Dear Bromley High School Community,
As we conclude this term and embrace the festive season, I’ve had the absolute honor and joy of witnessing a full array of Christmas celebrations. From our Christmas lunch and Christmas Jumper Day to nativities in Reception and Key Stage 1, the Senior School’s Belgium music tour, and our services at St George’s Church, the spirit of this season has been truly uplifting.
Leadership, and being a Headmistress, can indeed be a demanding role. Yet, I am constantly reminded of how fortunate I am to look forward to coming to work every day and to leave at day’s end feeling proud of all that happens within our exceptional school. The talent and dedication of my colleagues and the spectacular achievements of our girls continually inspire me to focus on our mission: developing Bright Minds into Bright Futures.
Our aim is to encourage intellectual curiosity, equip our pupils for academic challenges, and provide opportunities through our pioneering and innovative curriculum. We inspire our pupils to forge their own paths as leaders and reach their full potential, while also engaging in a wide range of pursuits and contributing thoughtfully to our diverse community.
This week in the news, I hope that you were equally outraged (but sadly I was also unsurprised) to read two articles that highlighted the continued inequality that women still experience in the wider world. Birmingham City Council are now facing bankruptcy after the court ruled in favour of 6,000 women who fought for justice over years of exploitation over the gender pay gap. The claims are a significant step towards pay justice and I applaud these women for their tenacity as they have played their part in making history. I then read the searing report as the Commons’ Women and Equalities Committee hit out at ‘medical misogyny’ and a lack of education resulting in women being left to ‘suck it up’ as they have endured excruciating pain and undignified care, having their symptoms and pain dismissed and normalised.
The timing of this report is especially relevant as we prepare to launch our forward-looking school agenda, Women in Health, in the new year. I will share more details with you soon, but for those interested in some (not-so-light-hearted) Christmas reading, Unwell Women by Elinor Cleghorn offers an eye-opening perspective on these issues.
Of course, there are many organisations that exemplify equality, just as there are outstanding healthcare providers offering exemplary treatment to women. Yet, these articles underline how vital it is to continue advocating for fairness and progress.
As we enter the Christmas season – a time for reflection, gratitude, and renewal – we have an opportunity to focus on choosing joy, kindness, and care for others and ourselves.
This term, I have been reminded of how much goodness exists in our school community: it spills into all aspects of school life whether in academic pursuits, creative endeavours, or acts of kindness and service. I’ve seen it in the way our pupils support one another, in the dedication of our staff, and in the warmth of your support as parents. None of this is to say we are perfect – of course we are not! I am proud of the way that we all work tirelessly together to do right by the girls in our care. We all create this culture and success together. Thank you for your continued open communication and support as we strive to always have our people at the heart of our decisions. Thanks also to all our staff from all departments for their hard work this term. I’m always struck by how early our staff begin their day, preparing to nurture and inspire your children. It is this dedication that underpins everything we do, from the extraordinary academic achievements we’ve celebrated this term to the moments of personal growth we see every day.
As we approach the holidays, I hope you find time for rest and renewal. For me, we shall have a busy Christmas, with 27 loved ones joining us for the day so that we can celebrate together.
Mrs Emily Codling, Headmistress