Reflections on My First Year at St. Helen’s College by Ms Sophie Green
An extraordinary first year in a community built on warmth, ambition, kindness and care.
As the academic year draws to a close, I have found myself reflecting on what has been an extraordinary first year as Headteacher of St. Helen’s College. Since joining the school last September, I have had the privilege of getting to know a community that is warm, welcoming and deeply committed to the wellbeing and success of every child.
Before arriving, I was aware of St. Helen’s College’s strong reputation for academic excellence. What has become clear over the past year is that the school’s success is founded on something even more important: its values. A commitment to striving for excellence, helping one another and caring for everyone is evident in every aspect of school life. These values are not simply aspirations; they are lived and demonstrated by pupils, staff and families every day.
This has been a highly successful year. Our Year 6 pupils are moving on to an impressive range of leading independent, grammar, and highly sought after local senior schools, with many having been awarded scholarships in recognition of their talents and achievements. While these outcomes are a source of great pride, they are only part of the story. What matters most is that our pupils leave St. Helen’s College as confident, thoughtful, compassionate and resilient young people, equipped not only for academic success but for life beyond the classroom.
One of the greatest joys of this year has been spending time with pupils across all year groups. Whether discussing literature with Year 6, listening to the thoughtful observations of Year 3 over lunch, celebrating the impressive progress made by Year 4, or watching Year 2 settle so successfully into Upper School, I have been continually impressed by the curiosity, confidence and kindness of our children. The energy and creativity of Year 5 also give me every confidence that they will be exceptional role models as they prepare to lead the school next year.
The emphasis we place on kindness, inclusivity, respect and wellbeing is something I particularly value. Throughout the year I have witnessed countless examples of pupils supporting one another, welcoming new friends, celebrating differences and showing genuine care for those around them. At St. Helen’s College, wellbeing is woven into the fabric of daily life, helping children develop resilience, self-awareness and a strong sense of community.
None of this would be possible without our exceptional staff. Throughout my first year, I have been struck by the strength of teamwork across the school. Staff support one another, willingly share expertise and consistently go above and beyond for the children in their care. I am immensely grateful to every member of the school community for their dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment to our pupils.
I would also like to acknowledge the support of our amazing Senior Leadership Team: Mrs Gilbert, Mr Roche, Ms Matthews and Mrs Cargill, whose wisdom, guidance and friendship have made my transition into headship at St. Helen’s College both enjoyable and successful. Equally, I am grateful to Mr and Mrs Crehan, who continue to be passionate supporters of the school and whose encouragement has meant a great deal during my first year.
Our parents play a vital role in the success of the school, and I would like to thank them for their trust, partnership and ongoing support. The relationship between home and school is central to the experience we provide for our children, and we are fortunate to have such an engaged and supportive parent community.
Alongside the many significant achievements of the year, it is often the smaller moments that stay with us. Some of my favourite memories have come from spending time in Ducklings searching for caterpillars with our youngest children, sharing books with pupils, enjoying conversations in staff rooms, and witnessing the enthusiasm with which children embrace every opportunity offered to them. These moments serve as a reminder that while academic achievement is important, it is the relationships, laughter, kindness and shared experiences that truly define a school’s culture.
Looking back, one of the most encouraging aspects of life at St. Helen’s College has been the genuine love of reading that exists throughout the school. From discussing Skellig with Year 6 to hearing younger pupils enthusiastically recommend their favourite books, I have seen how literature continues to inspire imagination, curiosity and thoughtful discussion. It is a passion that enriches all aspects of school life.
My first year as Headteacher has reinforced what a special place St. Helen’s College is. It is a school where children are encouraged to be ambitious yet compassionate, confident yet kind, and where every individual is valued for who they are. Most importantly, it is a school filled with remarkable young people who make it a joy to come to work each day.
It has been a privilege to lead St. Helen’s College over the past year. I am incredibly proud of everything we have achieved together and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. As we look forward to the new academic year, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to making this such a successful and memorable year.
I wish all our pupils, families and staff an enjoyable summer. To our families who attend our year-round provision in Ducklings and Cygnets and our brilliant staff who work all year round I look forward to being in touch over the coming weeks, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back in September for another wonderful year at St. Helen’s College.
Ms Sophie Green
Headteacher