex-staff and members of the local or global community.
If you would like to speak with us further about making a donation or bequest, please contact finance@sthelenscollege.com.
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