Watford Grammar School for Girls were delighted to welcome acclaimed author and biographer Lucinda Hawksley to the school this week for a ceremonial groundbreaking event in advance of construction commencing on a new sustainable eight classroom teaching block.

Lucinda Hawksley—great, great, great granddaughter of renowned Victorian writer Charles Dickens—is well known for her passion for women in literature. With the forthcoming building set to become the new home of the English Department, her visit offered an inspiring celebration of the significance of English as a subject. During her time on site, Lucinda delivered a special lesson to a Year 7 class, sharing insights into her own publications and discussing the vital role of women’s voices throughout history.

The new environmentally conscious building will provide modern, purpose-built teaching spaces designed to ensure the continued success and growth of English at the school.

As part of the ceremony, Lucinda Hawksley also unveiled the official name of the new English block. In keeping with the school’s tradition of naming buildings after former Headteachers, the new facility will be named Grace Fergie House, honouring Miss Grace Fergie, who served as Headteacher from 1913 to 1938. During her tenure, Miss Fergie oversaw the expansion of the school from 300 to more than 700 pupils and secured additional land around Lady’s Close to support that growth. The name was selected following a school‑wide vote.

Lucinda Hawksley said: “It was a joy to meet the students at Watford Grammar School for Girls and to see their enthusiasm for celebrating women’s voices. A dedicated English building is a powerful statement about the value of creativity and critical thought, and I’m honoured to be part of the beginning of this exciting new chapter for the school.”

Headteacher Sylvia Tai commented: “We are incredibly proud to be investing in exceptional learning spaces for our students. The Watford Girls love for the written and spoken word is central to our academic excellence, and this new building will allow English as a subject to flourish for generations to come. We are grateful to Lucinda Hawksley for helping us mark this milestone and for inspiring our students with her passion for literature and history.”

A Year 7 student said: “It was amazing to learn from a real author. Hearing about the books she has written and the women she researches made me even more excited to study English. I can’t wait to see the new building when it opens!”

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