Some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them. A good school provides opportunities for all its students to achieve greatness in a range of areas — academic, sport, arts and drama, music, personal and social.

There are also tremendous opportunities for students to take on leadership roles, which enable young people in our schools to take a full and rewarding place in society in the future.

From the post of form leader, elected by fellow members of each form for a sixth-month term of office, to the position of school prefect, there are numerous ways in which students of all ages at Oxford High School can develop their leadership skills.

In Years 7 and 8 captains of the hockey, netball and tennis teams inspire their fellow players and demonstrate the qualities of fitness, skill and commitment expected of the best sports’ players.

In Year 9, students who take part in the babysitting course quickly learn the responsibilities (and pleasures) that come from looking after younger children.

In Year 10, students already qualified to bronze level in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme develop their leadership skills further by working towards the silver award and the longer expedition that involves.

Sixth Form students working towards their gold award provide valuable support for the staff organising such expeditions by taking a supervisory role during these overnight trips.

Many of the school’s extra-curricular activities are dependent on the leadership and organisation skills of sixth sormers, who run clubs such as bridge club, drama, poetry society, debating society, Amnesty International and People and Planet.

During the school’s open evening in the autumn, the A-Level politics class holds a mock election in which students stand as candidates and espouse the causes of the national political parties.

The student voice is also heard through the activities of the School Council.

The chair of school council, an elected member of the 12-strong prefect team, organises the activities of the five sub-committees.

Each of these sub-committees is chaired by a prefect who co-ordinates contributions and comments from all year groups in the school via elected year group representatives.

Matters concerning the whole school community, school facilities, the health and welfare of students, food, uniform and the school’s role in the wider community are discussed and in consultation with staff, including the headmistress .

Success in these activities as leaders is a great boost to young people’s self-esteem and self-reliance and is a key characteristic of any successful school.

Mrs Olwen Curry, deputy headmistress