Our 2024 student leaders

What do you feel you brought to your role of Head Girl?

I tried to continue the energy and liveliness of the school since I cherished this so much, and I hope that, with the help of such an enthusiastic prefect team and year group, we were able to keep the LHS atmosphere upbeat and fun.

What do you feel you have gained/learnt from your time at the foundation?

I’ve learnt what a truly supportive community looks like – and just how important that is. I’ve grown in confidence and motivation thanks to being supported every step of the way and being surrounded by people who give 110% to everything they do. But most importantly, I’ve gained friendships that I hope will be a part of my life forever.

What did you enjoy the most about your role?

I loved the social side of the role – from meeting new people with fascinating stories when helping out at open days and reunions, to getting closer with people already in my life. Those connections were by far the most rewarding part.

What was the most challenging aspect of your role?

 Balancing my role with UCAS and A-Levels was definitely a challenge, but looking back, the late-night FaceTime calls with Eve and Ranye, the Deputy Head Girls, where we would (attempt to) pull together last-minute assemblies in a slightly delirious state are some of my funniest memories now.

What are your best memories from your time at school?

Most of my best memories are from the smaller moments spent with friends, such as playing card games every lunchtime in the common room or lying on the quad in the summer, but I think watching the staff panto for the first time in Year 7 was a high I will never reach again.

What have been the standout sixth-form events?

There were so many incredible sixth-form events, but the standouts were the ones which we had waited for since the beginning of school. Getting to be part of Tableaux and attending the Snowball really felt like full-circle moments.

What will you miss the most?

Getting to see my favourite people every day, all of the inside jokes, and the oddly specific traditions that I now struggle to explain to people at university.

What are you up to now?

I’m now at the University of Cambridge studying Education – a multidisciplinary course including psychology, philosophy, history and theatre. I’m particularly interested in the psychology modules and would like to specialise in this later on. Aside from that, I’ve significantly oversubscribed to societies which has kept me busy (and humbled).

Would you encourage young alumni to stay in touch and engage with the schools once they’ve left?

Absolutely! I think the alumni programme is the best way to maintain the family feel that we grew up with, and I would love for us all to stay in touch and see what amazing things everyone gets up to.

Is there anything you would like to share with your fellow cohort?

Thank you again for the most incredible seven years, you guys really made every moment a highlight – until next time 🙂

 

 

 

What do you feel you brought to your role of Head Boy?

Being Head Boy at Loughborough Grammar School was an experience that took some time to adjust to, but once I settled in, it became incredibly rewarding. At first glance, the role might seem to be limited to a simple ‘Good Morning Boys, Please Stand’ in assemblies, but extends far beyond. The responsibilities included organising events and assemblies, delivering speeches, pushing new initiatives, weekly meetings and much more alongside being a regular Year 13 facing rapidly approaching A-levels.

While it may sound like a lot – and it was – I quickly learned that the role was focussed around collaboration.

I believe I did a good job leading and delegating, however I was fortunate to have an extraordinary group of people behind me. Each member of the Head Boy team brought unique strengths, which made organizing events and carrying out tasks much easier. The way we all worked together, complementing one another’s skills, made everything feel less like a burden and more like a fun, collaborative effort. What made the experience even more rewarding was the support from my peers. In addition to their assigned Senior Prefect duties, many of them volunteered their time outside of school hours to help with events, even those they weren’t required to attend, like the mom’s and dad’s events. Even those without formal roles would pitch in to help with all sorts of tasks, making the whole experience feel like a collaborative effort. I suppose, being Head Boy wasn’t too difficult because I had an incredible group of people around me.

On an individual level, the most important aspect of the role was embodying the values of the school and representing LGS with integrity. I became a role model for younger students, and I knew that I was expected to uphold the school’s standards not just in speeches and meetings but in everything I did – whether I was walking around campus or interacting with my peers. It was a privilege to serve as the face of the school, and I made it a priority to lead by example, ensuring that every action reflected the values of Loughborough Grammar School.

What do you feel you have gained/learnt from your time at the foundation?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned – and something I’ll carry forward with me in life – is that opportunities may be gifts, but it’s up to you to unwrap them. During my time at the Foundation, I threw myself into a wide range of activities – some of which I still enjoy today, and others that simply gave me valuable experience. Either way, I gained something from each. “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work”. And if it’s a fear of failure holding you back, know that regret weighs more than failure.

