Leading with Purpose: Jemima Looks Forward to Her Year as Head of School

As one of Sedbergh’s new Heads of School, Jemima represents the values at the heart of the School: ambition, resilience, humility, and kindness. In her final year, she is balancing academic rigour with leadership responsibility, while also preparing for life beyond Sedbergh. Her reflections highlight how pupils are supported to grow into confident, thoughtful leaders who are ready to take on new challenges.

Have you noticed a difference between Year 12 and Year 13?

Even though I am only a week in, I’ve already noticed the step up from Year 12 to Year 13. There is a greater expectation that pupils will be independent and proactive. Year 13 also brings a stronger focus on balancing responsibilities, preparing for exams, and planning for life after school.

What’s the biggest challenge for you in juggling your role as Head of School with your A Levels?

While it is going to be an exciting and busy year, I am used to managing my time to fit it all in. The structure of the school day helps with this and ensures every minute is used well — from having a set time in the evening for prep to study periods throughout the day. Another challenge is knowing what to prioritise, but our teachers are very understanding and supportive. I feel confident that with help from the prefect team, and by planning in advance, I will be able to achieve everything I set out to do.

What expectations do you have about the Head of School role?

I expect the role to bring a lot of responsibility and for me to become a more visible role model. This comes with added pressure because previous Heads of School have left me big shoes to fill! Other than that, I am not sure what to expect, but I am really excited for the year, the opportunities it will bring, and making a positive impact on the school.

Do you have a vision for what you’d like to achieve as Head of School?

Something that the school already does so well is ensuring pupils feel valued and supported. I’m passionate about creating a space where pupils feel confident to share ideas and speak up. As well as this, I think it is important to ensure the school has positive role models in the older pupils whom they can learn from and look up to. Already, with the academic/pastoral committees on offer, as well as the school council, there are many ways in which pupils can put forward their ideas and offer suggestions. I think this is so important in creating a school environment where everyone has the chance to be heard.

Do you know what pathway you’d like to follow after Sedbergh?

I am planning to apply for Human Sciences at the University, studying the problems facing society from the biological and social sciences perspectives. The opportunity to combine academic study with playing hockey, whether this be in the UK or at an international university, would be amazing and is something I really want to do.

Because Human Sciences is such a broad and interdisciplinary degree, I hope it will give me a strong foundation while I explore the different opportunities available. Broadcast journalism has always interested me, but for now I want to keep my options open and gain more experience across different fields.

What Sedbergh staff or programmes are you utilising to help you to achieve your goals?

The teachers have been fabulous at Sedbergh; they always have time for you and believe in you. They don’t make you think you’re too ambitious but just support you with what it is you want to do. Mr Lucas and Mr Roberts-Harry have been really helpful with preparation for applying to my specific course and providing further reading resources. The extra physics and chemistry sessions that the teachers put on, and early morning maths, were a lifeline for my GCSEs. In Sixth Form, I’ve also benefited from the small group hockey sessions, which have really improved my game. That extra support has made a big difference.

How is Sedbergh preparing you for life beyond school?

Sedbergh life is busy – but perfect for balancing work with friends, fun, and other activities. I will definitely aim for that balanced approach beyond school, making time to fit everything in. We are also encouraged to be independent, so it is the perfect stepping stone for the outside world!

What advice would you give pupils who are starting to explore their next steps after Sedbergh?

There are so many opportunities available; look widely when it comes to choosing where to go and what to study, because there will be something for everyone. You may end up being really interested in something you didn’t even know existed when you start looking. I would say to keep your options open for as long as possible and be open-minded.

What’s the most important lesson Sedbergh has taught you?

I’ve learnt so many things that will stay with me for a long time, but one of them would be that kindness goes a long way. It is a value that the school really emphasises and makes such a difference to everything. Secondly, there is no harm in trying and doing new things, whether it is your ‘thing’ or not. It will open up so many doors and lead you to meet new people. Sedbergh also teaches you to push yourself and be ambitious. If you take opportunities and always look to be better, you will leave having achieved much more than you would have thought you could when you joined, whether this is academically, in sport, or in music and drama.

What’s is your favourite Sedbergh memory so far?

My favourite memory so far would have to be winning the Wilson Run earlier this year. I think the Wilson Run would be a highlight for so many people. It is so inspiring watching the older pupils do this for three years, so when it is your turn to do it, it’s special. It is something so unique to the school. The whole day was amazing because of seeing friends complete it, and the concert afterwards brings everyone together; everyone has so much respect for each other on that day. It is a really good feeling.