As 2023 to 2024 has drawn to its close, we bid farewell to three highly valued members of staff as they start new chapters: Mrs Emma Custodio, Head of Boarding, Mrs Kelly Lycett, Head of Computer Science & ICT and Ms Hannah Morton, Head of PSHE and R and P Teacher. 

Here they tell us all about their memories of their time at RHSB and what comes next for them.  

When did you join our school? 

Mrs Custodio (ECS): September 2016 

Mrs Lycett (KLY): September 2016 

Ms Morton (HMO): September 2017, as a part time teacher of R and P  

What are your plans for after you leave?   

ECS 
I am moving to Sherborne Girls’ School to be Housemistress of one of their boarding houses, I will continue to teach History and some PSHE. 

KLY 
I’m going to do some digital training for staff in the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Trust and some tutoring. 

HMO 
I’m moving schools to a lot closer to home - Kings Monkton, Cardiff. I will no longer be commuting over 3 hours a day and now it will take me around 20 mins. 

What first attracted you to teaching or becoming a housemistress?  

ECS 
I sort of fell into it! I couldn’t decide what to do after university and took a year out. We didn’t have the amazing careers advice or departments that most schools and universities have now, so I worked a bit and travelled a bit for a year, whilst applying to do a PGCE. After I qualified, I still thought I might not teach, so I tried both teaching and the police force (I trained as a Special Police Officer which has the same training and powers as a police officer, but is voluntary). After a few situations where I discovered policing wasn’t for me, I stumbled into a job which was my first boarding role as a Deputy Housemistress setting up a girls’ boarding house and teaching History…that was it then, I was hooked! 

KLY 
I started as a DofE leader after university and met lots of other teachers who were leaders. I loved working with young people so decided to go into teaching off the back of that. 

HMO 
I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. Since forcing my little brother to complete hand made worksheets (in maths) and registering my dolls. I was one of the only students who had their career mapped out when it came to speaking to the careers advisor. 

What do you think makes Royal High School Bath special?  

ECS 
Definitely the girls…I have loved teaching History to mainly Year 7s and 8s over the years (some Year 9 and 10s in the early days) and seeing how much they enjoy the subject and develop their love of History. But more importantly our boarders here are fabulous and it is such a privilege to guide them through their teenage years whilst they are away from home. 

KLY 
I love the site on the hill overlooking Bath and of course the girls who have tried to do their best in my subject. The creativity and problem solving that they have developed has been wonderful to see.  

HMO 
The staff are amazing- they go above and beyond for our wonderful students. They are so friendly and welcoming and very kind. Everyone supports one and other and it shows as we are an amazing team. 

What was your proudest moment as a teacher or housemistress here?  

ECS 
As a teacher: when my Year 11s came running down the corridor because they couldn’t wait to tell me how well the GCSE History exam had gone.  

As a Housemistress: Championing the underdog! There have been some boarders who have needed just an extra bit of individual support with resilience or self-confidence or recognition who have blossomed into exceptional leaders or mentors. I love recognising potential and guiding boarders to achieve something they think is beyond their reach. 

As Director of Boarding: Representing the boarders at RHB, getting them recognised and more integrated into the school and getting them all through COVID either in lockdown or when we were back at school in lockdown. 

KLY 
As the only Computer Science specialist, I loved knowing so many students over the years and in my last year I had two A level students who I had taught for 7 years in a row. They are both hoping to study Computer Science at university and I have loved the relationship we had over all those years and watching them grow. It is very rare in teaching to have that consistency. 

HMO 
Too many to mention- Award for PSHE teaching is one. But probably every single card that you receive from a student telling you what an impact you’ve made and how they enjoy your subject. 

Do you have any memories that really stand out?  

ECS 
So many! From snow days to Team Building, judging the House Dance and Drama, watching Eurovision with the boarders, summer days with the boarders at the school pool, walking the Bath Skyline with the boarders, trying to get the boarders home for half term during the gales, my infamous King John lessons with Year 7s…the list is endlessly full of great memories. 

KLY 
I’ve really enjoyed being a DofE assessor in my eight years at the school and have probably passed over 80 participants in my time here. I’ve loved seeing them stretch themselves in all sorts of weather in Exmoor and the New Forest. The community of leaders is great. I just hope more staff can start to volunteer in the future. 

HMO 
There are so many it’s all become a bit of a blur really ...  

Tell us something we might not know about you?  

ECS 
Aside from having been a police officer which I have already mentioned, I am, modestly (!), quite a crack shot at clay pigeon shooting and have won competitions in the past, my biggest success being the British Universities Shooting Association Women’s Bronze medal! 

KLY 
When I was in year 8, I was a stunt rider in a film called Legend, starring Tom Cruise. We had to dress as goblins and ride ponies through an amazing forest set at Pinewood Studios. I got paid £150 for two days filming. A lot of money in those days! Also the end of my film career. 

HMO 
I used to be rather adventurous (pre children) I have cage dived with great white sharks of the coast of south Africa (I hate water). 

In one word, how would your students describe you?  

ECS 
They said “caring”. 

KLY 
Nurturing. 

HMO 
Fun. 

Do you have any parting words of wisdom or ‘words to live by’ for our current students and alumnae?  
ECS 

Challenge yourself, however small, just try something that is a bit difficult or out of your comfort zone and see what you can achieve…you never know you might discover something you love! And BE KIND…it’s fundamental to a happy life!  

KLY 
Comparison is the theft of joy – be true to yourself not other people’s expectations. 

HMO 
Dyfal donc a dyr y garreg (Welsh proverb Tapping persistently breaks the stone, be resilient and never give up). 

We wish them all the very best for their new adventures and look forward to keeping in touch via the Alumnae Network.