Norwich High School for Girls is proud to remember Her Honour Isobel Plumstead, a trailblazing alumna from the Class of 1965, whose distinguished career as a family judge left a lasting impact on the legal world.

Born and raised in Norwich, Isobel attended Norwich High School before earning an unconditional offer to study jurisprudence at St Hugh’s College, Oxford. She went on to qualify as a barrister at Middle Temple, where her pioneering spirit and sharp intellect defied the gender barriers of her time.

Isobel’s most notable legal achievement came early in her judicial career when she ruled that a husband’s pension fund could be varied to support his ex-wife. This landmark decision, upheld by the House of Lords in 1995, ultimately paved the way for the introduction of pension-sharing on divorce through the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999. Her dedication to fairness and justice was evident throughout her career.

As a circuit judge, Isobel was known for her robust intellect, empathy and quick grasp of complex cases. She was a vocal advocate for judicial independence, the welfare of her peers and increasing diversity within the judiciary. Her colleagues admired her unflinching dedication to the principles of justice, while her family remembered her wit, warmth and love of community.

Even in retirement, Isobel continued her judicial work as a tribunal judge and remained active in her local community on the Sandringham estate, where she supported local charities and initiatives.

Her remarkable career and enduring legacy inspire the Norwich High community, and we celebrate her life with gratitude and pride.

Her Honour Isobel Plumstead, family judge, was born on July 19th, 1947, and passed away on December 30th, 2024, aged 77.

With thanks to Isobel’s daughter, Flora, for sharing these family photographs and giving her permission for us to publish this obituary.