Susan Mitchell 1938 – 2025

It is with great sadness that we inform you that Susan Mitchell passed away suddenly on Monday.  Susan was an extraordinary Old Blue whose devotion to Christ’s Hospital spanned a lifetime.  Her generous service, powerful leadership, and wonderful vision were very much in evidence when she visited the school for the last time on Friday (20 June 2025), for the June meeting of the Court of Governors.

Susan attended Christ’s Hospital, Hertford, from 1947 to 1956 and she went on to a distinguished career in publishing, chairing Octopus Books and Quadrille Publishing.  Her contributions to CH were extensive and her work to support the school influenced its workings for a generation.  As Treasurer of Christ’s Hospital from 1996 to 2002 she was instrumental in encouraging the financial engagement of countless donors, the benefits of which were felt, particularly, through her chairmanship of the “100 Years On” Appeal.  She helped raise £5 million for the school, a sum which was used to reshape the Christ’s Hospital campus and extend considerably its bursary impact.  Susan was delighted to see the appointment of a second lady Treasurer and acted as a powerful friend and mentor.

Through the Sue Thomson Foundation Susan’s support for the school was particularly felt by its students. Under the aegis of the foundation, 26 presentees were supported directly and many others, through partnerships, were able to access the school in her lifetime.  Characteristically, what children gained from went way beyond the financial support she offered or orchestrated; they and their families were cared for, they were offered mentorship, and, through this work, they began to understand what it meant to entertain hope.  Her pioneering work in bursary funding laid the foundations for today’s Blue Fund initiative, which has since gone on to raise over £13 million for bursaries.  Susan’s own personal commitment to CH has always inspired others and most of us can only aspire to live its mission as she did.

Susan was, quite simply, one of CH’s greatest champions – determinedly transformative and deeply committed to the cause of social mobility.  Her legacy is visible across our school and felt in the lives of countless pupils who have been given the opportunity to thrive.  The school will remain ever thankful for Susan’s immense contribution, her enduring belief in what Christ’s Hospital stands for and her humanity and no-nonsense understanding of what really matters.

Susan is survived by Susannah, her daughter, who is currently Chair of the Sue Thomson Foundation.  Susannah’s son, Charlie, attended Christ’s Hospital, completing his A Levels and sixth form experience at CH in 2024.

Our thoughts are with Susan’s family and those closest to her.  On behalf of everyone at Christ’s Hospital, we send our most sincere condolences.