22nd June 1940-30th September 2026
Our school community is greatly saddened at the passing of our patron, Dame Esther Rantzen. The first Principal of our school, Mrs Val May, has shared how Dame Esther was very supportive from the beginnings of our school, 28 years ago.
Firstly, Dame Esther came to West Heath School to present the Exam Certificates on Leavers Day. She helped West Heath get its first minibus and was there to launch it on its first outing, full of balloons! Later on, she supported us by generously giving ‘An evening with’, to help us with our fundraising for the school.
Finally, Dame Esther came to the opening of Esther House, a Boarding House, which was named in her honour and where many of our students enjoyed happy times. Her support is part of the history of West Heath, and she very much shared in our purpose of ‘Rebuilding lives through education’.
Dame Esther was regularly in touch and kept up to date with our progress. On behalf of all our students and staff, both past and present I would like to acknowledge her warmth, kindness, and tremendous support for the young people in our care.
Her energy and drive to help children was incredible and she was a real force of nature. We are very grateful to her contribution to our community and extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends. She truly was ‘one of a kind’ and will always be fondly remembered and missed.
Her enduring legacy will continue to live on in Childline and The Silver Line, as well as the countless young people whose lives were changed forever by being able to receive the support they needed, when they were at their most vulnerable.
‘Life is short. Do not forget about the most important things in our Life, living for other people and doing good for them’.
- Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor and a Stoic philosopher, 26th April 121-17th March 180
