Farewell to Ellen

Our legendary Junior School Head Chef bids a fond farewell to the school community after nearly two decades’ service.

Ellen Gahan has prepared wholesome meals at the Junior School for 18 years, instilling healthy eating habits in our pupils from an early age. As well as all the delicious lunches (including her popular chocolate sprinkle cake), she has produced a recipe book for charity, introduced cooking workshops, and helped pupils prepare ambitious dinners for their parents. She has also integrated cooking into their every day learning, baking gingerbread with our youngest pupils when they read The Gingerbread Man, or making Viking bread with Year 4 before their trip to the Jorvik Viking Centre in York.

“I absolutely loved seeing the girls eating together and socialising over lunch every day – there has been no better job in the world.  To meet girls who have passed through the Junior School, and see how they have grown into wonderful young ladies, makes me feel proud of each and every one of them. It is thanks to the leadership and dedication of the staff that makes South Hampstead such a fantastic place to be. I am very honoured to still be part of a wonderful community.” 

Families can continue to enjoy Ellen’s school meals through her cookbook, Food from Ellen’s Kitchen, which the Junior School PTA produced this year; the book is packed with quick, nutritious recipes, as well as photos of students enjoying lunchtime at the Junior School.

In recognition of her dedication, Ellen is now an honorary alumna of South Hampstead and will always be part of the South Hampstead community.  We wish her the very best for her retirement.