On Thursday 16 May, we were proud to host a special event marking the official opening and naming of our newly redeveloped Learning Resource Centre. We were delighted to welcome Lady Egan and her daughter Katy – along with governors past and present, Foundation colleagues, alumni, parents, students and friends of the school – for what was a truly memorable occasion.
The ceremony, led by Dr Howling, was an opportunity to reflect on Kingsley’s proud 140-year history and to celebrate a transformational addition to our academic environment. In her address, Dr Howling spoke of the school’s enduring values – including excellence, kindness, opportunity and community and how these are reflected in the design and purpose of the new Learning Resource Centre. “It is not just a new room,” she remarked. “It’s a space where students can explore ideas, pursue knowledge and begin to form the questions that will shape their futures. Today’s opening is about more than bricks and bookshelves – it’s about what we believe education should be: transformational.”
The ceremony also included a speech from newly appointed Head Student Millie, who offered a thoughtful student perspective on the impact of the new facility. Once a quiet and underutilised area, the Learning Resource Centre has become a vibrant hub of academic life, supporting independent study, collaborative learning and reading for pleasure. “It’s now a place that encourages curiosity, creativity and collaboration,” Millie said. “We see it not just as a library, but as a space that belongs to all of us – a place where we can learn, explore and grow together.”
The highlight of the afternoon was the formal naming of the space in honour of Lady Egan, an alumna and a long-standing supporter of Kingsley. In her address, Lady Egan spoke movingly of her own educational journey, having received a scholarship to attend Kingsley – a gift which, she said, changed the course of her life. She reflected on the lifelong love of learning instilled in her during her time at the school, and her ongoing study of languages, music and crafts. Now in a position to give back, Lady Egan generously supports Kingsley bursaries, ensuring that more young people can benefit from the same opportunities she received. “I will always be grateful for the gift of a Kingsley education,” she said. “It opened doors for me, not just academically, but in how I saw myself and the world. I’m proud to support that same opportunity for others.”
In recognition of her long-standing connection to Kingsley and her generous support, the Learning Resource Centre will now proudly bear Lady Egan’s name. The Lady Egan Learning Resource Centre stands as a symbol of Kingsley’s commitment to academic excellence, opportunity and the power of education to change lives. We look forward to seeing generations of students thrive in this inspiring new space, and to the legacy of Lady Egan continuing to shape young lives for years to come.
