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.