Mrs Elizabeth Phillips

Teaching Awards 2008 Winner

The Royal Air Force Award for Headteacher of the Year in a Secondary School in London

The St Marylebone CE Girls School, LONDON

Elizabeth Phillips is an extraordinary headteacher who lets nothing stand in the way of her drive to improve her school – not even the bodies of a revered religious leader and a famous English painter!

When her plans for a new sports hall meant encroaching on the last resting place of Charles Wesley, brother of the famous 18th century preacher John Wesley, she had him dug up and relocated to a quiet spot in the school’s front garden.

Wesley was renowned for writing thousands of hymns, many still popular today. Now when girls at The St Marylebone Church of England Girls School relax at lunchtime, they know that the author of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and Love Divine All Loves Excelling is just nearby.
The school’s cramped Central London site meant that it had to dig down into an ancient burial ground in order to expand, and many other bodies also had to be exhumed and reburied on consecrated ground elsewhere, including the painter George Stubbs.

Elizabeth is a committed Christian, with a quiet and unassuming manner. But the school chaplain says this is deceptive – she is “a charge of electricity”. She is determined to achieve both high academic standards and a rich cultural, artistic and spiritual life for her pupils, and has led the school into being a specialist college both for performing arts, and for computing and maths.

She has almost trebled the school’s exam results since she took over - in 1997 only 35 per cent of pupils got five good GCSEs; last year it was 93 per cent - and is keen to ensure that pupils with special needs, or those whose first language is not English, also do well. Much of this success she attributes to young teachers from The Teach First scheme, which places new graduates in teaching posts.

Elizabeth is also a skilled fund-raiser who has encouraged many businesses to contribute to the school’s new sports hall, and dance, music, art and drama spaces. She is also convenor of the secondary heads in her borough, and active in improving opportunities for all post-16 students in Westminster.

She started life as a Unilever manager and lived abroad for many years. Today she retains many interests outside school, including opera, theatre and tennis.

Students say she has “an amazing presence” and is an “exceptional teacher”. She knows every pupil's name and something about each of them. Parents and Ofsted inspectors alike are full of praise for her leadership and the Teaching Awards judges were so knocked out by her achievements that they labelled her “the reincarnation of Mother Teresa, Margaret Thatcher and Princess Diana all in one.”

Message Board

Please leave a messsage for Mrs Elizabeth Phillips

  • Mother Teresa, Margaret Thatcher and Princess Dian

    Many congratulations on this outstanding achievement. You absolutely deserve it and must know just how very loved you are by everyone at St Marylebone!Well done!

    Posted: July 2, 2008 at 11:07 AM | Author: caroline lasko

  • Well done Mummy!

    What a fantastic achievement again!

    Posted: July 2, 2008 at 12:07 PM | Author: Andrew Phillips

  • Hoorahh

    totally deserved - my client of the decade!

    Posted: July 2, 2008 at 13:07 PM | Author: Philip Gumuchdjian

  • Of Course!

    Sorry to be slushy but you really are the best! The St.Marylebone girls are a testament to your excellence. You have created an environment which allows students to flourish academically, artistically and spiritually. Excellent , thank you, well done and very well deserved!

    Posted: July 3, 2008 at 11:07 AM | Author: Sophie Harris

  • Congratulations!

    No-one deserves this more than you. Well done!

    Posted: July 3, 2008 at 14:07 PM | Author: Kim Calder

  • Well Deserved!

    When Elena joined St. Marylebone last September we had such high expectations, however after just a few months we have to say the school has exceeded those expectations and then some! The school is a credit to you Mrs Phillips and your superb staff. In a world light on positive role models the girls are blessed to have one as their headmistress. Thank you

    Posted: July 7, 2008 at 13:07 PM | Author: Landsley Ware

  • Congratulations

    A well deserved award. St Marylebone is an amazing school thanks in no small measure to your excellent leadership. Thank you for all you do.

    Posted: July 7, 2008 at 19:07 PM | Author: Martyn Ware

  • you are the best

    you are the best miss always cheery when i pass you in the coridors its a pleasure to be a student in st marylebone

    Posted: July 7, 2008 at 20:07 PM | Author: manahal

  • Splendid news

    Thank you for being so totaly committed to the school and the wonderful children there. Florence & Matilda will look back with fond memories as indeed one day you shall.

    Posted: July 10, 2008 at 11:07 AM | Author: jerry bridge

  • Thank You

    Congratulations on being honoured in this way. It is thoroughly deserved and we thank you for the wonderful academic and extra-curricular environment that you and your teachers have created for the St. Marylebone girls.

    Posted: July 10, 2008 at 11:07 AM | Author: John and Julia Burrows

  • Fantastic!

    This award justly demonstrates your commitment to excellence in education and to first-class team building with your colleagues. As the father of 2 daughters who went to the school - one still there and one who has just finished A levels elsewhere after an exceptional five years with you - we and every parent owe you an immeasurable vote of gratitude for giving our girls such a fantastic foundation for the future.

    Posted: July 10, 2008 at 12:07 PM | Author: William Silver

  • Congratulations

    What a remarkable achievement! We are so grateful that our daughters have been given the opportunity to attend St Marylebone under your headship.

    Posted: July 10, 2008 at 12:07 PM | Author: Paul and Amelia Higgins

  • No surprises there then

    Your leadership strengths and achievements are reflected in the happiness and developing capabilities of our children, and the enthusiasm of your staff. Well done!

    Posted: July 10, 2008 at 12:07 PM | Author: Jane Foulkes

  • well done

    i recently had some guests in to see a school production and they were very keen to comment on what a great atmosphere the school had and how well behaved all the girls were and that is a huge credit to Mrs Phillips. We are very proud to have her as headmistress to our daughter. Thanks

    Posted: July 10, 2008 at 13:07 PM | Author: sophie

  • Well Done

    A brilliant school, superbly managed.

