A Legacy of Passion and Dedication
Mrs Gillian Furniss first stepped into the halls of what was then Grosvenor House School in 1982, marking the beginning of a teaching journey that would span over four decades. At the time, the school was a boys’ boarding and day prep school, and Mrs Furniss quickly became an integral part of its community. Over the years, she has taught students across all age groups, shared countless meals in the school canteen, and devoted her energy to nurturing young minds.
Reflecting on her career, Mrs Furniss expressed deep gratitude for the people she has met along the way. “Thank you to everybody I have met over the years for making my teaching career so special – pupils, parents and staff,” she said. “I have made so many friends and have so many wonderful memories. I always wanted to be a teacher, and I am so happy I have been able to be one for so many years.”
Born in Bradford, Mrs Furniss trained as a teacher and began her career at a school in Dorset in 1979. After three years in the south, she moved back to Yorkshire with her husband Lee, whom she met during teacher training. She joined the staff at Grosvenor House School, where she initially worked in the Pre-Prep department, teaching some of the youngest children.
Her time at Belmont Grosvenor School has been filled with unforgettable experiences. One of the highlights was climbing Scafell Pike while pregnant with her daughter Holly. She also led numerous school trips to France, Holland, and the Norfolk Broads. Perhaps most memorable was the moment she saw former pupil Andy Triggs-Hodge win gold at the London 2012 Olympics and later held his medal.
Mrs Furniss has always maintained a strong connection with her former students. “I am incredibly proud that during my long teaching career I have never met a past pupil who has not acknowledged me and come up to chat with me,” she said. “I remember them all, and I think that is a very lovely thing.”
A dedicated sportswoman and cyclist, Mrs Furniss has been riding her electric bike six miles from home to school each day for the past ten years, regardless of the weather. Her creativity has also left a lasting impact on the school. During the 1990s, she introduced the ‘Big Art Attacks,’ where students used anything from PE equipment to playground items to create giant artworks. More recently, she started a knitting club and crafting groups, sharing her passion with both students and the local community.
Each summer, she and her Year 5 and 6 pupils created a giant quilt, often winning top prizes at international quilting festivals. As an exceptional maths teacher, her daily one-minute maths tests became a well-known feature of the school. Thanks to her dedication, students have excelled in local, national, and international maths challenges.
In 2003, when diagnosed with cancer, Mrs Furniss remained committed to her work. She continued teaching, even while undergoing radiotherapy. When chemotherapy caused hair loss, she turned it into a positive experience by wearing colourful bandanas and even painting a Christmas tree on her head.
Mrs Charlie Brooksbank, Chair of Governors at Belmont Grosvenor School, praised Mrs Furniss for her profound impact. “Mrs Furniss has been so much more than a teacher – she has been a guiding light, an inspiration, and a constant presence in a changing world,” she said. “Her passion for learning, whether through the precision of Maths, the joy of Art, or the freedom of Sport has lit sparks in countless young minds.”
“She has shaped futures and touched lives in ways that numbers simply cannot measure. It is no exaggeration to say that her legacy at Belmont Grosvenor is immeasurable. Her resilience, kindness, sense of fun, and fierce belief in every child’s worth are woven into the very fabric of the school.”
As Mrs Furniss prepares for retirement, the entire school community celebrates her remarkable career and the enduring mark she has left behind.
