For almost three decades, Sara Glover was one of the defining figures of the Mathematics Department at James Allen's Girls' School. Joining JAGS in 1996, she dedicated 27 years to the School, serving as Head of Mathematics for 22 of them before retiring in 2023. Yet for Sara, teaching was never simply a profession; it was a vocation that shaped generations of young women and left an enduring mark on the life of the School.

Sara possessed the rare gift of making mathematics both accessible and enjoyable. Her lessons combined intellectual challenge with warmth, humour and an infectious enthusiasm that encouraged pupils to believe in their own abilities. She expected high standards, but she matched those expectations with unwavering support, taking genuine pride in seeing her students grow in confidence and ambition. Many who entered her classroom uncertain of their mathematical ability left inspired to continue the subject beyond GCSE and A Level.

One former student captured Sara's influence perfectly in a personal note that she sent to her:

"Thank you for being such an inspiring and exciting maths teacher... You have not only improved my maths but inspired me to study Mathematics at A Level. You have also been a supportive form tutor and guided us superbly through the years."

That sentiment was echoed by countless pupils whose lives Sara touched throughout her career. Among them was Claire Coutinho MP, who described Sara as a transformative influence in her life.

As Head of Mathematics, Sara led with integrity, professionalism and quiet determination. She was deeply committed to her colleagues, generous with her time and always willing to offer encouragement or advice. Her enthusiasm extended beyond the classroom, helping to foster the strong sense of community that has long characterised JAGS. Even after her retirement, she returned to support examination classes, giving her time voluntarily because she believed so passionately in her pupils and in the School itself.

Those who worked alongside Sara will remember her for much more than her academic excellence. She brought kindness, loyalty, humour and an unmistakable energy to every aspect of school life. She formed lasting friendships across the JAGS community and was held in enormous affection by colleagues and students alike.

Sara's legacy lives on in the thousands of young women whose confidence she nurtured, whose curiosity she inspired and whose futures she helped shape. Her influence reaches far beyond the Mathematics Department, remaining woven into the fabric of JAGS itself. She will be remembered with deep gratitude, great affection and lasting respect. Sara passed peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on 14th April 2026 following a cancer diagnosis in 2025.