MRS ESTHER PHILPOTT, HOUSEMISTRESS
Esther Philpott is Housemistress of Edinburgh. She joined Gresham’s in 2018 and teaches Biology. She has five children and her husband, Tristan, is Assistant Head (Curriculum) at Gresham’s, making their family deeply embedded in school life.
Esther is passionate about supporting the Edinburgh girls in all aspects of their Gresham’s lives. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, walking in the countryside and running.
At Edinburgh House, we pride ourselves on creating a genuinely warm and inclusive community where girls feel at home. The House fosters a nurturing, family-centred environment in which every individual is recognised and encouraged to develop their unique talents and interests. We actively empower the girls to contribute ideas, take initiative and shape their own experiences.
Our ethos is simple yet powerful: be kind, work hard, and embrace every opportunity. The result is a thriving, vibrant community where girls excel academically, socially and personally, while forming strong, lasting friendships across year groups.
Life in Edinburgh House is full and varied. A lively programme of socials includes shared meals, creative activities and trips for boarders, such as unforgettable evenings on the beach watching the sunset. The girls enjoy cooking together, relaxing in the garden, playing sport, and engaging in charity events like the annual swimathon. Highlights of the year include special events such as formal dinners, where the girls often provide their own entertainment, showcasing their confidence, creativity and spirit.
Edinburgh is situated close to the main school buildings, and it benefits from open views over playing fields towards the school woods, as well as its own flower-filled, south-facing garden. Edinburgh House was designed by Nicholas Hare and opened by HRH Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh in 1987. In 2017, our south-facing common room was completed; it has bi-folding doors which open onto the girls’ much-loved garden which features house chickens and a vegetable patch. We have plenty of outside space, including a grass tennis court behind the house, as well as three kitchen spaces where the girls can relax and socialise.
On entry in Year 9, boarders share a lovely dormitory overlooking the school fields and study in a separate, supervised area. Girls then move to study bedrooms accommodating two to five pupils as they get older. Year 13 boarders have single rooms. Day girls share studies, sometimes with boarders to further enhance the sense of community within the house.
Staff accommodation is integral to the House, allowing girls easy access to the Housemistress, Assistant Housemistress Tania Liberman and Resident House tutor, Liz Churchill.
Edinburgh House Guide
House Team
Residential House staff
Edinburgh girls are supported and guided by an experienced and dedicated team.
- Mrs Liberman, Assistant Housemistress in Edinburgh, is very much involved in the day-to-day running of the House. Mrs Liberman is Head of Swimming; she has worked at the school for over 20 years. She loves getting involved in all aspects of School life, she is a CCF officer in the Army Section and loves going to Bisley with the Rifle Club. Mrs Liberman is incredible at baking and cooking treats for the girls; she helps to organise and run our House trips. Mrs Liberman, her husband Nathan, and black labrador Charlie, live in Edinburgh. She can be found in the House or at the swimming pool. She is always available for a chat.
- Ms Churchill is our Resident House Tutor. She supports Mrs Philpott and Mrs Liberman in all House matters. She is involved in the weekend programme of activities and helps with the morning and evening routines. She is Head of Geography.
- Melissa is our Matron. She supports all aspects of the girls’ health and wellbeing, and runs the household. She is kind and supportive, and loves spending time with our girls.
Non-residential staff
- Our non-residential tutor team includes: Miss Cann, Teacher of Psychology; Mrs Challis, Head of Spanish; Mr Girling, Head of Performance and Vocal Studies; Mrs Crane, Teacher of English; Dr Hammond, Teacher of French and Spanish; Mrs Liberman, Head of Swimming; Mr Stromberg, Teacher of Maths; Mrs Thomson, Teacher of Learning Support; Mrs Cowan, Teacher of Learning Support; Ms Churchill, Head of Geography; and, Mrs Wolfe, Director of Music.
- Angie, Deborah and Linda are our committed and experienced House Keeping team who have each worked in Edinburgh House for 15 years or more.
House appointments 2026-27
- Head of School: Charlotte M
- Head of House: Alex d-V
- School Prefects: Amelie H and Sophie G