The VOICE of Julie James Bailey, Class of 1952

Julie, a former King Alfred's School student, describes moving to England in 1947 due to her father's deployment in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Adapting to the climate and infrastructure of improvised army huts, she recalls her educational experience, emphasizing a variety of subjects and activities as an important part of King Alfred's learning model. She often played 'boys' parts' in drama courses and was the only girl in her cricket team. After leaving school, she studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA), pursued directing in a male-dominated theatre industry, and built a career in television. Julie credits much of her success and resilience to King Alfred's School's gender-inclusive environment and the encouragement to try everything.