Our Student Leaders

At Newlands, leadership isn’t about standing above others — it’s about lifting others up. Our student leaders play a vital role in shaping the spirit of the school, showing every girl that courage, compassion, and commitment aren’t just words on a page, but qualities we can all grow into.
From our Head Girls to our Deputy Head Girls and our Heads of Houses, each leader brings her own strengths, ideas, and energy. Together, they help make Newlands a place where every student feels seen, supported, and inspired to take the next step in her own journey.

But what makes our student leadership so special is that it isn’t about a select few. Our leaders see their role as helping others lead too. They mentor younger students, encourage new ideas, and create opportunities for everyone to step forward in their own way.

At Newlands, leadership is a ripple effect. One girl’s courage inspires another. One act of compassion sparks a chain of kindness. One moment of commitment shows others what they’re capable of.

Our student leaders don’t just represent Newlands — they help shape it, every single day.

Our Head Girls 

To us, Newlands is a place where every student is given the support to thrive and grow as courageous and compassionate individuals in our constantly changing society. We actively encourage students to take on challenges and stay committed to their studies, which sharpens their skills for the future. As Head Girls, we are delighted to represent the plethora of personalities we have at Newlands, and are avidly in support of new ideas to continue improving the Newlands experience.

Every student is given the chance to make a difference at our school. We highly encourage and value student voice through leadership or house activities and other commitments. Our ideas are built up from our early years at school, and help prepare us for leadership positions, build our listening skills, and prepare us for life after school.

Our student-staff relationships are built on mutual respect and embody our values daily. Teachers at Newlands aim to connect well with students as well as acting as academic advisors who provide us with the best and most suitable opportunities for our futures.

We are very excited to welcome our new students to our diverse and homely school, and hope that they can reach their full potential through their time at Newlands.

Other Leadership Opportunities 

Deputy Head Girls 

Our Deputy Head Girls play a key role in supporting the Head Girls and leading the Sixth Form student leadership team. They work closely with Prefects, contribute to the organisation of school events, and help drive initiatives that enhance student experience. As role models within the school, they represent the values of the Sixth Form and actively contribute to the wider life of the school

Prefects 

Our Prefects form a large part of our student leadership team. Students have responsibilities such as attending form and running form for lower school, a break duty, organising parents' evenings, leading on clubs and mentoring lower school students. 

House Captains & Deputy House Captains 

House Captains sit at the heart of our house system, championing school values and serving as positive role models who inspire younger students and strengthen engagement across the Sixth Form. Working closely with staff and students in all year groups, our House Captains support house assemblies, attend meetings with the Heads of House, encourage participation in and coordinate competitions, and help raise money for their house charity. Along the way, they develop essential skills in leadership, communication, organisation and teamwork — valuable experience that helps them shine in UCAS applications, apprenticeships and future employment.

The journey begins in Year 12 as a Deputy House Captain: an exciting opportunity for students who want to play an active role in shaping our school community. Deputies work alongside the House Captains, learning the role and making a meaningful impact from day one. In Year 13, they progress to House Captain, building on their experience and taking on greater responsibility within their house.

Student Leaders  

 Beyond our House Captains, Sixth Form students can also take on the role of Student Lead in an area they are passionate about, such as music, sport and other aspects of school life. Student Leads act as ambassadors for their area, helping to organise events and activities, encouraging participation across all year groups, and supporting staff in bringing school life beyond the classroom to its fullest. It is a wonderful way for our older students to share their enthusiasm and expertise, develop their leadership skills, and leave a lasting mark on the Newlands community.

Further Roles 

Leadership at Newlands extends far beyond our House Captains. Sixth Form students can take on the role of Student Lead in an area they are passionate about, such as music, sport and other aspects of school life, acting as ambassadors, helping to organise events and encouraging participation across all year groups.

Students of all ages also have a genuine voice in shaping our school. Our Student Forum brings together representatives to share ideas and drive improvements, while our anti-bullying committees play an active part in making Newlands a kind, safe and inclusive place to learn.

At the heart of it all is our "big sister, little sister" approach, with Sixth Formers supporting and mentoring younger pupils. In a girls-only school, this kind of peer model can be especially influential: aspiration and confidence often spread through visible role models, not only through formal assemblies. Seeing older students lead with warmth and ambition shows our younger girls what they too can become.

Whatever the role, student leadership at Newlands builds confidence, responsibility and a genuine sense of belonging — and ensures every student knows her voice matters.