A Room Called Troutbeck: Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future

We are proud to share the story behind one of the first named rooms in our newly redeveloped Browhead campus — ‘Troutbeck’, generously sponsored by former St Anne’s pupil, Julie Ploder.

Julie has lived in Norway for the past 41 years, but her connection to Windermere School (formerly St Anne’s) is deeply rooted in the Troutbeck valley, where she grew up and first became part of our community. Julie joined St Anne’s in 1969 at the age of 13. She was a day girl for most of her time at the school but boarded for one year before completing Sixth Form and leaving in 1974.

Her parents, Gerhard and Kathrine Ploder, were both well known to the school. Her father taught physics at St Anne’s, while her mother taught violin. However, life at home was not always easy, and after her parents’ divorce, Julie and her family faced significant challenges.

“This is where I will never forget the kindness of the school,” Julie reflects. “Due to my difficult home situation, I was given a place and kitted out with a second-hand uniform for my five years there. Think of what that incredible opportunity did for me — not only did it provide a great foundation for my education, but it also gave me friends for life.”

Julie’s words capture the heart of what makes Windermere School so special: a community that cares, supports, and believes in the potential of every pupil, regardless of circumstance. The school’s motto, “Vincit qui se vincit” — he, who overcomes himself, wins — clearly resonated with her throughout her life.

“Did my years at St Anne’s help me achieve my goals? Did our motto truly come into play when I faced challenges over the years? These are questions I find myself reflecting on now as I write my story. And the answer is simply, YES”

Julie has chosen to name the room Troutbeck in tribute to the valley that shaped her childhood and the school that supported her during a formative period of her life. We were delighted to walk up to Troutbeck Tongue recently and take a photo to send to Julie — a symbolic gesture of connection between her past, present, and the future pupils who will benefit from her generosity.

Room sponsorship plays a vital role in our current campus redevelopment, helping us create warm, inspiring, and modern spaces for pupils — while allowing members of our community to leave a lasting legacy. Each named room holds a story. A memory. A connection.

There are still rooms available to sponsor, and we would love to hear from any alumni, parents, or friends of the school who would like to be involved.

Please contact us at jgaskin@windermereschool.co.uk to find out more.

Together, we are building something very special.