Royal High community celebrates acts of kindness
Senior School, Nursery and Prep School, Boarding, International
Students and staff here at Royal High Bath have been celebrating World Kindness Day by sharing moments of kindness they’ve experienced within the school community, from small everyday gestures to moments that left a lasting impact. Held annually on 13th November, the event highlights the power of compassion and connection - values that are deeply embedded in daily life at Royal High.
We’ve pulled together some of the heartwarming responses.
Can you share a moment when someone at Royal High School showed you unexpected kindness?
“I was really nervous about performing in a concert. There were lots of people watching and I only knew one of them. Then I saw that my friend had come to support me even though she wasn't performing herself. I wasn't expecting to see her and it was really kind of her to give up her time just to support me.”
“Completely unexpectedly my class decorated my classroom (balloons etc), brought in a cake and a gift for me on my birthday and were so happy and excited about making the day special for me.”
“When a Year 13 said she loved my bag and it made my day!”
“When the form for the International Gala wasn't working on my computer, but I reached out to the three older girls who are running it. Thanks to their kindness, I now get to represent my country in the International Gala.”
“At the end of the recent Battlefields trip I was presented with a little notebook which all the girls and staff had written lovely messages of thanks for organising the trip. It was really touching and unexpected.”
“One moment that stood out for me was when we were making a fruit salad in Food Tech and I did not have enough variety of fruits but my friends kindly shared their fruit with me and we ended up making a great memory together.”
“The gift of an Emma Bridgewater mug from a student that I supported, with "thank you" painted on it.”
“I had a Year 12 fieldtrip where the minibus driver could not take us at the last minute and another member of staff immediately offered to drop her plans for that day and drive the bus for us to ensure the trip would still run.”
“I’ve been touched many times by small acts of kindness at Royal High, but one that always makes me smile is our work angels initiative. Knowing that someone is quietly looking out for you - and then finding a surprise bar of chocolate on your desk after a long day - is a lovely reminder that we’re part of a caring community. Those little gestures make a big difference!”
And the award for the funniest comment to this question goes to:
“When my shoes got wet and Matilda kept my stinky wet shoes in her locker for ages.”
Beyond the bigger gestures, the responses revealed how small acts of kindness happen constantly across the school - holding doors open, offering a reassuring smile, helping new students find their way, sharing snacks, lending books or pens, picking up something someone dropped, or helping a classmate catch up after a missed lesson.
What does kindness look like in everyday life at our school?
“Kindness at our school is when teachers or older students take time out of their schedules to help others. I feel like I can reach out to anyone and they will do their best to help me and ensure I have what I need to thrive.”
“It could be as simple as sitting with someone new at lunchtime, wishing someone luck before something important, or simply accompanying someone to the locker room so they can get their books.”
“When all your friends wait for you to finish at lunch and then you spend break together while making sure you look out for each other.”
“Helping a teacher or comforting someone who is upset.”
“Kindness costs nothing but it is priceless it happens every minute of every day at Royal High, blink and you miss it. A smile, a nod, a door held open for you or a few words to see you on your way.”
“Just smiling, talking, and being there for each other.”
“The girls look you in the eye and say "Thank you" at the end of every lesson. They really mean it.”
“Students often ask me how my weekend was, or they ask me how I am doing. This is remarkable and at none of the other schools I have worked at have I seen students genuinely caring about their teachers!”
“Asking if I am okay, when I am I am having a bad day. It is nice to know someone cares.”
“There is an overriding sense of compassion in our school where thoughtfulness and consideration towards others dictates how we treat each other and look out for others.”
These seemingly small actions have a profound impact on the wellbeing of students and staff. When asked the final question, “How has kindness from others at Royal High made a difference in your day or your life?”, the overwhelming theme in the responses was simple but powerful - kindness makes people happy. Many spoke about how these moments brightened their day, boosted their confidence, and reminded them that they belong to a truly caring community.
How has kindness from others at Royal High School made a difference in your day or your life?
“I think it just makes everyone happier.”
“I'm glad that I go to a school where it is so normal for teachers and students to be kind to each other because I'm the sort of person who worries about making mistakes, and it really makes a difference when people are kind and understanding instead of unforgiving.”
“Kindness has a ripple effect. Recently, two alumnae contacted me to say they’d achieved their dream jobs and wanted to thank me for helping them believe in themselves. It was such a moving reminder that the care we show day to day really does stay with our students long after they leave. Their words made my week and reminded me why kindness - in every form, big or small - truly matters.”
“As a very new member of staff I was very wary and nervous of how I would be received. Being kind is one of my own top core values, so stepping into this new role it was important to me. All I can say is kindness has been at the top of my "feelings" list whenever I have been asked how the new job is going. My answer without fail has always been - everyone is so kind! It feels very special to be in a school with such kind energy everywhere!”
“I feel understood, appreciated and therefore I am a very happy member of the ‘family!’”
“It has made me feel more confident in myself.”
“If you’re having a bad day and you just chat to someone they will make you so happy for the rest of the day.”
“If it wasn't for kindness at Royal High it wouldn't be nearly as nice as it is with all the friendly people that come here.”
“A student emailed me such a kind 'thank you' email after I had spent some time helping them with something. I read the email right before going home on Friday after lessons and it made my weekend!”
“Kindness and compassion keeps you coming back day after day to school, gives you the fuzzy feeling that you belong.”
“If I am just having a day when I am tired it just gives me that positive boost to keep on going.”
“Kindness = inclusivity + respect + support = great place to work = I love my job!”
“It has given me motivation to go into school each morning, so I can see my friends.”
Thank you so much to every student and staff member who shared their reflections on kindness at RHB. Your responses captured perfectly how kindness is practiced at our school and why it’s so important. Happy World Kindness Day!
“ Kindness is one of our defining values at Royal High, and it’s something we see in action every single day. Whether it’s a student supporting a friend, staff helping each other, or alumnae reaching out years later, these moments create a community where everyone feels valued and able to thrive. ”Heidi Boyes, Head
Learn more about our values here.