Life Beyond Leicester High

Headmaster’s Scholar (2018–2020) | Head Girl (2019–2020)

From Leicester High to Oxford

After completing my GCSEs, I joined Leicester High School for Girls as a Headmaster’s Scholar to study A Levels in English Literature, Spanish, and Mathematics. Since visiting Oxford at the age of 13, studying there had been my ambition, and I made the most of every opportunity LHS offered to help me achieve that goal.

During my time in the Sixth Form, I served as Head Girl, completed my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, and enjoyed supporting younger pupils within the school community. My teachers were outstanding, and with their guidance and encouragement, I achieved A* grades in my A Levels and secured a place at The Queen’s College, Oxford.

Studying Spanish at University

At Oxford, I studied Spanish Language and Literature, which focuses heavily on literary analysis. My degree involved studying novels, plays, and poetry in depth, alongside developing advanced language skills.

I worked hard to ensure I made the most of the opportunity and graduated with a First-Class degree, achieving the highest marks in my year for both my speaking exam and my dissertation.

Life After University

Following graduation, I took time to explore the right career path for me. I spent 18 months working in the Alumni and Development Office at Merton College, where I had the opportunity to meet a wide range of influential individuals, including the Manager of the National Gallery, the Director of MI5, and the Spanish Ambassador.

I am now delighted to be starting the next chapter of my career in Luxembourg, where I will be working at KPMG as an auditor specialising in Real Estate and Infrastructure Funds.

Advice for Current Students

If you really want something, go for it — even if it feels a bit “out there”. I was once sitting exactly where you are now, and if I can do it, you can too.

If things don’t work out as planned, trust that it simply wasn’t meant to be. And for the perfectionists: success isn’t only about working hard. Your mental health matters. Finding balance is a crucial and often overlooked part of the journey — don’t forget to look after yourselves.

From Early Years to Sixth Form

I attended Leicester High School for Girls from the age of 3 through to Sixth Form. During my time at school, my favourite subject was biology — particularly human biology — and I was strongly encouraged to explore topics that interested me, both within and beyond the curriculum.

This freedom to ask questions and develop interests played a key role in shaping my future academic and career choices.

Studying Medicine

After leaving Leicester High, I went on to study Medicine at the University of East Anglia. Following graduation, I began working as a doctor in 2020.

Career in Surgery

In October, I started General Surgery Registrar training. My favourite part of the role is spending time in the operating theatre, particularly developing my skills in laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery.

Reflections on Leicester High

Leicester High School for Girls sparked my interest in lifelong learning and gave me valuable organisation and revision skills that I still rely on today. I also remain close friends with many people I met at school and still regularly meet up with them.

Higher Education

After leaving Leicester High School for Girls, I went on to study an MSc in Management Studies with French at the University of Nottingham.

Career Path and Current Role

I am currently Chief People Officer at Softcat plc, a FTSE 250 technology business, and also serve as a Non-Executive Director at Look Ahead.

At Softcat, I am responsible for everything relating to our 3,000 employees, as well as our property portfolio of 12 offices across the business.

What I Enjoy Most About My Role

A key part of my role is developing creative ways to keep our people engaged and enjoying their work. There is nothing more rewarding than visiting our offices and seeing a happy, motivated workforce — knowing that the initiatives my team has introduced are making a real difference to people’s everyday working lives.

How Leicester High School for Girls Prepared Me

Leicester High School for Girls helped me develop skills that I continue to use every day. In particular, I gained a strong sense of independence, learned the value of collaboration, and developed a lasting confidence in my own self-worth.

I also became confident in public speaking, which now forms a significant part of my role as a senior leader.

Leicester High School for Girls (1988–1995)

Higher Education

After leaving Leicester High School for Girls, I went on to study a BA (Honours) in Education at Durham University, where I developed a strong foundation in teaching, child development, and curriculum design.

Career in Education and Leadership

I worked in a variety of schools before progressing into senior leadership roles, including Director of Teaching and Learning and Deputy Head at a preparatory school in London. In these roles, I led whole-school improvement initiatives and supported staff development across the school.

Following a career break to have my daughter, I returned to work in an independent preparatory school, where I now hold additional leadership responsibilities. This allows me to support both pupils and colleagues, combining classroom practice with strategic leadership.

What I Enjoy Most About My Role

The most rewarding part of my role is seeing children and teachers grow in confidence and succeed, knowing that the support and guidance provided is making a lasting difference.

How Leicester High School for Girls Prepared Me

Leicester High School for Girls encouraged ambition, resilience, and independence, giving me the confidence to pursue leadership opportunities early in my career and to take on new challenges with confidence.

Higher Education

After leaving Leicester High School for Girls, I studied Performing and Visual Arts at the University of Birmingham from 2003–2006.

Career in Theatre and the Arts

I now run my own professional theatre company and youth theatre company, Starbuck Theatre Company, based in Worcestershire and producing shows across Birmingham, Malvern, and London.

My work includes developing new productions, collaborating with writers and creatives on original musicals, and supporting young performers as they develop their skills and confidence on stage.

What I Enjoy Most About My Role

I love working collaboratively to create something special — whether that’s developing a new musical or watching young people flourish in performance. Seeing a young performer sing a solo for the first time, work professionally, or gain a place at their dream drama school is incredibly rewarding.

How Leicester High School for Girls Prepared Me

Leicester High School for Girls gave me the confidence to believe that anything is possible if you put your mind to it — a mindset that continues to shape my career in the creative industries.

Life at Leicester High School for Girls

I attended Leicester High School for Girls — known at the time as Portland House — from the age of 11 to 16, leaving in the summer of 1985.

During my time at school, my favourite lessons were Needlework and Religious Knowledge, and I enjoyed the creative subjects available at the time, including Cooking, Art, and Needlework, which were taught on a rotational basis. I also studied German, one of only a small number of girls to do so, and at the age of 15 took part in an exchange visit to Austria, spending two weeks with a host family before welcoming my exchange partner to stay with us in the UK.

I also had the opportunity to experience Russian lessons during lunchtimes, reflecting the school’s encouragement of curiosity and learning beyond the core curriculum.

School Life and Friendships

Science lessons were taught in what was then the old stable block, and sport included hockey, netball, tennis, and rounders, alongside the occasional run around the surrounding streets.

Most importantly, I made lasting friendships at school. I am still in touch with friends today and recently returned to the school with one of them for the Christmas Fair.

Life Beyond School

I began my working life in the insurance sector before having my first child. I consider myself very fortunate to have spent many years as a stay-at-home parent, before later working part-time across a range of local schools. I fully retired almost two years ago.

Now I am happily married with three children and continue to value the friendships and memories formed during my time at Leicester High School for Girls.