What did you enjoy the most about your role?

One of my highlights from my time as Head Boy was delivering the Prize Giving Speech. This speech is the first major impression you make as Head Boy on peers, teachers, parents and governors, and delivering it gave me an immense sense of pride. I really enjoy public speaking, and I felt my skills really improved through taking on the role.

What was the most challenging aspect of your role?

The most challenging aspect of my role was finding the balance between striving to do the best possible job on every task and acknowledging that I was still a Year 13 student with A-levels coming up. I had to learn how to prioritise tasks effectively, recognising when to focus on the most pressing responsibilities and when to delegate or let certain things take a back seat.

What have been the standout sixth form events?

The standout event for me was the Founder’s Ball. I worked closely with the Deputy Head Boys to organise tables, taste the wine, write the toasts – essentially, to design the perfect final evening for us as a group of lads who had grown up together at school. One of the highlights was the Crème Egg Awards. They let us relive some of the funniest, most memorable moments from our time at school – and the way everyone laughed said everything about how well we knew each other. It was a night rooted in tradition, yet deeply personal to our year group. Having the teachers there as our guests of honour also marked something symbolic – it felt like we had crossed the line from being schoolboys to being seen as young men.

Past that, Student Takeover Day was a lot of fun as always, with ‘LGS’ The Chase’ making an appearance in assembly alongside all the usual chaos. The Floodlight events were unforgettable, with that final kick from Joe Wells cementing its place in LGS history. The entire pitch being surrounded by students at each of those events made for an incredible atmosphere. Snowball was a great night shared with the High School and Amherst, and Leavers’ Ball brought the year to a brilliant close.

What will you miss the most?

I definitely will miss the music – so much of my time was spent in the music school, whether it was contributing to school bands or just messing around with my friends. Beyond that, honestly I think I’ll miss the overall feel of being at school – the atmosphere, the walks, the teachers, all the little things that made it special.

What are you up to now?

I’m now studying Computer Science at Imperial College London. Living in London has been a big change, but I can say despite the long tube-rides, I am thoroughly enjoying every part of it. I have continued playing Hockey, being a part of Imperial’s 2nd team, and have maintained my passion through music by joining a band.

What are your future plans?

At the moment, my future plans are still taking shape. I’m exploring the various paths I could take with my skill set and keeping an open mind as I gain more experience. What I do know is that the deeper I get into my degree, the more I realise how passionate I am about Computing. I’m genuinely intrigued by the problems we tackle and the possibilities that lie ahead, and I’m excited to see where that curiosity leads me.

Would you encourage young alumni to stay in touch and engage with the schools once they’ve left?

I would absolutely encourage young alumni to stay in touch and remain engaged with the school after they leave. Your time at LSF will likely have been some of the most formative years of your life, and it’s meaningful to stay connected to those roots. I had the privilege of attending the 10-year reunion for the Class of 2013, and it really was incredible to see everyone reconnect, share their journeys, and reflect on how far they’ve come. Moments like that show that while we may move on to different paths, the LSF community remains something we all belong to.

Is there anything you would like to share with your fellow cohort?

Just a thanks. I genuinely think my cohort were some of the nicest, most supportive people, and it was a privilege to grow up in the school alongside them.

 

 

What do you feel you brought to your role of head prefect?

As head prefect, I think I brought a sense of reliability and openness to the role by making an effort to stay approachable, allowing others to feel comfortable coming to me with ideas or concerns. My main goal was to create a positive environment within the prefect team and lead in a way that felt genuine.

What do you feel you have gained/learnt from your time at the foundation?

I’ve gained a lot from my time at the foundation, not only academically, but personally too. My time at Amherst helped me grow in confidence, particularly in terms of communication and leadership. Being part of the foundation has really shaped the way I see challenges and opportunities, giving me a strong starting point for whatever comes next.

What did you enjoy the most about your role?

What I enjoyed the most was the opportunity to connect with different people across the school – students, staff, and the prefect team. I also really loved helping with the organisation of events because it felt great knowing that I was trusted with that responsibility.

What was the most challenging aspect of your role?

The most challenging aspect of the role was finding the balance between leading and listening. Sometimes decisions had to be made, or tasks had to get done quickly but I also had to make sure that everyone felt heard and included. The prefect team around me was incredible, and they made finding this balance a lot easier!