    Posted: July 10, 2008 at 13:07 PM | Author: Elena Moynihan

  • Congratulations

    Dear Mrs Philips, as a parent of a year 11 ,soon to be a Year 12, pupil can I add my congratulations for well deserved recognition of your leadership. Best wishes Vari Drennan

    Posted: July 10, 2008 at 13:07 PM | Author: Vari Drennan

  • We knew it all along!!

    Now everyone knows you are the best headteacher around!! Thank you so much for your commitment and dedication! You are an inspiration.

    Posted: July 10, 2008 at 14:07 PM | Author: Abigail Gorton

  • Prize Giving!

    A well deserved award. I am proud to have my daughter in your school.

    Posted: July 10, 2008 at 19:07 PM | Author: Norma Jalloul

  • Well done Mrs P!

    ...and thanks for making St Marylebone such a wonderful school

    Posted: July 10, 2008 at 19:07 PM | Author: john and ruth barrett

  • Thrilled

    Gandhi asked people to "be the change you want to see", and you are. In your school I see excellence, dedication, passion, wisdom and vision. I am thrilled that you got the award, it is well deserved indeed. And I am very grateful that my daughter has the privilege of being educated in your school.Thank you!

    Posted: July 10, 2008 at 21:07 PM | Author: Eva-Maria Riegler

  • Congratulations!

    I saw improvements in the school year after year and definitely exceeded my expectations. My girls are happy and very proud of their school. Thank you so much for all your work and effort. Well done. Congratulations!

    Posted: July 10, 2008 at 22:07 PM | Author: Maria Sacchetti

  • Never in doubt

    We came to see the school. Had a long chat with you. Made up our minds to entrust our daughter to your care. No regrets, just endless joy for Zoe and peace of mind for us. Congratulations and thank you.

    Posted: July 10, 2008 at 22:07 PM | Author: Miriam & Harry Lakota-Baldwin

  • exemplary

    You are a head teacher who makes things happen. Really good things. Simple as that.

    Posted: July 12, 2008 at 08:07 AM | Author: colette Hiller

  • Congratulations!

    How fantastic to be in a school with a headteacher who has been awarded such a high accolade! Chloe has had a truly enjoyable first year at St. Marylebone. Thank You Mrs Phillips for the wonderful opportunities you have created for the girls in your school.

    Posted: July 15, 2008 at 17:07 PM | Author: Rani and Brian Winthrop

  • Well Deserved

    I started last September and wow - the year has flown by! I have never spoken to you properly but miss, you are an incredible headteacher. I am a catholic and I remember that in September, my mum was quite unsure wether I would like it there or if it would be suitable as out of year 6, I was the only child from my catholic primary school attending an un- catholic secondary school. But the girls are lovely and the whole school is like a family thanks to you miss! You are amazing!!!

    Posted: July 15, 2008 at 19:07 PM | Author: Rachael Nagle

  • Congratulations

    What fantastic news! We are so pleased you have been rewarded with this well deserved award. Isobelle has had a wonderful first year at St. Marylebone. Thank you.

    Posted: July 16, 2008 at 18:07 PM | Author: Norma and Adel Nakchbandi

  • Marylebone pupils excel

    Congratulations Mrs Phillips. I have had Marylebone students on work experience and they have been marvellous.I have now emplyed some of them at The Royal Academy of Arts. They are an example of the values you have instilled in your pupils.Well Done !

    Posted: July 17, 2008 at 09:07 AM | Author: Inger Balderstone

  • Thank You!

    We both left St Marylebone in 2001 and would like to thank you for being a fantastic headteacher. From 1st hand experience the award is truely deserved!

    Posted: July 17, 2008 at 18:07 PM | Author: Cerys Brunsdon & Ruby Clarke

  • A Big Thank You!

    A remarkable achievement for a remarkable Headteacher! My twin daughters absolutley love attending ST.M .The school has exceeded all of our expectations and we feel priviledged that our daughters have the opportunity to be educated at such a wonderful school!

    Posted: August 26, 2008 at 15:08 PM | Author: Zara Abbassy

  • A Role Model To Be Proud Of

    Many congratulations on this accolade; it is truly well deserved. You were an inspiration to me in school and your passion continues to be inspiring to this day.

    Posted: September 5, 2008 at 22:09 PM | Author: Janine Ghanam

  • I'm so proud!!!

    I am proud to say I was a student at St.Marylebone School between '93-'96. Mrs Phillips was my headteacher so I know from personal experience how hard she works to help all of her students!! I'm hoping to send my daughter there to have the opportunity to be educated at a brilliant school! Keep up the good work.

    Posted: September 6, 2008 at 10:09 AM | Author: Jahmel Hercules-Walker

  • Congrats

    Whenever I tell people I went to St. Marylebone, they look at me with envy knowing that I had a top quality education. I had seven memoried filled years at this school and much thanks goes to Mrs Phillips.

    Posted: September 8, 2008 at 15:09 PM | Author: Anon

  • congratulations

    congratulations mrs phillips youve done a great job

    Posted: September 9, 2008 at 11:09 AM | Author: Nicole

  • Just a taster

    That is all we have had, a taste, being new parents to the school. However, we have already been amazed how well things are done and how children immediately blossom in the environment of the school. So many thanks

    Posted: September 12, 2008 at 16:09 PM | Author: Ernest Wollner

  • Congratulation

    i was there from 1995-2005, Congratulations! well deserved and why on earth did it take so long!!!!

    Posted: September 26, 2008 at 16:09 PM | Author: Sayinie Webb

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