Our School Values – Excellence

14 January 2026 - Academic

Excellence (arete) was considered the highest virtue in ancient Greece and was even personified in goddess form. It meant fulfilling one’s potential through wisdom, courage, and skill in all areas of life. For the Greeks, striving for excellence was not just a personal ambition but a moral duty, shaping leaders and citizens who contributed to the flourishing of society. 

Similarly, here at Wycombe Abbey, Dame Frances Dove’s pioneering vision was to provide girls with an education equal in quality to that offered to boys at leading public schools whilst instilling a sense of public responsibility and service. Excellence continues to shape how we, as a community, approach our learning, relationships, and personal growth: it isn’t simply about achieving perfection, but rather about consistently striving to give of one’s best across all aspects of school life. Pupils demonstrate excellence through curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to mastering challenging concepts in their academic learning. I have seen this in action myself across all departments: our girls engage actively, ask thoughtful questions, and embrace feedback as a tool for reflection and development. They are motivated to perform at the highest level and inspire across all manner of co-curricular pursuits, challenging themselves and celebrating each other’s achievements in a genuine and caring way. Of course, such excellence opens doors: universities and employers seek individuals who combine knowledge with intellectual alacrity, good collaboration and communication skills, and a strong work ethic. 

However, I return to the ancient concept of arete: excellence enables individual fulfilment whilst strengthening the whole. As Director of Sixth Form, it is important to me that our senior pupils lead with kindness, integrity and a genuine sense of service, setting the tone for younger girls. They must recognise that true excellence can be upheld in simple interactions – having good manners, being a supportive friend, trying hard with something you find difficult – and every such instance creates a better and stronger community. By modelling such behaviour, they can ready themselves for the wider world whilst leaving a meaningful legacy here at Wycombe; the modern goddesses of arete, one might say! 

Mrs Jacky Tidbury

Director of Sixth Form