Above: Kate Edwards, Admissions Officer at Dame Allan’s, is retiring from the Schools after seven years 

After seven years at Dame Allan’s Schools, Admissions Officer Kate Edwards is leaving to embrace a retirement full of adventure. 

“My last ‘official’ day was actually seven years exactly to the day that I joined the Schools!” laughed Kate. “It has been so remarkably fast, I’ll really miss spending time here, I have a lot of joyful memories.”

To many parents, Kate is known as the friendly first voice that they spoke to when they first called to enquire about their child joining the Schools.

Others may have met her at an Open Morning or New Parent Event, welcoming parents and curious children at the main doors, answering queries about uniform or co-curriculars, and generally offering a safe pair of hands during the admissions process.

“I started at Dame Allan’s in 2018, and at the time I wore ‘three hats’: I worked in the main office, in HR, and in admissions.” recalled Kate. “I soon realised that admissions was my true calling and I went to join Rebecca [Miller, Head of Admissions] – the rest is history.”

During her time at Dame Allan’s, Kate has seen many changes, including the change of Principals from Dr Hind to Mr Scott, the developments of the Jubilee Building and the Queen’s Building, the changing roles of the department heads with whom she worked so closely, and now, the beginning of the Senior Schools’ evolution to co-education in 2026. 

“One of the most rewarding parts of my job has been seeing families come from their first contact, to joining the Schools, and seeing their children progress through Dame Allan’s and become wonderful, well-rounded pupils.” commented Kate. “It has been a privilege to be part of the Dame Allan’s community and play a role in helping it grow and flourish.” 

In her retirement, Kate plans to spend time with her husband and two daughters, as well as travel extensively. One of her first challenges is the Camino Santiago de Compostela, part of a ‘pilgrimage’ walking route that will see her cover 27 kilometres in 12-15 days, following the Portuguese coastal route. 

“I am very excited for my first challenge! I’m in training already. My husband and I plan to visit a continent each year, starting with Europe.”

When asked what advice she would give to the incoming Admissions Officer, Kate replied:

“Having met our wonderful new Admissions Officer, I know that our families will be in safe hands! My advice would be enjoy listening to the stories that families tell you, and spending time with them as you guide them through the process of joining Dame Allan’s. I can promise, no two-days will be the same!”