As one of the first Head Girls to emerge out of the newly co-ed Hymers, I was keen to gain the equal acknowledgment of our role in the school whilst also being offered the same opportunities as the boys. This was not always easy in a school that was used to dealing solely with the needs of boys. It must have been extremely challenging for the school and teaching staff to suddenly have to cope with the monthly combined onslaught of hormonal females and teenage boys.

Mrs Chorlton was Head of Girls and was, in effect, championing our place in the school. I remember at Speech Day, myself and Head Boy, Amitava Banerjee (OH 1986-96), were determined to hit the right tone and with the help of Mr Neil King, were frantically rewriting our speech as we walked up to the podium.

At the time, the 1st XV Rugby were due to go on a rugby tour but as far as I was aware, no such tour was being organised for the girls. As part of our speech, I asked Headmaster Mr Morris directly (who was sat next to us on the stage) if a tour for the girls was being planned. This was met with rather a stony silence because I'd put him in the spot in front of all the staff, students and their families.

Needless to say I don't think I got my answer but we carried on regardless. As we left the stage, I remember seeing Fitzy and Billy Exley roll their eyes at me. I then walked past Mrs Chorlton who gave me a wry smile and a wink. This was all I needed. We had been heard.

Su Harper-Clarke, OH 1991-96