Grant received for a brand new eight classroom teaching block

Currently, the historic building of Lady’s Close serves as the home of our English department. While it holds significant historical value for the school, the increase in student numbers since 2018 means that most of its rooms no longer meet the requirements the school needs for teaching. As a result, English classes are now held in classrooms originally designated for other subjects.

The new teaching block will provide modern, sustainable, purpose‑built classrooms, easing timetable pressures and creating an inspiring learning environment for all students.

The Department for Education grant, supported by the Women of Vision Trust, will fund construction. However, it does not cover the essential internal fixtures and fittings needed to make the building usable. Without support from the WGGS community, the space will remain empty. Your contribution will help turn this vital project into a fully functioning home for outstanding teaching.

Take a virtual tour of the new English block
Lucinda Hawksley ‘breaks ground’ for the new English block

Grace Fergie House

Traditionally buildings have been named after former Headteachers. Going back in chronological order the next Headmistress is Miss Grace Fergie.

Miss Fergie was Headmistress from 1913 to 1938, she saw the expansion of the school from 300 to over 700 pupils, acquiring land around Lady’s Close to facilitate the expansion.

A graduate of Edinburgh University she developed the teaching of science, built up the ability and qualifications of teachers and expanded the library. She also lived in a flat in Lady’s Close and once challenged, what she thought were intruders at 2am, that turned out to be employees of the Gas and Electricity Company.

How you can support the project:

  • Fundraising

    Sponsored events, challenges, entrepreneur stalls – every penny counts! Find out how you can support our fundraising effort here.

  • New building wish list

    • Classroom tables – c.£9,000
    • Student chairs – c.£5,500
    • Teacher desks and chairs – c.£3,000
    • Learning wall for storage and displays – c.£3,500 each
    • Notice boards – c.£5,000
    • Flooring materials:
      • Classrooms and Corridors – c.£30,000
      • Stair cases – c.£6,000
      • Entrance – c.£1,000
    • ICT equipment servers – c.£6,500
    • Security system (CCTV) – c.£4,500
    • Block paving for paths – c.£55,000
    • Outside seating – c.£2,000

  • Sponsorship

    Calling all local business that serve many of the Watford Girls families, we would like to invite your company to work with the school and take advantage of any publicity or public relations opportunities that may arise during the building process and beyond. We have devised a corporate fundraising package with various elements that we would love to discuss:

    Options for support:

    VIP partnership – Supports the entire project for brand exposure at events and on-site, sponsorship starting from £10,000.

    Key partnership – Provides classroom fixtures for brand exposure in the school, sponsorship starting from £5,000.

    Community partnership – Supports purchasing items for the new building and outdoor spaces for brand exposure in communications, starting from £1,000 for a minimum of one year.

    In return for your support, the school may offer PR packages to enhance your philanthropic responsibility to the local community.

    For more information, please reach out to Ann Saffery at a.saffery@watfordgirls.herts.sch.uk.

    On behalf of the WGGS community, we sincerely thank you for considering this request.

  • Donations

    Regular contributions will enable this project and future investments for the school. Become a regular donor to the school: thewomenofvisiontrust.org/fundraising/donation