Downe House Seniors Association (DHSA)

DHSA SHORT STORY COMPETITION

This annual competition, sponsored by the DHSA and organised by the Manager of the Murray Centre and Library, is thriving and inspiring young writers. The competition, held in the Lent Term, is open to all pupils and is judged by an esteemed panel comprising alumnae and staff. Prizes are given to all three age categories and the entry judged ‘best overall’ is awarded the Clare Balding Prize for Excellent Writing.

As part of the prize, each year the winners attend a bespoke literary event. In 2021, this comprised a Celebration of Writing – a discussion with four DH alumnae who have all included some form of published writing in their careers. They were Clare Balding (DH 1988), Marina Dudley-Williams (DH 1992), Francesca Martin (DH 2000) and Virginia Macgregor (former member of DH staff).

For the last couple of years, a Creative Writing Workshop led by Poppy Scales (DH 2021, twice a  competition winner whilst a pupil) was held. The workshop event is followed by lunch with the judges and the presentation of the trophy to the overall winner.

Results

2025

Clare Balding Prize – Charlotte Trew

Sixth form – Charlotte Trew

Upper School – Helen Foulkes

Lower School – Charlotte Ford

2024

Clare Balding Prize – Charlotte Trew

Sixth form – Charlotte Trew

Upper School – Hitomi Kotaka

Lower School – Ruby Grant

2023

Clare Balding Prize – Lilias Hoare Nairne

VIth form – Lilias Hoare Nairne

Upper School – Amelia Karoly

Lower School – Alexia Walker

DHSA TRAVEL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

We offer a limited number of grants to support alumnae as they enter the working world. We have provided grants to alumnae for professional training courses, retraining after a career break or change, internships, gap year plans and studying abroad.

Whether it’s a career change into the world of Cordon Bleu food, completing a medical elective in the Philippines or making a move into teaching with a PGCE certificate, our alumnae have used their grants to change their lives. Members can apply for grants at any stage in life e.g. retraining after career break etc. During the last 25 years over 100 grants have been awarded to members aged 18 – 90 years of age.

Read the DHSA Grant Application Criteria.

Complete the online Application Form for a DHSA grant.

The Committee awards Grants according to the merits of each application. Following receipt of a DHSA Grant, individuals are required to submit a report and supporting photographs illustrating the use of their monies, thereby informing future leavers of how the DHSA can support further educational initiative and activities. Please note that a member is only eligible to receive one grant award from the DSHA.

Applications are reviewed twice a year by the Committee.

DHSA Magazine

You can read past issues of the DHSA magazine here.