On Saturday 17th May, The Buchan School welcomed over 160 former pupils for a landmark occasion – the Lady Laura Lunch – celebrating the 150th anniversary of the School’s founding by the extraordinary Laura, Lady Buchan.
Held at The Buchan School at Westhill, the afternoon brought together generations of Buchaneers for a joyful and nostalgic event. Guests enjoyed a glass of fizz on arrival, followed by a celebratory lunch and a chance to explore a specially curated archive exhibition, which featured artefacts and photographs loaned by past pupils. The occasion was as moving as it was memorable – a gathering of friends old and new, united by their shared affection for a School that has shaped lives for a century and a half.
The event was warmly opened by Head Janet Billingsley Evans, who welcomed guests and reflected on the significance of the milestone. Former pupil and long-standing Governor Elaine Higgins (née Harper) then took to the stage to deliver a heartfelt address, reflecting on her time at The Buchan – which began in 1964 – and her lifelong connection to the School.
“I’ve never really left,” Mrs Higgins said fondly. “So yes, you could say I’m part of the furniture!”
But her speech reached far beyond nostalgia. She spoke passionately about the values instilled by the School, its remarkable founder, and the importance of carrying that legacy forward.
“Whatever pride you may feel for this School pales in comparison to the pride the School feels in all of you,” she told the audience. “Thank you for all you have done, all you will do, and all you are.”
Earlier in the month, Mrs Higgins had travelled to Kensal Green Cemetery in London, where she laid a wreath at the grave of Laura, Lady Buchan, who is buried alongside her husband, General Sir John Buchan, and their son.
“It was a deeply moving moment,” she said. “Standing at Laura’s grave, I felt immense gratitude. Her gift changed the lives of so many girls – including my own. This anniversary is a chance to remember her courage, generosity, and unwavering belief in education.”
A Visionary Beginning
It all began with a bold and generous act. On 22nd April 1875, Lady Buchan pledged £1,200 “for the provision of higher class female education in this Isle.” At the time, it was a progressive and visionary gesture. Three years later, in 1878, the Castletown High School for Girls opened at Stanley House – opposite Castle Rushen, now Leonardo’s restaurant—with just eight pioneering pupils. It was established as a sister school to King William’s College and represented a new era for girls’ education on the Isle of Man.
Laura, Lady Buchan was a remarkable character. The daughter of Colonel Mark Wilks – Governor of St Helena and Speaker of the House of Keys – she travelled with her father to St Helena and famously met Napoleon Bonaparte. The exiled Emperor was so charmed by her intellect and poise that he gave her a bracelet as a parting gift. Described by contemporaries as a woman of “sweetness, intelligence and distinction,” Laura’s legacy continues to reflect those qualities. She was 78 years old when she founded the School – her final public act, carried out with the support of friends and allies such as Sir James and Lady Gell.
In 1928, the School was formally renamed The Buchan School in honour of its formidable founder.
A Spirit of Innovation and Progress
From the very beginning, The Buchan defied expectations. Its curriculum featured science and political economy alongside the more conventional needlework and drawing. It was among the first girls’ high schools to be established following the Girls’ High School Association’s foundation in 1872. The School also opened one of the earliest kindergartens in the British Isles, introduced a hockey team by 1911, and later offered an extraordinary range of modern and classical languages – including Russian, Swahili, and Classical Arabic.
By the 1960s, The Buchan had blossomed into a truly international school. Pupils came from over 30 countries and the curriculum reflected a global outlook. Boarding life expanded across Castletown into Westhill and other local houses, supported by generous benefactors such as Sir Mark Collett.
The School has always been shaped by its commitment to community, charity and global awareness. It welcomed those fleeing conflict, raised funds for causes both near and far, and cultivated a culture of kindness, service and compassion.
Extracurricular life was equally rich and occasionally eccentric. Beekeeping, car maintenance, lifesaving and debating were all on offer. Water skiing and pet rabbits also featured in certain decades. Alumni fondly recall the intensity of public speaking and performance traditions, which prepared many for careers in the arts, media and politics.
As Mrs Higgins recalled with humour during her speech, life at The Buchan had its quirks and yet the sense of belonging, camaraderie and resilience has remained constant through the years.
Part of a Bigger Family
In 1991, The Buchan School formally joined King William’s College, becoming its co-educational preparatory School. The relationship between the two schools has continued to grow stronger over time, underpinned by shared values, a common ethos, and a commitment to academic and pastoral excellence.
Now, as the School looks to the future, it is preparing for its next great chapter.
In November 2025, The Buchan School will relocate to the King William’s College campus, uniting the whole School community on one site. The move will offer enhanced facilities, specialist teaching spaces and expanded opportunities for collaboration, while retaining The Buchan’s distinctive identity and spirit.
Headteacher Janet Billingsley Evans described the move as a natural evolution of the School’s proud heritage.
“This anniversary is not just a celebration of our history, but a moment to look forward with confidence and pride,” she said. “We are honouring the legacy of Lady Buchan by continuing to provide a forward-thinking, values-led education that prepares children for the world beyond the classroom. The move to the King William’s College campus symbolises our ambition and our unity as a community.”
A Legacy That Lives On
Today, the impact of The Buchan School is felt around the world. Its alumni include Olympic athletes, international business leaders, actors, educators, doctors, and the current Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. What began as a School preparing young women for life in Victorian society now launches young people into global careers across science, law, politics, medicine, design and beyond.
Laura, Lady Buchan could scarcely have imagined the scale and scope of the School her vision created. Yet her values – integrity, generosity, and belief in the power of education – continue to shape every child who walks through The Buchan’s doors.
As we mark 150 years of The Buchan School, we not only celebrate a proud and pioneering past – we carry it with us into a future filled with promise.
Here’s to the next chapter in a story rooted in legacy and built for the future.
