Weekly Reflections: Leadership in the Sixth Form

Her words resonate with the ethos we see and nurture in our Sixth Form.  At Royal High, student leadership isn't about popularity or titles. It’s not about being the loudest voice, but the voice that makes space for others. It’s about being present when it matters, taking initiative when others step back, and choosing to uplift rather than outshine.

This message came through powerfully during Monday’s school assembly, where we celebrated the handover from our outgoing prefect team to our incoming one. Head, Ms Boyes commended the senior prefects for their commitment and compassion, saying:
“You’ve shown us what it means to lead not just with confidence, but with compassion. You’ve proven that leadership is as much about listening as it is about speaking. And you’ve brought warmth, humour, and humanity into every task you've taken on.”

In a moment of both reflection and anticipation, our outgoing Head Girl, Ellie, handed over the Head Girl Box to Jemima our new Head Girl for 2025-26. The box has been passed down through generations of Royal High Head Girls, the contents known only to them, but its symbolism is evident to all: leadership is not just a role, but a responsibility carried forward with care, continuity, and quiet strength.

This week also gave us the chance to thank our outgoing House Leaders and Mentors —Sixth Form students who have been outstanding role models to the youngest members of the Senior School. During Wednesday’s House Assemblies, we announced the new teams of House Leaders and Mentors, all students currently in Year 11. They will officially take up their roles later this term — following their GCSEs — with new student induction events and Sports Day. We look forward to seeing them continue the tradition of support, encouragement, and leadership as they enter the Sixth Form in September.

As the baton is passed to a new generation of student leaders, it’s a natural moment to reflect on why these experiences matter. When girls are given opportunities to lead, they learn to trust their voice, recognise the value of their ideas, and understand that leadership is as much about helping others succeed as it is about personal achievement.

Leadership is not a fixed destination—it’s a habit formed through action. Every time a student leads a club, speaks at assembly, mentors a younger peer, or quietly supports a friend, she is building her leadership. These everyday moments may seem small, but together, they shape a culture in which girls are confident to lead with integrity, to listen deeply, and to act with courage.

To all our outgoing student leaders—thank you. Thank you for your time, your energy, and the care you have brought to your roles and to each other.

And to our new leaders — congratulations. We can’t wait to see what you will achieve. As Jacinda Ardern wisely advised: “Carve your own path. Be your own kind of leader.”

Mrs Mandy Ladbury-Webb, Head of Sixth Form