Celebrating Our Own: Dr Jennifer Townsend Named GDST Trailblazer of the Year!

We are absolutely thrilled to share the fantastic news that our alumna Dr Jennifer Townsend (Class of 2012), has been awarded the prestigious GDST Trailblazer of the Year 2025.

Dr Townsend, who works as an Obstetrics & Gynaecology Registrar, was recognised for her extraordinary and passionate work in global women’s health. She is actively involved in decreasing healthcare inequalities and tackling issues like medical misogyny within surgical specialties.

Emily Codling, Head at Bromley High School spoke on behalf of the whole school community, expressing immense pride:

“Jennifer is the embodiment of the spirit we nurture at Bromley High School. She is fearless, resilient, and forward-thinking, and we are incredibly proud that she has been recognised as Trailblazer of the Year among the GDST alumnae.”Mrs Emily Codling, Headmistress

A Full-Circle Commitment to Our Girls’ Health

This award comes as Jennifer deepens her ties with the school, having been a key panellist for the launch of our new Women’s Health Initiative. She is fully committed to supporting the development of this pioneering campaign.

Dr Townsend shared her gratitude, recalling the experience as a “full-circle moment.” She reflected on her time in the Junior School Hall and emphasised that the Women’s Health Initiative is precisely the kind of empowering education she wishes she had access to as a student.

“To be invited back to discuss how to empower and support girls to understand their health—I couldn’t be prouder of the students, staff, and the community for the work they do, the same that played such a vital role in shaping me,” Dr Townsend said. “Understanding our bodies, knowing what’s normal and when to seek help—that’s an essential part of that empowerment.”Dr Jennifer Townsend, GDST Trailblazer of the Year

From Bromley High School to Global Impact

The foundations of Jennifer’s impressive career were firmly laid here. Her Geography studies led to impactful international research in Northern Uganda and Colombia, focusing on maternal health in conflict areas. Her confidence, honed through debating competitions, later helped her chair a national panel with Médecins Sans Frontières. Even the focus and calm learned during piano exams now aid her before an emergency C-section.

Mrs Codling perfectly summarised Jennifer’s journey, noting:

“Jennifer embraced every opportunity – sport, drama, music – and gave her all. GDST girls don’t just participate; they lead, benefitting from the internal confidence gained here and the professional networking strength of the Trust.”Mrs Emily Codling, Headmistresse

Jennifer’s dedication to building safer, more compassionate, patient-centred women’s healthcare is truly inspiring. We all wish her the very best of luck and cannot wait to see what she achieves next!