Head Girl Team
As our Class of 2026 go on study leave, we introduce our new Head Girl Team for the academic year ahead.
Following a tenure characterised by impressive levels of enthusiasm and commitment, Molly, Chiara, Chloe, Freya, Sophia, Rosie and Valentina in the Upper Sixth handover to our new Head Girl Team of Lower Sixth students for 2026/27: Neve (Head Girl), Cicely (Wellbeing), Dia (Academic & Scholarship), Emiko (Diversity & Inclusion), Nuwara (Charities & Co-curricular), Poppy (Head of Houses) and Sanah (Environment). Here they are interviewed and photographed by our new Media & PR Captain, Katie.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
Dia: I am so excited to work with our head girl team; I know we’re going to have the best time together and make amazing memories along the way. I’m most looking forward to launching our 150th anniversary celebrations at our end of year Wrapped event this summer – we’re going to make it unforgettable!
Neve: I am really looking forward to collaborating closely with representatives in younger cohorts to create a collective vision. I think it’s so important to hear directly from students, ensuring that our initiatives are a reflection of the community, rather than a ‘top-down’ approach.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Cicely: Not to stress too much. When you’re younger, there’s so much room to explore your hobbies and interests, it’s not always about the next end of unit test. I would emphasise the fact that, in any situation, there is always room to relax, breathe and to do what you love.
Sanah: Take every opportunity that comes your way – South Hampstead has so many on offer. Never be afraid to try out new things and remember to embrace failure, otherwise you will never discover your passions.
What achievement are you most proud of?
Nuwara: This year, I took responsibility for the school’s weekly baking rota for The Winch – a local charity we support by providing homemade cakes for single mums. It felt good to take the lead on something that benefits the community.
Sanah: Surviving the Silver Duke of Edinburgh expedition. I definitely did not think I would make it out alive when a herd of cows started following my group…
What is your favourite South Hampstead memory?
Neve: Just last week, at our annual Jazz Night, dozens of students from across all year groups gathered at the back of Waterlow Hall and spontaneously danced during the final piece – a moment of total, unscripted joy that perfectly captured South Hampstead’s essence of spirit and fun.
Cicely: My favourite memories are a collection from all the school trips. The Geography trip to Iceland was a highlight as we were able to see the Northern Lights and swim in a hot spring which was really cool!
What is your favourite House event?
Poppy: It has got to be lip-sync; there is genuinely nothing I like more than dancing around the sports hall pretending to be Taylor Swift.
Emiko: Definitely sports day. I love how much everyone gets involved and shows such House spirit. The whole day is so high-energy and it brings out a fun, competitive spirit.
What is one thing that you hope to achieve in your role on the Head Girl team?
Dia: Leading on Academics, I hope to make learning more enjoyable for every type of student. I want to encourage everyone to follow their curiosity and interests out of the classroom as well.
Nuwara: With responsibility for charities, I hope to inspire people to be passionate about social action and to go outside of their obligation to help those who need it.
Who is your most listened to artist recently?
Poppy: Probably Sade, solely because I’m trying to convince myself it’s summer.
Emiko: Frank Sinatra; his songs are so iconic and always put me in a good mood on my way to school!
Each year, the Head Girl Team is appointed following a process of hustings and interviews. They are supported by over a dozen members of the Sixth Form Leadership Team who take up roles of responsibility for areas of school life including music, philanthropy, speakers, sport and more, testament to South Hampstead’s democratic culture. We wish all our student leaders every success in their roles.