Founder's Day
To dare to speak so boldly in the nineteenth century was unusual. To act upon those convictions was extraordinary. But Frances Mary Buss was not interested in what was usual. She was interested in what was right – and she would not settle for less on behalf of her students or her staff.
Headteacher’s Address – Founder’s Day 2026
Frances Mary Buss (born 16 August 1827) founded Camden School for Girls in January 1871. It was her second school, following the establishment of North London Collegiate School in 1850, and it was created for families with more modest incomes.
The school began in the family home on Camden Street, near Mornington Crescent, with just 40 girls. The school grew rapidly from 40 girls to 161 in just 6 months! By February 1873, the governors had to take another house in Camden Street and numbers rose to 331. The school’s first waiting list was soon established.
Funds for The Camden School were, however, short and attitudes towards female education were still hostile. The school battled for survival and when things seemed to be at their lowest ebb, help came from Princess Alexandra (later Queen Alexandra), who asked for both of Miss Buss’s schools to be placed under her patronage and gave a cheque for 50 guineas. Around the same time, The Brewers Company also agreed to give a sufficient amount of money and provide some annual endowment. On 13 May 1875, Queen Victoria signed the scheme to administer both Miss Buss’s Schools as public endowed schools under the Charity Commission, putting both schools on a firm footing.
After the death of Frances Mary Buss on the 24 December 1894, Foundation Day was renamed Founder’s Day in her memory and in recognition of the school’s many benefactors.
On 27 March 2026, we proudly celebrated our 155th Founder’s Day, marking this enduring legacy. We were delighted to welcome over 100 guests, including the Mayor of Camden, alumni and friends of the school, as well as school governors and trustees.
Please read the Headteacher’s address and speeches by Head Prefects Rijana, Tristen and Paula below, and view a selection of photographs taken on the day to commemorate this important occasion.
Journalist and alumna, Fiona Millar, produced a commemorative book featuring photographs and archive material spanning the decades across 150 years (to obtain a copy please click here).