A Journey to Frensham Village, Surrey, UK
Alice Fergusson, Year 11
Frensham was established in 1913 by the visionary educator Winifred Mary West. Our school is named after Frensham, a small village in Surrey, England, where Miss West grew up. During the holidays, I had the privilege of visiting the original Frensham to learn more about Winifred West’s early life and the influences that shaped her vision for our school.
Frensham Village: An Early Love of Learning
Winifred West was born on December 21st, 1881, in Frensham, Surrey. This quaint village, with its picturesque homes and serene countryside, was the backdrop of her formative years. Her father, Charles William West, played a significant role in her early education, serving as the headmaster of the local village school. This school, now known as St Mary’s (Church of England aided) Infant School, was previously Frensham Village School. It is here that a young Winifred began her academic journey under the guidance of her father, who remains the longest-serving headmaster of the school.
Sadly, Charles William West passed away, prompting Winifred’s mother to move from the schoolhouse (pictured below) to the nearby village of Farnham, where she continued to raise her children.
Queen Anne’s School, Caversham: A Boarding Experience
With her mother’s encouragement, Winifred pursued further education by applying for a scholarship to Queen Anne’s School in Caversham, Berkshire. Successfully obtaining the scholarship, she boarded at the school for six years, from 1894 to 1900. Queen Anne’s School (approximately a 27-mile horse and cart journey from Frensham) marked a pivotal period in Winifred’s education. The school motto, ‘Kind Hearts, Fierce Minds, Strong Spirits’, seemed to embody Miss West throughout her life. Even after leaving boarding school, she continued to be involved with Queen Anne’s. A poster she made for a school play while she was at university is documented in ‘The Scarlet Runners: A Social History of Queen Anne’s’ and was kindly given to me by the school. It has since been donated to the Esther Tuckey Library, where it is currently on display.
Newnham College, Cambridge University: Breaking Barriers
Winifred West’s academic ambitions led her to Newnham College, Cambridge, a significant milestone in her journey. Founded in 1871 as a women’s college, Newnham represented a beacon of hope for women seeking higher education in an era when universities largely excluded them. Winifred’s time at Newnham not only broadened her academic horizons but also solidified her commitment to advancing education for women, a cause that would later define her career.
Frensham, Mittagong: A Vision Realised
Inspired by her experiences and education, Winifred West founded Frensham School in Mittagong in 1913. Her vision was to create a nurturing environment that fostered academic excellence and personal growth, drawing on the principles and values she had absorbed throughout her life. Winifred retired in 1938 but continued her educational legacy by opening Sturt in the grounds of Frensham in 1941, further cementing her influence on education in Australia.
Although Miss West passed away in 1971, her legacy lives on through Frensham School and the generations of students who have benefited from her vision. My visit to Frensham village in Surrey was not just a step back in time but also a reminder of the enduring impact that one person’s passion and dedication can have on the lives of many.
Bridging the Past and Present
My journey to Winifred West’s birthplace, Frensham, has deepened my appreciation for the history and values that underpin our school. By visiting the places that shaped Winifred’s early years, I have gained a greater understanding of her vision and commitment to education. It’s remarkable to think that a small village in Surrey, England, could profoundly influence the founding of our school in Mittagong, Australia. As we walk through the halls of Frensham today, we are walking in the footsteps of a legacy that spans continents and generations.