Portsmouth High School, GDST, Celebrates Girls Like You: Inspiring Journeys for International Women’s Day
Portsmouth High School, GDST, marked International Women’s Day by welcoming back a group of alumnae whose varied paths and honest reflections inspired pupils during National Careers Week as part of the school’s Girls Like You series. Each former pupil spoke warmly about the twists and turns in their journey, reminding students that ambition is rarely linear and that the qualities nurtured at PHS — curiosity, resilience and confidence — stay with them long after they leave.
The week began with Hannah Lushey, who now works in the gas network industry. Unsure of her direction when she left school, she followed her interests in STEM and the humanities, eventually moving into construction before joining SGN’s graduate scheme, where she is currently the only woman. Hannah spoke candidly about the importance of empathy, communication and the courage to stand out, explaining how diversity of thought has become one of her strongest assets.
Professional sailor and British Sailing Team athlete Matilda Nicholls brought energy and enthusiasm as she described her journey from school sailing sessions to competing internationally and preparing for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. She credited PHS with instilling the self-belief that underpins her sporting career, reminding pupils that setbacks are simply stepping stones and that failure is not a verdict, but feedback.
Midweek, pupils heard from Nia Ahmed, now working in healthcare, who shared how her path unfolded only after she made the difficult decision to leave a degree that didn’t feel right. Redirecting her studies toward pharmacy led to new opportunities, including work in both hospital and GP practice settings. Nia urged students to embrace uncertainty, try new things and keep asking questions, emphasising that growth often begins in moments of discomfort.
Later in the week, alumna Charlie Smithspoke about discovering her passion for languages after initially following a more conventional science route. A gap year working in France showed her where her interests truly lay, leading to language studies at university and eventually to a specialist role in airspace simulation — a niche field with only a small number of experts nationwide. Charlie encouraged pupils to take responsibility for their own choices, be open to opportunities and trust that an unconventional path can lead to fulfilling work.
The week concluded with Nancy Fenton, a former Head Girl who is now working in real estate. She reflected on the strong foundations the school gave her and described how she shifted from early ambitions in politics to discovering a passion for property. After changing course, taking a gap year and finding the right degree, Nancy built a career she truly enjoys. She reminded pupils that their journeys will not always be clear at the outset, but that understanding themselves and being bold will guide the way — and that Portsmouth High School and the GDST will always be there to support them.
Together, these stories created a powerful celebration of PHS women past and present. As the school marked International Women’s Day, the alumnae reminded pupils that there is no single path to success, and that the skills and confidence gained at Portsmouth High School can carry them through whatever challenges or opportunities lie ahead.