Balancing Ambition and Responsibility: Oliver Starts His Journey as Head of School
As one of Sedbergh’s new Heads of School, Oliver approaches his final year with determination and humility. Balancing academic demands with the responsibility of being a role model, he is focused on leading through kindness, resilience, and teamwork — values that lie at the heart of the Sedbergh community. In this interview, Oliver reflects on his ambitions, the lessons he has learned at Sedbergh, and the importance of making the most of every opportunity.
What differences have you noticed moving from Year 12 to Year 13?
The step up from Year 12 to Year 13 is definitely a significant one. As the top year in the school, there’s an important vital responsibility to be role models for the rest of the Sedbergh community. On top of this, it is vital that your personal academic standards are maintained to achieve the best A Level results possible. Juggling this is a large responsibility and can be challenging.
What’s the biggest challenge in balancing Head of School responsibilities with your A Levels?
The biggest challenge will be managing my time. I know that being Head of School is a tremendous responsibility and will demand a lot of my attention. At the same time, my academics have to come first if I’m to achieve the best results possible. Balancing both roles will be demanding, but it’s a challenge I’m ready to embrace and hope to thrive on.
What do you expect the role of Head of School to involve?
I see the role of Head of School as carrying a huge responsibility within the Sedbergh community. It’s a vital link between pupil voice and teachers, and it requires me to lead by example through both my actions and my words. I know it will be a challenge, but it’s one I’m ready to take on and committed to doing well.
Do you have a vision for what you’d like to achieve as Head of School?
As Head of School, one of my main priorities is to promote kindness. I think it’s vital that older pupils are approachable and supportive for younger ones, as this is what allows Sedbergh to thrive as a community.
I’d also like to encourage more support across sport. I think it would be great if all pupils in sports teams supported each other by watching all sports. This would make everyone feel valued in the Sedbergh community and would give the school an even more special feel than it already has.
Do you know what pathway you’d like to follow after Sedbergh?
I’m exploring several different pathways at the moment, most of which depend on how my rugby development goes, as my ambition is to become a professional rugby player. If that doesn’t work out — or if injury gets in the way — I would look to study quantity surveying or business and management at either university or by doing a degree apprenticeship. I am not fully decided yet.
A rugby career has been an aspiration of mine ever since I was young. Quantity surveying is also a pathway I am very interested in pursuing as a career. However, it is only since I started looking at university courses that this profession really appealed to me.
Which staff or programmes have helped you work towards your goals?
All of the staff at Sedbergh are incredibly supportive, but one person who stands out is my housemaster, Mr Coke. He has been a huge support through the highs and lows of boarding, school life, and especially injury. He has always encouraged me to keep looking forward to what’s next, and I’m really grateful for the guidance he has given me since Year 9.
How has Sedbergh prepared you for life beyond school?
Sedbergh has taught me a lot during my time here, but an important trait I think it has instilled in me is resilience. Whether it be in the classroom, on the rugby pitch, or even during formal occasions like a dinner date, the school has instilled in me the importance of giving 100% and to keep on going until goals and aspirations are achieved.
What advice would you give to new pupils about gteting the most out of their time at Sedbergh?
I would say to new pupils who are looking to join to make the most of everything on offer here and take yourself out of your comfort zone. That is the only way to get the full experience of the school. I would also urge them, once they join, to live in the moment. The years really do flash by, so make sure you make the most of every opportunity you get.
What’s the most important lesson Sedbergh has taught you?
The most important lesson Sedbergh has taught me is humility — wherever we are and whatever we do. We’re encouraged to appreciate the opportunities we’re given and to recognise how privileged we are to be in this position.
What’s your favourite Sedbergh memory so far?
My favourite memory of Sedbergh on a sporting front must be our rugby triumphs at Rosslyn Park 7s in Year 9 and Year 11. Those were special. Another highlight would be when School House won House Unisons singing two years in a row. It was an amazing experience that really brought our house together.”
