Professor Jo Delahunty KC Inspires Year 12 Students

This week, Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School welcomed the esteemed Professor Jo Delahunty KC for the final IVE lecture of the academic year, delivered to our Year 12 students.

Professor Delahunty shared her remarkable personal and professional journey, beginning with her upbringing in a single-parent household and becoming the first in her family to remain in education beyond the age of 15. Her story of determination led her to study at Oxford University, be called to the Bar, and be appointed to the King’s Counsel in 2006.

Alongside her distinguished legal career, Professor Delahunty served as Gresham Professor of Law from 2016 and now holds the title of Emeritus Professor. Her lecture offered a powerful insight into the challenges she overcame and the passion that drives her work in family law, child safeguarding and high-profile legal inquiries—including her role in the legal team investigating the Hillsborough disaster.

Students were particularly moved by her reflections on feminism, neurodiversity, and wellbeing. One student remarked that Professor Delahunty reminded them of the strength and conviction of the protagonist in the West End production Prima Facie.

We are deeply grateful to Professor Delahunty for her visit. As a patron of the Association of Women Barristers and an ambassador for Bridging the Bar, she exemplifies the values of inclusion, resilience, and ambition. Her talk left a lasting impression, encouraging students from all backgrounds of class and gender to believe in themselves and pursue their aspirations with confidence.

Mr Millard