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What is Saint Clare School for Girls?
A fictional British girls’ boarding school, inspired by real Scottish and Welsh, as well as English, institutions. The history of the school stretches back to the mid-19th century and forward at least to the 1980s. The world of Saint Clare spans generations. The school is steeped in tradition, with layers of history, shifting leadership styles, and cultural change echoing through the decades. Stories are collected here:
My summer 2025 project, Inez of the Upper IV is my Mija-self returning to Saint Clare after more than a decade away from writing this world. It is set in Summer Term 1955.
Inez of the Upper 4th – the story so far
| Post Title | Date Posted |
| Teaser – “Inez of the Upper Fourth” – a Saint Clare Summer Saga | 21 July 2025 |
| Saint Clare School Justifications or A Few Explanations for the Inconsistencies That Are Absolutely Not My Fault) | 22 July 2025 |
| Waiting for Inez – It’s your own time you’re wasting… | 23 July 2025 |
| Start HERE: Inez’s Detention Essay | 24 July 2025 |
| Inez of the Upper IV – Cast of Characters | 25 July 2025 |
| The Real Motto of Saint Clare’s School for Girls | 27 July 2025 |
| The Staffroom Files Part 1: Inez of the Upper Fourth | 29 July 2025 |
| Notations from Matron’s Logbook: Inez of the Upper 4th | 30 July 2025 |
| Staff Meeting Transcript – Inez of the Upper IV | 2 August 2025 |
| Inez’s Diary, 19 June 1955 | 3 August 2025 |
Historical Context Notes:
Time Period: Summer Term 1955
- Post-war austerity still lingers in places; rationing has only recently ended.
- British empire continues the colonial wind-down begun the century before.
- The Coronation of Elizabeth II (1953) is still fresh in memory.
- Society is in quiet flux: expectations of women are shifting, but the institutions remain steeped in hierarchy, class and patriarchal.
Cultural References for Girls in 1955
- Books: Enid Blyton (Malory Towers, St. Clare’s), Elinor M. Brent-Dyer (Chalet School), Noel Streatfeild, Austen, Brontë, Hardy.
- Comics/Magazines: Girl, School Friend, Girls’ Crystal. Cinema: Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Roman Holiday, Dial M for Murder.
- Music: Vera Lynn, Doris Day, Frank Sinatra; early stirrings of American rock (e.g. Rock Around the Clock).
- Television: Rare in schools. Pathé News reels were shown at local cinemas.