Downe House Seniors Association (DHSA)
The DHSA is now a grant giving body and runs the DHSA short story competition.
DHSA 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 professional development grant application criteria.
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 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANT REPORTS
Read out about just some of our Old Seniors who have used a DHSA grant to change their lives.
DHSA MATHER TRAVEL AWARD
The DHSA MATHER Travel award is designed to help Downe House girls to travel in order to broaden their horizons. Whether it be volunteering, conservation, or playing sport abroad, this fund will support applications that show a sense of adventure and initiative.
DHSA MATHER TRAVEL AWARD REPORTS
Read reports from recipients of this DHSA travel award to inspire your sense of adventure.
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
STAY IN TOUCH
Your memories and friendships from School are important. The Downe House Society is here to keep you in touch with your community. Join our social events and reunions as well as professional networking with Downe House alumnae around the world.
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