What was the application process like (for Head of School) and what tips would you give to prospective candidates?
NC: The application process is obviously a lot different now, but for a good reason. The hustings pushes you to really demonstrate to not only your teachers but your classmates to why you want to be head of school and what you will do if you get there, which I would say is the most important thing in the process. Make sure people know WHY you want to do it, be yourself, and be honest.
AM: We first had to complete the application process for a Red Tie and if you were successful in getting a Red Tie, you could then put your name forward for Head of School. Those of us that put our name forward had to do a presentation at a “hustings” in front of our year, who then voted for the 2 people they would like as their Heads of School. This was then followed by an interview with the Headmistress, Mr Hillier and Miss Wilby. It was a long process but it meant that I felt such a sense of accomplishment when I got Head of School- it hadn’t just been handed to me, I’d had to really work for it and prove myself.
In terms of any tips, my biggest is to be yourself: make sure what you say is personal and genuine. In interview/ your presentation, be overly formal, of course be well mannered and polite, but there is no point saying things about yourself/ Ashville that you think people “want to hear” but aren’t what you believe. At the end of the day you teachers and year group know you inside out, so if you’re right for the role, it will shine through.
Also, make sure you see the role as an active one: it’s not just a title, those interviewing you/ voting for you want to see that you’ll use it to make an impact so have lots of ideas of what you would like to change/ introduce.
2) What is the hardest part of being head of school?
NC: I would say organisation. In an already difficult year, you have to keep close attention to balancing your A-levels, extracurricular activities, and head of school duties. You’ve got to juggle a lot. But still, it’s definitely worth it.
AM: I would have said balancing the extra commitments that come with being Head of School with the year 13 workload and extra curricular commitments, and whilst true, I think there are a few things more specific to Head of School.
As Head of School you know you’re a role model, so you put a pressure on yourself to always do the right thing. You have to almost always be on your best behaviour, even if those around you aren’t, which definitely takes a bit of personal discipline.
It is also a difficult role in “leading the Red Ties”, as all Red Ties have been chosen as they are very able and natural leaders, so it can sometimes be difficult to organise a “team of leaders”, and you want to make sure everyone’s voice is heard.
3) What is the best part?
NC: The best part about being head of school is getting to be a part of what goes on during the day-to-day life. Conversing with the rest of the Red Ties, weekly meetings with the head to talk about upcoming events and new changes around school, I really enjoy getting to see how the school goes moving forward and working with both the students and teachers to see it all through.
AM: The impact of the voice you have as Head of School- I think that’s probably what I was most surprised about when I came into the role. I knew that as Head of School you represented the pupil body, but I didn’t realise it would be listened to to the great extent that it is! As Head of School, you have a direct and very impactful link to to the decision- making body of the school, and alongside the weekly Red Tie meeting with Mrs Norton and Miss Wilby, Nick and I have a meeting with the Head every Thursday. This may sound formal, but it’s really just a chat where we talk about our opinions on plans the Head wants to introduce, how to solve some of the problems at school, and any ideas we have on improving Ashville. For example, as a Sixth Form we were all disappointed to hear we weren’t having a Christmas Ball this year, so Nick and I mentioned it to Mrs Wilkinson, and within a week the ball was back up and running, and we all had an amazing night as a result. It’s times like this when you see the impact your voice has, and it’s very rewarding.
4) How important do you think the role is (for you/ within school organisation etc)
NC: I would say it is definitely very important, from the little things like being asked to help out with a tour, to the big things like having to write and present your own speeches at open day. Overall, you have to represent the school and what it stands for whilst also being yourself. However, I’d say the most important part is always being the first to step up when something needs doing.
AM: I think the role is really important giving younger pupils in the school clear role models, and also a sense of ambtition. I know that in year 7 I not only looked up to the Heads of School as role models on how to behave, but I also knew how much I would love to be in their position one day, so it gave me something to try aim for.
It’s also really important in bridging the gap between the pupil body and the decision makers.
I think for me personally, the role has been really important in giving something back to the place that’s done so much for me. When I joined in year 5, I was so quiet and had hardly any confidence, whereas thanks to my teachers and all the opportunities I’ve had at Ashville, I’ve become the much more confident person I am today. So it’s been really rewarding to help the school that helped me so much.
5) Would you do it all again – and why?
NC: Absolutely, 100 percent. It has been so much fun. I have really enjoyed my time here, so part of me wanted to give back and show other people what it has meant for me. Getting to be a part of and head up so many things this year has been an absolute pleasure. So yes, definitely.
AM: Definitely.
My confidence from when I started as Head of School in September to where it is now, has grown massively. Although when I started I was lucky in that I felt confident in speaking in assemblies and wouldn’t get nervous, I still wouldn’t “enjoy” it. But, I’ve reached the point now where when I’m speaking I enjoy it! Due to the nature of the role, you have meetings with and communicate with so many different adults, some of which you haven’t met before, so it has really developed my confidence in this sense, and my ability to naturally have a conversation with an adult I’ve never met.