 What are your best memories from your time at school?

Having joined the foundation in 2017, I have many happy memories from my time at school. Some of my favourite memories are from the very start, when we went on a school trip to France in Year 7. I remember trying snails with all my friends, and then going to the beach to watch the sunset. It was an unforgettable trip!

What have been the standout sixth form events?

Being part of the sixth form was definitely the highlight of my time at Amherst, and there were so many events that made those two years so special. The most “standout” event for me was organising the production of the Sixth Form Play, as it really brought us together as a year and it was so much fun!

 What will you miss the most?

Being part of the foundation allowed me to make the best of friends, and I will really miss seeing them all every day. I will also miss the close-knit, family-feel of Amherst and the strong sense of community that came with being part of the school.

What are you up to now?

Having finished my A Levels last summer, I am now about to finish my first year of university. I am studying chemistry at UCL and am loving it so far! Moving to London took some adjusting at first, but now I really couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else. I have met some amazing people and am very excited to continue my journey at university.

 What are your future plans?

At the moment, I’m not completely sure of my career path, but I intend to make the most of every opportunity that comes my way. I am in the process of securing an internship with the Financial Times for the coming summer as I am keen to explore different working environments and enjoy as much time in the city as I can.

 Would you encourage young alumni to stay in touch and engage with the schools once they’ve left?

Given the circumstances with the unfortunate closure of Amherst, I’m sure many young alumni will find it difficult to feel connected to their past school. Despite this, I think that staying in touch with each other and within the foundation will keep the spirit of the school alive and is a way to honour everything that the school gave us.

 

Our 2025 student leaders

 

What do you feel you brought to your role of Head Girl?

Stepping into this role, I definitely had big shoes to fill as all the Head Girls before me brought so much to the position. Over the past year, I’ve tried to lead by being as real and genuine as possible – showing that we’re all human, and that it’s okay to laugh at ourselves and be a little bit ridiculous sometimes. I hope that I’ve helped create a space where the prefect team could feel comfortable in their roles, work to their strengths, and really enjoy what they were doing.

What do you feel you have gained/learnt from your time at the foundation?

This foundation has truly been a home and a safe space to grow in over the years. The community here has been the most supportive environment to step outside of our comfort zones and try new things. Thanks to the encouragement from both our peers and teachers, we’ve been able to discover a sense of confidence we never even knew we had.

One of the biggest lessons LSF has taught me is to say yes to any opportunities that arise— because often, those experiences lead to the most unexpected and special memories.

I still remember being absolutely terrified when I was asked to perform the monologue for House Drama. Although I’d taken part in performances before, I had never stood on stage completely alone. But as soon as the performance ended, I was met with such a flood of encouraging words — from friends, teachers, and even people I hadn’t spoken to before. In that moment, I realised, I hadn’t really been alone at all. I know this sounds so cliché but it is true – at LSF,  you’re always surrounded by people rooting for you.

What do you enjoy the most about your role?

This past year leading the prefect team has truly been one of the highlights of my time at school. From our Britain’s Got Talent-themed introduction assembly — complete with a memorable performance of Mysterious Girl — to planning themes for own clothes days (Icons day was truly iconIC), it’s been an absolute privilege to work alongside such an amazing group of people. One of the parts I’ve unexpectedly loved the most has been the public speaking: welcoming prospective students and parents at Open Mornings gave me a real chance to express how much this school means to me, and leading assemblies let us share matters that we are passionate about. But it’s often the little things I’ll treasure the most: sitting with the prefect team during Monday morning assemblies, desperately trying to hold in laughter as we tried (and failed) to hit the high notes in the hymns. Those moments, both big and small, have made this year unforgettable, and I know I’ll carry them with me long after I leave.

What is the most challenging aspect of your role?

Balancing the responsibilities of Head Girl with the university application process has probably been the most challenging part of the year. Alongside the constant pressure of A-levels, there were admissions tests, personal statements, and interviews to juggle, and at times it was difficult to prioritise the right things at the right time. I was probably better at managing everything when I first started the role in Year 12 – writing speeches a whole week in advance rather than the night before! That said, my role would have been so much harder if it hadn’t been for Izzy and Margarida, who were the most amazing deputies anyone could ask for.

