This week in our ‘Bridging the gap’ series we speak to alumna of Tring Park School, Florrie Antoniou who went back to Dragon School.

What’s your average day?
We hurry the boarders along to breakfast and talk to them about anything exciting they have coming up. During the school day we do laundry, collect parcels and complete tasks. Tea is usually accompanied by updates, dancing and singing. Whilst the girls are at prep we plan fun evening activities. We try to make the house as homely and friendly as possible.

Is it weird to see your teachers as peers?
Not really, but it’s interesting to see all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes that I wasn’t aware of when I was a pupil here.

Any improvements since you left?
Teas and the amount of food the children get is much better. Also, boarders are allowed to go home or go out with their families at weekends now.

Any quirky traditions still going on?
Eggy – the Dragons’ playground game! Pupils moaning about early morning music practice.

What type of child were you?
I was such a teacher’s pet! I was always that person who’d get an extra page for my plusses – still one of my biggest achievements!

Favourite school lunch?
It would have to be the chicken schnitzel and chips at family suppers. I have loved the food as a gapper and it is also great to see the children try so many new things.

What is the ‘in’ thing?
Food shaped erasers (sushi erasers were superior!). Now, it’s rings, stickers and sadly… TikTok dances.

What will you take away from this experience?
I have loved learning about the impact we have on children’s growth and how you can psychologically help them develop. I think we can learn so much from children and the way they think.

Where did you for senior school?
Tring Park School for the Performing Arts. I could not have had a better senior school experience.

What advice would you give to your younger self going off to senior school?
Don’t pretend to be something you’re not. Stay true to yourself – people respect that.

What will be your lasting memory?
Always being supported in whatever I wanted to do.

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This article features in the Summer issue of ‘Noticed’ magazine