Empowering the Next Generation of Young Women.
Ambition, independence, curiosity and confidence are at the heart of our Head of Sixth Form’s vision for life at LEH. Now half a term into his role as Assistant Head (Sixth Form), Sam talks to our Head Girl and Deputy Head Girl about his vision of sixth form education.
The Sixth Form years are an exciting time of discovery, growth and opportunity. At LEH, we want every student to leave not only with excellent academic results, but with the confidence, independence and sense of purpose to make their mark on the world. Sam is passionate about making that happen.
A community full of ambition
Asked what excites him most about joining LEH, Sam had an immediate answer: the people. Having already been struck by the ambition and energy of the Sixth Form, he is particularly inspired by a school culture where female leadership is celebrated and comes naturally. For Sam, the two Sixth Form years represent something much bigger than A levels. They are a formative period in which students begin to discover their identities, develop their independence and shape the people they want to become.
More than academic excellence
Academic achievement is an important part of Sixth Form life, but it is far from the whole picture. Sam believes that a truly outstanding Sixth Form experience should develop three essential qualities: independence, intellectual curiosity and a sense of belonging.
Students should feel confident to think deeply, question critically and explore new ideas, while also developing friendships and connections that will last long after they leave school. Equally important is creating an environment where young people feel comfortable taking risks, making mistakes and asking for help.
Finding something difficult is not a sign of weakness, and learning to navigate challenges is an essential part of growing up.
Big ideas and student-led opportunities
Looking ahead, there are some exciting ideas on the horizon. One ambition is to create a major student-led event focused on thought leadership, giving Sixth Formers the opportunity to organise discussions, workshops and events exploring subjects that matter to them, from artificial intelligence and sustainability to discrimination and female leadership. It is an idea that reflects a wider philosophy: students should not simply participate in opportunities, but feel empowered to create and lead them. Whether through volunteering, societies, school leadership or community initiatives, the aim is to encourage every student to discover their interests and pursue them with confidence.
A Sixth Form where every voice matters
Listening to students will be a central part of this approach. From visiting lessons and attending assemblies to supporting sporting fixtures and getting involved in school life, Sam is keen to understand the experiences and aspirations of the students themselves. He believes Sixth Formers are vital role models for younger pupils, demonstrating what confident, capable young women can achieve and helping to shape the wider school community.
Getting to know the person behind the role
Of course, the interview wasn’t all about educational philosophy. Our Sixth Form interviewers also uncovered a few unexpected facts, including a lifelong passion for Arsenal, a dream dinner party invitation for Thierry Henry, a love of Avril Lavigne and a very understandable fear of scorpions, having been stung twice!
It’s a lively and revealing conversation that offers a glimpse of the personality, enthusiasm and ambition our new Head of Sixth Form brings to LEH. Above all, Sam’s hope is that students will look back on their Sixth Form years knowing that they were believed in, that they learned to believe in themselves, and that they are ready for whatever life brings.