Juliet on Founding Sedbergh School’s Law Society

When Juliet joined Sedbergh in Year 12, she was adjusting to a new school and a new country. Now in Year 13, she is a School prefect, studying History, Psychology and English Literature, and has established a Law Society to give other pupils the opportunity to explore an interest she hopes to pursue professionally.

Juliet founded the Society to make law more accessible, bringing together pupils with an existing interest in the subject and those who are simply curious. Through discussions of high-profile cases, debates and current legal issues, she has created opportunities for pupils to consider different perspectives, while developing her own confidence in leading discussions and communicating complex ideas.

With ambitions to secure a Solicitor Degree Apprenticeship, Juliet reflects on the experience of establishing the Society, the support she has received from her teachers and the opportunities that have shaped her time at Sedbergh.

Academic interests and ambitions

What subjects are you studying in Year 13?

I am studying History, Psychology, and English Literature. I am particularly grateful for how closely the themes across these three subjects interconnect and complement one another.

I think there is a big connection between all three subjects in the way they explore human behaviour and the influence of society. History has helped me understand how people’s beliefs and attitudes are shaped by the time they live in, while Psychology looks at behaviour from a more scientific perspective. I think English Literature and History are particularly related because we study American history alongside American literature from the 1920s. I think studying all three has encouraged me to look at things from different perspectives rather than just one.

Looking ahead beyond Sedbergh, what would you like to do next, and what are your longer-term ambitions?

My main goal is to secure a Solicitor Degree Apprenticeship. As a backup plan, I am also applying to universities to study Law, with Durham being my top choice.

I understand that degree apprenticeships are extremely competitive, so I have been researching different firms and their solicitor apprenticeship programmes to understand what each offers and what they look for in applicants. I have also gained experience through work experience and speaking to solicitors and current degree apprentices, which has helped me understand the profession and the different routes into it. In school, Mr Robinson has also been extremely helpful, giving me guidance on the number of applications I should make and reviewing my CV and applications.

Establishing Sedbergh’s Law Society

What interests or experiences have most influenced the direction you want to take?

Having the opportunity to establish and run my own Law Society here at Sedbergh has been pivotal. I wanted to make law more accessible and give pupils the chance to explore it outside the classroom. It has also helped me develop my own understanding of law, as I have had to research topics and lead discussions. It has solidified my interest in legal studies and gave me practical experience in leading discussions and engaging with the field.

I had been interested in law for a while and wanted to create an opportunity for pupils to explore it at Sedbergh. I also wanted to bring together people who were interested in law, while making it accessible to those who might not know much about it. I organised the Society, planned the sessions and promoted it around school with the help of Ms Stubbs. I wanted it to appeal to both pupils who were already interested in law and those who were simply curious about it. The response has been really positive, which has been great to see.

The Law Society sessions vary from discussing famous cases to debates and activities around current legal issues. In last week’s session, I particularly enjoyed looking at the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial and debating whether high-profile trials should be broadcast live. It was interesting to look beyond the case itself and consider the wider issues around social media and the justice system.

Leading the Society has made me more confident in speaking to a group and leading discussions. It has also taught me how to explain complicated ideas in a simple way and encourage other people to share their views. I think these are skills that will be really useful in a future career in law.

Is there one experience, opportunity or challenge at Sedbergh that has had a particularly significant impact on you? Why?

Taking on the challenge of establishing the Law Society from scratch. Stepping out of my comfort zone to create something new for the school community boosted my confidence and showed me what I can achieve when taking the initiative.

Life in Year 13

What three words would you use to describe Year 13 at Sedbergh — and why?

Pivotal, with exams approaching, the pressure to perform well and secure our next steps makes this year feel particularly important. Exhilarating, despite the academic demands, it is an incredibly exciting time filled with new opportunities and milestones. Responsibility, taking on leadership roles and balancing our studies requires a greater sense of accountability and ownership.

What is one thing about Sedbergh that you think only a Sedbergh pupil would understand?

The sheer intensity of daily life here, the feeling that there is truly not a single second to waste, with every moment packed full of activities, academics, and House life.

What is your favourite Sedbergh tradition or moment of the year?

The Wilson Run. It is not just about the competition itself, but about the incredible sense of unity as the whole school comes together. The concert after the run is especially enjoyable and brings everyone together to celebrate.

Personal growth and leadership

Thinking back to when you first arrived at Sedbergh, in what ways do you think you have changed?

When I first arrived, moving from a different country felt quite overwhelming and made me very nervous. However, the warm and welcoming environment, especially in Lupton House, helped me adjust quickly. Since then, I have grown significantly and gained a far greater sense of independence.

Who or what at Sedbergh has encouraged you to aim higher than you might otherwise have done?

My teachers. Their confidence in my abilities, the care they put into teaching, and their willingness to give up their free periods to go over work and answer questions have truly encouraged me to push myself further.

What motivates you when something is difficult or when things do not go to plan?

I think believing that God has a plan keeps me grounded, gives me perspective, and helps me keep moving forward when facing challenges.

As a prefect, what do you hope younger pupils see in the way you lead?

I hope they see someone who is hardworking, positive, and genuinely happy to support them in any way I can.

What have you learned about leadership since becoming a prefect? Has anything surprised you?

I’ve learned how much goes on behind the scenes. I was surprised by the sheer volume of organisation involved, from coordinating open days to managing all the emails and Teams messages.

Looking back and looking ahead

When you eventually leave Sedbergh, what do you think you will take with you that has nothing to do with qualifications?

The lifelong friendships I’ve built here, which mean the world to me, especially considering I only joined in Year 12.

What is one part of Sedbergh life that you suspect you will miss much more than you expect?

The environment itself, being surrounded by such beautiful landscapes every single day.