Palmer House (I)

Palmer House is a senior boarding house for 60 girls. The resident Housemistress, Diana Harrison (pictured right), is supported by a team of 5 tutors, 1 resident tutor and a Matron, Helen Thomas.

The Housemistress, Diana Harrison, is a long-standing member of the Bradfield Family. Her husband Mark is Head of Physics at the College and they have two young daughters, who attend a local prep school. Diana read Engineering at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge. Whilst there she was Ladies’ College Boat Club Captain and learnt to fly with the University Air Squadron; she also enjoyed playing Football, Cricket and Badminton. After a PGCE at Bristol University, she went to teach at Canford School in Dorset as it became fully coeducational. She was an Assistant Housemistress before setting up and running a Sixth Form House. Diana has tutored in girls’ boarding houses at Prior Park College and Downe House School; she was appointed Housemistress of Palmer House in September 2009.

As well as teaching Physics, Diana enjoys getting involved in all areas of school life. She has been an Officer in the CCF, has led Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions, and has coached Hockey, Netball, Rowing and Rounders.