In Memory of

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Mary Ireland

Mary Ireland was Head at Bancroft’s School, Woodford Green from 2008 until her retirement in 2016. Previously she had run a boarding house at Ardingly and was Deputy Head at Christ’s Hospital.

She served Bancroft’s with great distinction and will be fondly remembered by parents, staff and pupils. As one former colleague commented, “Much loved by Bancroft’s pupils, admired by the parents and appreciated by her staff.”

One of Mary’s lasting achievements at Bancroft’s was the establishment of the Bancroft’s Foundation to mark the 275th anniversary of the School. She was passionate about expanding the reach of a Bancroft’s education to include those for whom it would have been impossible without financial support.

Upon her retirement, Mary was invited to join the Drapers’ Company as an Honorary Freeman, becoming a Liveryman in 2019. Last year she was elected to the Court of the Drapers’ Company, serving as Junior Warden.  She was a governor of several independent schools, including Eastbourne College, and the Chair of Drapers’ Maylands Primary School. Mary was also a trustee of the Sue Thompson Foundation, a charity which supports children in need.

The thoughts of the Bancroft’s community are with Simon, Fergus and the rest of Mary’s family at this difficult time. Mary will be much missed. 

Book Owner: Bancroft’s School
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Chris Bates

When news of Mary’s appointment reached the Modern Languages Department, we initially thought:”scientist, oh well”. Then we weighed up the evidence – very scientific :named Ireland, comes from Scotland, lives in England. Maybe languages could benefit after all. So we celebrated in the customary fashion – with cake. To be frank, though, this initial …

Imamul Choudhury

I am saddened by the news of the death of Mrs.Ireland. My condolences to her husband and family. My son Wasif attended Bancroft’s during her tenure as the Head. I saw how her exemplary personality and conduct helped to uplift the school’s culture and achievements. I used to enjoy her talks at patents’ evenings …

Louisa Beringer

I was very saddened to hear of Mary’s death.  I want to send my warmest condolences to her family.  I knew her through Christ’s Hospital in her work she did to support children and families there after she left, through The Sue Thomson Foundation. From the few times I got to spend time with …

Suzanne Brough

I was saddened to hear of Mary’s passing.  Mary was the first person to welcome me to Bancroft’s when I joined the school in September 2008.  It was a CPD day, and she walked me to my office which she proudly informed me had been newly decorated and that the carpet was an off-cut …

Helen Gartland

Mary was an enormously generous Head with a very clear vision of the school she wanted Bancroft’s to be. Her decisions were driven by a fundamental belief that every pupil deserved the best possible education, and she led by example in demonstrating the personal commitment that required from teachers, whether that was attending weekend …

Helen Prescott-Morrin

When Mary joined Bancroft’s, I was Head of Sixth Form. She took great interest in all the students and was keen to see them in their best light, always encouraging them through the UCAS process. She very quickly ascertained that the job needed PA support and I was very grateful when she employed Suzanne …

Caroline Foinette

  I was so very sad to hear of Mary’s passing – she was an energetic, lively character and I know that she was relishing retirement. I was lucky enough to be employed at Bancroft’s by Mary in 2011. Meeting her on interview day, she spoke with such warmth about the school and the …

Kate Dean

It was a privildge to work with Mary. She cared deeply about the whole school community and was unwavering in her commitment. The culture of professionalism, trust and respect that she oversaw made working at Bancroft’s a pleasure and the level of interest she took in all of the pupils in her care was …

Jonty Pollard

You normally heard Mary on a touchline, long before you saw her and that genuine (if slightly raucous) support for ‘her’ Bancroftian’s, endeared her to so many. Her support was hugely appreciated by staff, and not just at sports fixtures, concerts, plays etc but in all aspects of their professional lives (and beyond). In …

Andrew Busch

Mary’s death has deeply saddened me, and seems so wrong for someone who I remember as being so energetic. She was a headmistress of the old school – deeply involved in the life of the school and knowing every member and inch of the community. I always marvelled at how well she knew the …