The Lower Sixth enjoyed a memorable and inspiring evening at this year’s Networking Dinner, held at the beautiful Pangdean Barn. Joined by professional guests from a wide range of industries the girls hope to enter, the event offered an invaluable opportunity to develop the networking skills that are becoming increasingly essential in today’s fast‑moving digital world
Lower Sixth Networking Dinner 2026
Posted: 23rd January 2026
The barn buzzed with lively conversation as students gained first‑hand insights into fields such as medicine, engineering, business, technology, education, and the creative arts. For many, it was their first experience of a professional networking environment—an important step in building confidence, curiosity, and clarity about their future pathways.
A key moment in the evening was the keynote speech from Jenni Chance, Chief of Staff at PwC and a Burgess Hill Girls parent. With a career grounded in marketing, Jenni shared her reflections on the evolving professional landscape, particularly for women. She spoke candidly about how women often face moments of doubt in the workplace, even at senior levels, and emphasised that confidence, self‑assurance, and a strong sense of personal value are vital qualities for success.
Jenni’s message strongly resonated with the ethos of Burgess Hill Girls. She highlighted the importance of equipping young women with the belief that their voices matter—something we deeply instil in our pupils, and especially within our Sixth Form. Her perspective reinforced the purpose of the school’s BOLD programme, a transformational initiative designed to inspire the next generation of tomorrow’s women: future leaders, innovators, and bold thinkers who will shape the world around them.
The evening also included a memorable performance from Craig Whiteley, former West End performer and founder of West End Experience and The Theatre Workshop. His stirring rendition of “This Is the Moment” from Jekyll and Hyde captured the spirit of the night perfectly. Its themes of courage and seizing opportunities echoed much of the advice shared by the evening’s professional guests.
Blending inspiring speeches, industry insight, and an uplifting artistic performance, this year’s Networking Dinner offered the Lower Sixth a powerful reminder of their potential and the exciting opportunities ahead. The girls left feeling motivated, empowered, and ready to take the next bold steps on their journeys.
