GDST Alumna of the Year

Former pupil, Karen Pollock CBE, has been shortlisted for an award recognising the many, varied achievements of GDST alumnae.

Karen attended South Hampstead High School from 1985 until 1992 and went on to study modern languages at Leeds University. She is now an activist and Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, praised by politicians across the spectrum for her work in Holocaust education and remembrance.

Karen works continually to motivate future generations to speak out against intolerance. Her Lessons from Auschwitz initiative has attracted particular acclaim – a programme that has enabled thousands of students from every background to visit the Auschwitz concentration and death camp – while her Ambassador Programme has provided unique opportunities and mentorship for young people.

A passionate and outspoken campaigner, Karen writes articles and makes regular appearances in the national and international media discussing Holocaust related issues, anti-Semitism, racism and equality. Karen is unafraid to call out anti-Jewish racism where she finds it – most recently in her statement on the Equality & Human Rights Commission’s report into anti-Semitism in the Labour party.

She commented: “I believe in the power of using our voice and in empowering young people to fulfill their potential and effect change. We all have a duty to stand up for what is right and to call out anti-Semitism, racism and prejudice wherever we see it.”

I am a strong advocate for dialogue and mutual understanding… but where there is injustice, we must be fearless in speaking up.

Karen was awarded an MBE in the 2012 New Year Honours and the CBE in the 2020 Birthday Honours for services to Holocaust education. We were delighted to welcome her back to speak to our Jewish Society (JSoc) last year and look forward to her delivering an assembly later this term.

You can review all the shortlisted candidates and cast your vote online.