Helen Lowe
Helen has worked in schools since 1989, prior to which she worked in theatre.
Helen has extensive experience as a Head, including at Bute House Preparatory School for Girls in London for nine years and, most recently, as Interim Head of The Study Prep, Wimbledon from 2022-2023.
Helen is now an Education Consultant, RI and Primary Board Advisor for St Paul’s Girls’ International School in China.
During her time at The Study Prep, Helen led the school during two significant crises across two sites. These experiences have led to her commitment to helping schools to prepare for the unimaginable.
Helen loves working in education and remains motivated about helping schools to provide the very best for the young people in their care.
Her mantra for leadership: Be brave, be visible, be kind.
Jules Oakshett
Jules worked as a Mental Health Consultant to a leading London Prep School for a decade during which time she designed and implemented crisis responses to bereavement and critical incidents across two sites. She is an HCPC accredited Arts Psychotherapist and Systemic Practitioner and an EMCC accredited Executive Coach.
Alongside her mental health and coaching work, Jules has a passion for theatre and worked as Executive Director at Theatre503 and as a dramaturg supporting new writers at The Orange Tree Theatre.
Jules is currently working as a transformational life coach, empowering women to realise their dreams in the second half of life.
Our Story
Grief Wise Schools was born from a profound commitment to equip educators with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of grief within the classroom. Founded by experienced Head Teacher and Education Consultant, Helen Lowe, and Psychotherapist and School Mental Health Consultant, Jules Oakshett, this initiative aims to ensure that schools are prepared for the inevitable moments of loss that can arise.
Together Helen and Jules have navigated bereavement and critical incidents in school communities and GWS was created out of a wish to share this learning. All teachers will experience bereavement in their classroom at some point in their career and learning what to do, what to say and how to provide a trauma-informed classroom needs to be part of any teacher's toolkit
Head teachers and senior leaders must be ready to navigate bereavement in the community with sensitivity and foresight. We are here to support you with compassion and care, helping you engage in challenging conversations and make courageous plans for every eventuality.