“You must be the change you wish to see.” – Gandhi

It’s hard to believe that we’re already halfway to the May break. As always, the weeks are busy with Year 6 heading to France, Year 5 taster days, and educational visits that are always popular in the summer term. In case you missed it, Bromley High came first in the ESU Churchill Public Speaking Competition National Finals, out of 400 schools. This is an enormous accolade for our Year 11 debating talent and a testament to the excellent leadership of the English Department. A huge thanks to all of you and your daughters for supporting our annual School in Action Open Morning. I was delighted to hear the warm compliments about the confidence and individuality of our students, and to see the pride with which the girls were showing visitors around the school. Visiting parents were impressed by the brilliant relationships between teachers and students. This is something we already know, but it’s lovely to have it recognized so quickly by others. We had approximately 500 visitors coming through our Junior and Senior School doors, so interest in the school continues to be very high.

I hope you all enjoyed the two Bank Holiday weekends. Last week, it was a joy to celebrate the King’s Coronation at school, from picnics and scones to open mic events and dressing in red, white, and blue.

At this time of the year, supporting our students is crucial, especially our Year 11 and 13 groups who have now begun their exams. Their preparation is paying off, with the vast majority of them leaving the exams feeling reassured that they have done their best.

Last week, I attended the Spring HMC conference with the theme of “Making good things happen.” There were some very interesting guest speakers who focused on the theme of belonging.  Bobbi Pickard, CEO of Trans in the City Ltd, gave a moving presentation exploring how being trans feels for her and the ways in which she has contributed to society. The second presentation was from Dan Squires KC, Matrix Chambers, who discussed discrimination, prejudice, and fear. The third keynote speaker was Asif Sadiq MBE, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at Warner Bros. He considered the changing landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion and how individuals and organizations can create real sustainable change. Finally, we heard from Dr. Shola Apena Rogers, Director of African Caribbean Education Network, who spoke specifically about racism from a parents’ perspective and how to bring about cultural change in schools.

Overall, the key message was how we, as leaders, can ensure that everyone can flourish within our schools.

“The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second-best time is now.” – Chinese Proverb

Children and people struggling with their identity do need specific support, particularly when it comes to growing up. We want this to be a positive experience for every person within our school community. The conference encouraged me to reflect on what life at Bromley High is like and the daily experiences of our students. For any individual to adapt and forge new paths is brave, and it takes strength and confidence – values that permeate Bromley High and behaviours I see reflected in our students as they navigate situations and build relationships. I hope our students feel that they receive sustained support from their staff. The students are our inspiration, the staff are our strength, and our community is our superpower. As times change, we hold steadfast to our pioneering principles and values to stand up for what is right.

Being a Headteacher can evoke a rollercoaster of emotions; witnessing a young person facing a challenge in life and then overcoming that adversity makes me incredibly proud and privileged. The work we promote through our diversity programme, alongside the kind pastoral care given to our students every day, helps us to fulfil the responsibility that we have to make sure our students have everything they need to develop and flourish at school. To help them feel connected to their school and peers, feel protected, able to communicate their needs, to engage them in their learning and therefore thrive academically.

Mrs Emily Codling, Headmistress