Leading with Confidence: Meet Our New Head Student Team

We are pleased to introduce our Head Student Team for 2025–2026: Head Girl Sophie, Head Boy Zack, Deputy Head Girl Elsie, and Deputy Head Boy Harry. This incredible team of Sixth Form students bring energy, perspective and a clear sense of purpose to their roles.

Embodying the Truro School values of confidence, compassion and courage, they have already shown themselves to be thoughtful representatives of the student body.

This year’s team stands out for its collective approach. Rather than viewing their positions as separate or hierarchical, they work collaboratively to share responsibilities and ideas.

Harry notes, “As deputies, we work with the heads to divide tasks between us and make sure we can achieve as much as possible.”

Elsie adds, “What’s great is that we work as a real team, with no hierarchy. Each of us brings different perspectives and strengths, and that makes our discussions much richer.”

Zack has noted how working in a team has helped his personal development, too. “Working in this team provides me with a variety of viewpoints. This is deeply interesting, and it is always amazing to see how our ideas are united to create a solution that takes all of our perspectives into account. We are able to bounce ideas off one another and engage in thought-provoking discussions, which working alone would never lead to.”

This teamwork has already led to meaningful progress, with several initiatives underway to strengthen pupil and student voice and engagement across the school.

One of the team’s early priorities has been to re-establish the Whole School Council, a platform designed to ensure every pupil can contribute their views and ideas.

Sophie explains, “We held the first Whole School Council meeting this term, recognising varied perspectives and making sure everyone has the chance to be heard. It’s about creating an inclusive environment where all students and pupils feel they belong and are respected.”

Elsie agrees, “It’s vital that every voice is heard so everyone can contribute positively to our community. We’ve paid close attention to the issues raised so far and are excited to see these ideas take shape.”

Harry adds, “Seeing the level of engagement from pupils has been one of the best parts of this role. The new council has brought some really thoughtful discussions, and we’re already working on solutions.”

Each member of the team brings a distinct motivation to their role. For Sophie, leadership means positivity and inclusion. “I’ve always admired the Head Students as role models,” she says. “I wanted to represent my peers and help build a community where everyone feels supported and motivated to do their best.”

Zack, who has long contributed to school life through sport and leadership, sees this as an opportunity to make practical improvements. “It’s not about sweeping changes,” he explains. “Small, everyday improvements can have the biggest impact over time.”

Elsie’s focus is on confidence and belonging. “I hope people remember me as someone who made the school a more open and encouraging place,” she says. “If I’ve helped even a few people feel more confident or inspired to get involved, I’ll be proud of that.”

Harry shares a similar outlook: “I hope that by the time I leave, we have left behind an improved pathway for students to voice their concerns, and contributed to a culture of respect in the school.”

As their tenure has progressed, the Head Student Team has already embraced opportunities to develop skills that will serve them well beyond school life. Recently, the group attended the Wells Cathedral School Head Student Conference, which focused on leadership, communication, and collaboration. Sophie reflects, “It helped us understand different leadership styles and find our own authentic approach.”

Public speaking has also been a valuable part of their development. For Harry, being Deputy Head has allowed him to take on leadership skills and grow in wider areas. “I’ve been able to develop my confidence and push myself well out of my comfort zone.”

Zack agrees, “Speaking to larger audiences has been a learning curve, but one that’s taught me a lot about how to connect with people.”

For Elsie, the experience has also been formative. “It’s taught me how to lead authentically, work with a variety of people and stay composed under pressure. Those lessons will stay with me well beyond school.”

As role models for younger students, all four are keen to encourage others to take the initiative in leadership roles. Harry advises, “Take every opportunity to lead, both in and outside of school. Develop your people skills and enjoy the process; it’s a great way to make a difference.”

Elsie adds, “Go for it, and most importantly, be yourself. You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to have an impact. Just show up, share your ideas and care about what you’re doing.”

Over the coming year, Sophie, Zack, Elsie and Harry will continue to shape pupil life at Truro School by leading events, supporting initiatives and representing the school in the wider community. With weekly meetings with the Head, attendance at conferences and leadership training, and even chats with our local MP, they have certainly made an impactful start.

Reflecting on their team, Sophie concludes, “We communicate well, share ideas openly and support one another. Our strengths complement each other, and that makes the work genuinely rewarding.”

With their commitment, balance and clear sense of direction, Truro School’s 2025–2026 Head Student Team are setting a strong example of leadership built on collaboration and purpose and we look forward to seeing the fruits of their endeavours.