In the late 19th century, the Industrial Revolution was transforming Britain. The East End of London grew quickly, becoming a place where people lived in overcrowded, badly built housing and worked up to 18 hours a day. It was against this backdrop in 1889 that the former pupils of Cheltenham Ladies’ College (CLC) decided to act.
They founded St Hilda’s East as a "settlement" - a place where those from more fortunate backgrounds lived and worked alongside the community to bridge the gap between social classes.
Today, as we celebrate 137 years of this connection, St Hilda’s East remains the permanent College Charity, proving that the bond between Cheltenham Ladies’ College and St Hilda’s East is stronger than ever.
Walking into St Hilda’s East today is an eye-opening experience. Far from being a relic of Victorian history, the centre is a vibrant, bustling hub with a sense of community. Tower Hamlets currently faces the highest level of child poverty in Britain, and St Hilda’s is on the front lines, offering:
Crucial Advice: Free legal, debt, and housing support for those who need it most.
A Lifeline for Families: Sensory rooms for children with special educational needs and "Stay and Play" sessions that provide an escape from cramped living conditions.
The Food Co-op: A beloved market providing fresh, affordable produce to the local community.
Combatting Isolation: Specialist care and art mornings for the elderly, including a Day Centre for the local Bangladeshi community.
Well Women’s and Brave Girls groups: Weekly meet-ups for women and 11-18-year-old girls.
The legacy of the pioneering Guild members who founded the settlement continues through the CLC Ambassadors programme. Each year, selected students volunteer to champion the impact of St Hilda’s, organising events including period product drives, journaling sessions, Christmas donations, Halloween craft sales and cake sales.
The highly successful second-hand uniform sales run by Lola and her team at St Hilda’s House also generate enormous donations for St Hilda’s East. Last year alone, St Hilda’s House raised an incredible £16,522.91. These funds directly fuel the programs that St Hilda’s East offers to its community. I would like to thank Lola and her team for their hard work in running the sales.
"Being a St. Hilda’s East Ambassador has been an absolute privilege. We are extremely grateful to be a part of the lasting bond that CLC and SHE have with each other, as representatives of both, we are able to bridge the gap, communicate and effect change for the better of both CLC and SHE.
“After a trip down to London two years ago, we were introduced to the girls, the staff, and facilities, and recognised the importance of our role as ambassadors. The Brave Girls group particularly caught our attention and we really wanted to ensure that they were able to have and outlet to express themselves and regulate their emotions healthily, as ensuring all have good mental health is of high importance to both of us. After some organisation, we were able to swiftly bring our ideas, to donate journals to the brave girls at SHE, to fruition, with the help of Mrs Issac.
“The Brave Girl’s art event also allowed us to support the girls in expressing themselves and building confidence in a safe, welcoming environment. Seeing their artwork displayed at the Performing Arts Centre functioned as a powerful reminder of the impact of the partnership we have together, for both CLC and SHE. This allowed the girls to interact with each other, develop empathy and leadership skills, and understand the importance to support communities beyond CLC."
Tara and Ehije, UC5
The relationship between CLC and St Hilda’s is not just about financial support, it’s about shared experiences.
Last year, the partnership came to life through a collaborative art exhibition. CLC students worked alongside the Brave Girls group (a program for young women aged 10-19) to create artwork inspired by ‘community’.
"It was truly inspiring to hear how each piece came to life through teamwork. Speaking to girls my own age and hearing the stories behind their vision was eye-opening—it showed how our collective effort makes everything come together."
This year, we are working with the ‘Well Women’ group on a collaborative project, ‘In Bloom’, inspired by nature. We have come together to produce artwork which will be displayed in the PAC. We look forward to welcoming the ladies from the group for lunch and a private viewing.
From the state-of-the-art stimulus rooms to the cosy coffee mornings for the "Over 50s Feeling Good" group, St Hilda’s East remains a place where everyone, regardless of age, faith, or background, has a place to belong.
As we look back on 137 years, we don't just see a history of "charity", we see a history of empowerment and social action. Here’s to the next chapter of our shared story.
Our partnership thrives because of the dedication of our students, parents, and staff. Whether it's supporting the next uniform sale or engaging with our Ambassador-led events, every bit of support helps St Hilda’s East continue its life-changing work.
To find out more about the amazing relationship between pupils, staff and SHE, you can listen to our latest podcast below.
Mrs Isaac
Social Action Mentor
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