 What are your best memories from your time at school?

My favourite memories from my seven years at LHS come from such a wide variety of moments — from performing in house events to trying to hold in laughter during lessons, there are countless memories that I’ll carry with me for life. One event I’ll never forget is the danceathon, when Just Dance played in the Sports Hall for the entire day. I remember leaving the school gates thinking, where else would students get to spend lessons dancing with their teachers, having the time of their lives?

While days like that were unforgettable, some of my best memories were made inside the classroom too. Dr Eadie’s massive crush on Harald Hardrada, karaoke sessions in French, and Further Maths tea parties are just a few highlights that will stay with me. But outside the school gates, we were lucky to have so many brilliant school trips – from Sheringham in Year 7 to inflatable water parks, to Music Tour in the Loire Valley. Even the DofE expeditions somehow gave me some of the best memories. Every single experience added something special to my time here.

What have been the standout sixth form events?

Having watched so many Sixth Form events from lower school, there was a real sense of excitement when we finally got to take part ourselves. In the lead-up to events like Snowball and the Senior Musicians’ Dinner, the common room was full of anticipation, with everyone discussing their dresses and plans. When the events finally arrived, it was so special seeing everyone telling each other just how amazing they looked. I do, however, think we might have looked even better during tableaux – maybe beards and grey makeup are the way to go for Leavers’ Ball!

Quiz nights were another highlight – I don’t think I’ve ever cry-laughed more than during the After Eight challenge, watching our friends desperately trying to shuffle chocolates down their faces.

Our final Spring Concert will always be one of my favourite, and most nerve-wracking, memories. From singing Vivaldi in Year 7 to having the opportunity to perform a solo this year, it was incredibly special to share the stage one last time with all the talented people who made my time at the Music School so unforgettable.

What will you miss the most?

What I’ll miss most is the sense of community built at LHS that has been so supportive. It’s the students and staff who have made every day here so special. The atmosphere during house events was always unmatched – things were always so chaotic in the lead-up, but the energy and encouragement on the day made it all worthwhile. I think it’s pretty impressive that we managed to set off the trophy cabinet alarm just from cheering and screaming so loudly for each other!

One of the things I’m most devastated to leave behind is the annual staff panto. I’ll never forget the first panto we watched in Year 7, completely unaware of what we were about to experience — and nothing will ever top watching Mr Gough come out in full drag every year. It’s honestly the best performance I’ll probably ever see and I wish I could come back just to watch it.

But it’s not just the big events — it’s the everyday things too. Trav’s enthusiastic thumbs-up every time you bump into him, the screams of friends when someone received a UCAS email, the uncontrollable laughter in lessons – it’s all these little moments that I’ll miss the most.

What are your future plans?

If all goes to plan on results day (fingers crossed), I will hopefully be off to study Medicine at Cambridge in September. There are quite a few people from my year hopefully going to the same place, so I’m very excited to have some friends from home (and hopefully they’ll let me come to their formals!) as we navigate this completely different experience with new people in a new city.

It’s weird that 7 years ago I’d just left primary school, terrified to start at a new ‘big girl school’, and in the next 7 years, after a long 6-year degree, I’ll possibly have just left Medical School and will be terrified in my first year as a foundation doctor. In terms of more long-term plans, I’m currently interested in exploring a career in Women’s Health as I have been really inspired by some of the exciting new research in a field that has been so often overlooked.

Would you encourage young alumni to stay in touch and engage with the schools once they’ve left?

Absolutely. One of the most special parts of being at LSF has been watching everyone grow – from our Year 7 selves to the people we are now. And I think it would be even more incredible to see where life takes everyone beyond these gates.

This year has definitely been a rollercoaster – from the stress of writing personal statements to waiting on UCAS decisions – but what’s stood out the most is how genuinely happy we’ve all been for one another’s achievements. The joy on people’s faces when someone gets that email, followed by the screams of everyone around them is just amazing.

That’s why I really hope we can stay in touch – with each other, and with the school – to keep celebrating each other’s achievements as life goes on. And I think it’s important that we give back to the school that has given us so much. We’ve all benefited from alumni who shared their time and experience to support us – maybe one day, we can be those people for someone else. The ones others look up to, just like we looked up to them.

 

 

What do you feel you brought to your role of Head Boy?

