Message from Head of School - Sophie

Head of School Sophie, with deputies Julia and Flora

Welcome to Wycombe Abbey, a School which offers opportunities to everyone, a School in which you can flourish as an individual in an enjoyable environment. I started at Wycombe Abbey right at the beginning in Junior House and have now reached the elusive pinnacle of VI Form. I have had so many different experiences and have many fond memories from my time in School, all of which have helped me to grow in confidence and become the person I am today.

I will always remember the friendships formed at Wycombe. The bonds developed not only between girls but also between teachers and members of staff and girls, are part of the feeling at Wycombe. Beginning in Junior House, in a new environment away from your family perhaps for the first time, you are introduced to 60 other girls, all starting out new like yourself and it is a little nerve-wracking! But within a short time, these girls are no longer strangers but a part of your family away from home. As you progress through your time at Wycombe, you constantly form new friendships, and as new girls enter the School you find yourself surrounded by enthusiastic like-minded people.

I have benefitted so much from all the incredible opportunities provided during my time at Wycombe. The ability to take part in whatever you're interested in is one of the things I have been amazed at. There is so much encouragement, not only in academics but whether you want to play sport for your year group or House Team, act in one of the brilliant plays performed throughout the year, play in a concert or join a dance group to perform in the dance display Highlights, the staff and fellow girls are always so supportive. That is a part of the spirit that really pulses within Wycombe – the spirit of joining in. It is the busy and exciting active lifestyle which I enjoy most about being at Wycombe. No two days are the same and there is always something happening around the School or in the boarding Houses. There is time to commit to your extra-curricular activities with passion, progress academically and take time out to relax at the weekend.

Being Head of School is very exciting and, at times, intimidating! Every day I am discovering new aspects to my role, but I have learnt to adapt quickly to situations. A lot of my duties are really good fun, such as chairing our perfects' meeting and gaining an insight into the School's ideas through School Council. But of course there are things I enjoy less, like telling people off (not that I've had to do much of that!). Some of the more ‘figurehead' roles include traditions such as opening Big School Meeting on Friday, or ushering in the girls for Chapel in the morning. Aside from this I also have several meetings during the week with members of the Senior Management Team. Normally we discuss problems that have come up around the School, or try to think of improvements that can be made. Being Head of School also means that I can bring forward issues from the student body directly to the staff involved. I think Head of School is a role that allows you to directly influence and improve the School community. I have one year to try and make a positive impact on Wycombe - other than that there is no job description!

I hope you will stay and explore our Girls' Zone to see with more depth what it is like to be a Wycombe Abbey girl!