Students rarely catch a glimpse of their college master. Locked away in their grand offices, you only see them at matriculation, graduation or the occasional formal. But Girton students were in for a shock when they discovered they had to end their football match early to make space for the mistress’ private helicopter to land on the field.

Dr Elisabeth Kendall, who took up the job on 1 October, has a habit of jetting off by helicopter - landing on College grounds twice last month.

Her most recent journey last month (9/10) prompted shock among the student body. One second-year branded it “extreme”.

College staff were alerted to the planned landing by the head porter, who warned that it may clash with a friendly football match being held on the college grounds. The helicopter landed earlier than expected, and the players were forced to leave the field.

When the head porter was asked for information about further landings, so football games could be scheduled, staff were informed that no more were planned.

While the reasons for using the helicopter are unknown, it has sparked criticism among the College community, with students pointing out the environmental impacts of private air travel.

One second-year Girtonian criticised the decision, telling Varsity: “the climate crisis is a big issue among students and things like helicopters and planes are a huge source of the emissions contributing to climate breakdown”. Another student ironically suggested that it was the “best” response to the climate crisis and cost of living crisis the country is currently facing.

One student suggested to Varsity that the helicopter had been lent to the mistress by a donor for the purpose of going to a gala, but Varsity has found no evidence to support this.

Varsity contacted Girton College for comment