> Thematic History

> 1850-1901:
Education for Women
- Victorian Ideals
- Woman Physician
- Ladies College

> 1902-1913:
Education & Vocation
- Learning at ELC
- The Westfield Way

> 1914-1945:
War & Circumstance
- The Great War
- WWII Evacuation
- Learning & Leisure

> 1946-1959:
Peace & Acceptance
- Restoration
- Medicine & Dentistry

> 1960-present:
Change & Opportunity
- Women in Science
- Creativity & Diversity
- Then & Now

In the early years of Westfield, some students struggled to meet the high standards, which was likely to be a result of the poor education provided to girls during this period.

Many women, such as Mary Alice Douglas, were educated at home and did not have experience of formal education. Douglas' student record (bottom right) does not include any notes confirming that any exams were passed, and shows that Douglas only stayed one term.

Westfield did, however, expect and maintain high standards of attainment, and many of the early students went into education or missionary work.

Douglas went on to achieve success in the field of education, becoming Headmistress of a school in Salisbury (1890-1919) and a member of the Consultation Committee Board of Education (1913), as well as working in association with Salisbury Education Committee and After Care Committee (1920-1929).

Westfield College became a popular choice for young women wishing to study in London, and student success and retention improved.

By the time Constance Maynard retired from her position as Mistress in 1913, student numbers had risen to 60.