Jill Elizabeth Isaac, née Clarenbone (V 1949)

 Jill, who sadly passed away in 2017, spent eight years of her life at St Swithun’s, firstly in the junior school when it was still at the original school site in Winchester city centre and later at the senior school on Alresford Road. Her first visit to the senior school was when it had been commandeered by the US Army Medical Corps as a hospital for the wounded.

Jill enjoyed her time at St Swithun’s and was a vibrant member of the school community becoming head of Venta. As well as being known for her mathematical ability she played lacrosse for her house.

 Her great sadness was that she was not able to apply for Oxford or Cambridge as, although she had an excellent Higher School Certificate, unfortunately she was advised to give up Latin and take up Spanish, when Latin was a necessary requirement for Oxbridge. This was a great pity as she was an excellent researcher and would have been a prodigious scholar. She loved books throughout her life. 

Following a secretarial course and subsequent work for an estate agent, Jill met Malcom Isaac when she moved to Vitacress, a company which he owned, in 1966. They were married in 1983 and enjoyed 34 happy years together. 

Jill’s last wish was to give something back to the school she loved so much. 

Through a personal gift of great magnitude and generosity, Malcolm enabled St Swithun’s to design and build this beautiful building, completed in 2021, that will be a lasting and fitting tribute to his wife, Jill. 

It is a place of focus for university candidates, particularly those aspiring to Oxford or Cambridge - an inspirational space for study and quiet reflection.