28/08/2026
Yesterday we said goodbye to Mrs Burnett, a teacher who left a lasting impression on me and so many others.
She had a big voice, a big presence, and taught history with gusto. Ask any Swakeleys girl of the 90s/00s and they’ll remember how the faint click, click, click of her heels and walking stick coming down the corridor could have hundreds of “little girls” rolling down skirts, wiping off make-up and getting to class just that little bit quicker - all without her saying a word.
She played up to her dragon lady persona, and I dare say she enjoyed it too, but beneath it she was also one of the kindest and most empathetic people I’ve ever known.
Mrs Burnett (I can't bring myself to call her Jo) championed the underdog, detested bullying in any form, wasn't afraid to stand up for what she wanted, and went out of her way to help any student in need.
She held her “little girls” to a standard of behaviour and performance that she believed would prepare us not just for exams, but for the grown-up world - as decent, kind human beings who should never feel restricted simply because we were girls.
I was lucky enough to stay in touch with her over the years, and I’ll miss her comments on my posts and the countless DMs offering advice when I needed it - or, more often than not, giving me a little kick up the arse.
Although I left school 25 years ago, I don’t think she ever stopped teaching me.
Thank you, Nicola Isherwood for leading such a lovely farewell to a very special woman, and to Thomas Isherwood - Bass Baritone for singing - something Mrs Burnett loved so much. My heart goes out to you and to all her friends and family. ❤️
