The History of Russell Baker House

Russell Baker House - usually referred to as RB - was named after Mrs. Charlotte Russell Baker, Headmistress of St. Catherine's from 1887 to 1925. She replaced Miss S.M. Burnett, the first Headmistress, who left (to undertake missionary work) only two years after the school was founded.

Mrs Russell Baker was a dominant figure who always wore a black silk dress and widow's cap and carried a silver-handled black cane. She was a firm believer in God and the chapel was built under her supervision.

Despite being 'the ultimate authority', she was sympathetic and had a lively sense of humour which the girls she taught enjoyed until the school grew so much that she had to stop teaching. She retired at the age of 71 and died in 1938. She was buried in Bramley graveyard and before the inter-House Lacrosse on St. Catherine’s Day, the House Captains visit her grave and place flowers on it.

In 1976 the house system as we know it was established and our house was named in honour of the impressive former Headmistress. Mrs Goodwin was the first Housemistress, but sadly she was killed the following year and consequently Mrs Bermingham took over until 1983. She was followed briefly by Mrs Wright until 1985, Mrs Allen-Smith until 1986 and Mrs Roberts took over in January 1987. She remained Housemistress until 2000 when Miss Vinen took over until she became pregnant; finally our current Housemistress Mrs Bryn-Thomas took over in 2003 and is still Housemistress today. We also have Fourth Form and U3 tutors; at the moment Dr Lee is the U3 tutor and Miss Ritchie looks after the Fourth Form.

We are extremely successful and although there is obviously a competitive element within the House, the emphasis is placed on giving every girl the opportunity to participate in house events and to enjoy what we do. All in all we are a happy house and this is expressed through all the members and teachers involved.