I think it’s hard to say really but my greatest contribution has probably been my student takeover day acting, culminating in my implied death at the hands of Mustafa and the student council.

What do you feel you have gained/learnt from your time at the foundation?

More than I can write here, definitely. Aside from all of the different academic areas I’ve got to get involved with, I think the most striking thing I’ve gained has been a sense of community around our year.

What do you enjoy the most about your role?

The best bit for me has been the people I have got to meet and the people I have got to know better within the school community and outside.

What is the most challenging aspect of your role?

Organisation is the most difficult thing I think – especially when planning cross foundational events (Pancake Day!)

What are your best memories from your time at school?

I have loved the trips – to Cyprus and to Spain with the Classics Department. Also, lots of small things stick in my memory, from Hebrew lessons with very little Hebrew to the period when we seemed to have a fire alarm every other week.

What have been the standout sixth form events?

I think the best one was the last Snow Ball, speaking to the schools with Jess and Susannah. The puns and questionable humour really made it.

What will you miss the most?

All the people and the sense of community we have. All the teachers who have inspired me and all my friends whom it has been wonderful to see every day.

What are your future plans?

I am hoping to go to Cambridge to study History and Spanish, and then I’d like to work somewhere in Latin America.

Would you encourage young alumni to stay in touch and engage with the schools once they’ve left?

Yes! I really hope this group of students will keep something of the community we have built up over the last 7 years.

Is there anything you would like to share with your fellow cohort?

We are very lucky, not only to have spent so much time at such an incredible school, but to have done so with such an interesting and diverse cohort. Whenever I talk to everyone about all the things they are going on to do, it is clear that we are casting a net as a year group that is going to encompass countless aspects of the modern world. This is incredible exciting, and I hope we all stay in touch to maintain these amazing connections.

 

 

What do you feel brought you to your role of Head Prefect?

Since I joined this school in year 7, I’ve always looked up to the older years and would listen to them when they talked to us to try and learn from them. As I’ve grown up I’ve realised that what I think is so special about my school is that everyone is known and this is something that I have also tried to continue, I think it is this care for people as individuals that prepared me for this role.

What do you feel you have gained/learnt from your time at the foundation?

I have grown so much in confidence during my time here and have also learnt about the importance of being rooted in a community where you belong. There is nothing like this place and it’s such a blessing to have a safe atmosphere to try out fun things and learn who you are.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I love being able to work with an amazing, hilarious prefect team and to learn from teachers who are great role models about how to lead and work in a team.

What is the most challenging aspect of your role?

With the announcement of Amherst closing, I’ve had to deal with situations that I hadn’t seen any Head Prefect before me face. However, while it has been very sad, it is the greatest privilege to have been at my school for seven years and to have seen it to the end.

What are your best memories from your time at school?

I will never forget the random conversations we spiral into during lessons or the improvised role plays when explaining stories or of course the song breaks in my Physics lessons. The variety of trips we have been on from a spiritual retreat to the Briars in year 7 to going on a year 13 trip to Brighton, I love that if you were passionate about something, my school would always try its very best to make it happen.

What have been your standout sixth form events?

During sixth form we have had culture week, charity days, casual week, Snowball, English trips, paint balling and most memorable of all, the Sixth Form Play.

What will you miss the most?

I will miss the people I have been through so much with during my time at this school, the students, the teachers, and of course Sister Celine, they have all made it the safest place with the most beautiful atmosphere and I’m sure I will miss my time here immeasurably.

What are your future plans?

I am embarking on a very exciting gap year in which I will be travelling to New Zealand and around Norway and working and applying to uni for the year after in between that!

Would you encourage young alumni to stay in touch and engage with the schools once they’ve left?

I would encourage everyone to stay in touch with the schools as it’s lovely to see what will still go on in the Foundation after we’ve left and it’s easier to leave knowing some of that magic that has made our time here special will always be here.

Is there anything you’d like to share with your fellow cohort?

I am so thankful for all of my year group, we have had such an amazing time and you are all incredible. I’m so excited to see you spread your light as you go out in the world and I love that we got to share such beautiful years together.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I want to give a massive thank you to Miss Davies and all of the teachers who have blessed this incredible school, you pouring your hearts into it is what makes it so lovely, and your loyalty is so inspiring. Thank you for always being willing to listen to us and for not taking yourself too seriously.