Every morning, as I step through the school gates, I’m reminded not only why Northampton High Junior School is such a special place to learn and grow but also why I chose this profession. The sound of laughter spilling from the playground, the sight of eager faces ready to learn and the small but meaningful demonstrations of kindness that take place through the day .
These moments capture the very heart of what it means to lead a school full of curious, compassionate and reflective girls.
Being a Head is often associated with strategy, policies, timetables and planning . Whilst all of this is undeniably important, to me leadership begins in the classroom. It is in those small yet significant moments: when a pupil conquers a tricky maths problem, comforts a friend, or raises her hand with newfound confidence , that true leadership takes shape. The lessons I learn from our pupils each day are as valuable as any I hope to teach them.
One of the greatest lessons our girls consistently demonstrate is the power of kindness. In a world that can sometimes feel rushed, competitive and at times impersonal, our girls remind me that empathy is strength. Whether it is sharing a smile with a nervous new classmate, writing thoughtful words of encouragement, comforting a friend that has hurt themselves or making a friend laugh to cheer them up. They understand that lifting others up and supporting each other creates a community where everyone can shine.
Our girls also consistently show us the value of resilience. Watching our pupils tackle challenges : be it a spelling test, a sports match, or a friendship wobble, reminds me how important it is to embrace mistakes as part of the journey and these shake who we are. The girls value these mistakes and know that learning how to fail bravely is just as valuable as learning how to succeed.
Most importantly, they consistently show me the value of joy in learning. There is something special about the way our girls approach discovery . They demonstrate curiosity, imagination, collaboration and our joy. I will often walk into classrooms and be greeted by girls who are so excited to share what they have learnt that day. When performing on stage, they will demonstrate real pride and remind us that education is not only about achieving goals but also about enjoying the process of growth.
Leading with heart means leading with the same qualities we nurture in our pupils; empathy, resilience, and joy. As educators, we have the privilege of guiding young girls as they begin to find their voices and their confidence. But the truth is, they guide us too by reminding us daily of what truly matters in education: connection, kindness, and the courage to keep learning.
By Lucy Stawt
Head of Junior School
