Mrs Hilary Vipond with senior girls, 2013 HILARY Vipond knew she had struck gold from the moment she walked into Colchester’s St Mary’s School. As a teacher and mum of two young boys, she faced a challenge to juggle the demands of her home and professional life. However, the geographer was instantly struck by the school’s “warm, friendly and welcoming” community atmosphere. And so swiftly did she settle that she has ended up staying put ever since. That was in January 1996 and now, 25 years later, Mrs Vipond is celebrating a quarter of a century at the independent girls’ school.