Head–to–Head with Dame Andrea Leadsom

In preparation for our big interview, we carried out a deep dive into Leadsom’s career – using podcast appearances and her book ‘Snakes and Ladders ’ as references. Eager to dissect our thoughts, we jumped onto a FaceTime call to decide our avenues of enquiry. Before we knew it, Tuesday came around and we travelled up to Tower Hill, cue cards at the ready, and quizzing each other about MP Leadsom’s possible rebuttals on the journey.

Upon arrival at the conference, we met Rebecca, a journalist from PA Media who was writing about the session. She interviewed our team, asking a series of questions surrounding our thoughts on Andrea and what intrigued us about her career. Shortly after, we were led to be fitted with microphones before we took our seats on stage and began the interview. After easing Andrea in with a few easier questions, we began our grilling, questioning her on topics such as her ardent support of Brexit and the current cost of living crisis. To round off our interview, we queried her thoughts about Matt Hancock in the jungle, to which she responded with much disdain at his decision!

This incredible opportunity proved to be extremely rewarding for us as we got an insight into the life of a politician, ranging from her experience as a woman in the field to opinions on some of the imperative issues facing the UK, to some healthy political gossip. We thoroughly enjoyed the chance to utilise our public speaking skills, Olivia in particular having to answer a question from Andrea herself!”

By Olivia, Amelie, Mia and Nilomi (LEH Head Girl Team 2022-2023)

LEH Celebrates “Excellent” ISI Inspection Report

Last year a team from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) visited LEH and found the academic and personal achievement of pupils to be of the very highest standard across all areas.

The inspectors observed every aspect of school life over four days. They sat in on a significant number of lessons, spoke to many pupils and examined samples of their work. They also held discussions with members of staff and Governors and observed assemblies and extra-curricular activities.

The ISI inspection report found the school ‘Excellent’ in all of the assessment areas outlined in the report, across both the Junior and Senior Schools, and highly successful in meeting its aims and ethos. A separate compliance inspection also confirmed that all standards are being met.

Head Mistress, Heather Hanbury said: “We hope the findings shared in the ISI inspection report give people a rich insight into what we collectively strive to deliver every day at LEH. We are all extremely pleased that the standard and quality of education and development provided at LEH has received such strong external ratification. The success of our school is thanks to the whole LEH community, from our brilliant pupils and teachers to our wonderful support staff, parents and governors.

“We remain committed to listening and evolving to ensure we continue to create an environment where pupils are encouraged to be exactly who they are, with the confidence to express opinions and take on new challenges.”

The report said: “Pupils celebrate learning for its intrinsic value and make swift progress, applying their skills effectively across the curriculum with curiosity and genuine interest.”

Feltham College Hailed As Success

In October LEH pupils and staff were excited to attend the launch of a pioneering Sixth Form partnership for Feltham which opened its doors at the start of the Autumn Term.

Feltham College is a state and independent sector collaboration between Reach Academy, LEH and Hampton School. The three foundation partners have enjoyed a mutually beneficial teaching and learning partnership for over six years and know that working together can transform young people’s lives.

Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, said: “Feltham College Sixth Form Partnership is an excellent example of what can be achieved when the state and independent education sectors come together. All educationalists are united in their passion to help young people thrive and succeed and this is the very essence of what Feltham College is all about – uniting resources and expertise to support young people who deserve every opportunity to fulfil their hopes and ambitions.”

The college is in an area of high deprivation where currently only 20% of young people move on to university or degree apprenticeship courses, which is less than half the national average. Feltham College offers close links with industry leaders including Kingston University, Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and award-winning London restaurateur Jacob Kenedy, who offers mentoring and work experience opportunities.

For those pupils following a traditional academic route, Hampton and LEH teachers are providing 28 periods of teaching time per week supporting their Feltham College colleagues across a range of subjects and directing their expertise to where it is needed most. This can range from focused catch-up and extension classes to university preparation sessions.

LEH Head Mistress, Heather Hanbury, said: “Feltham College has the potential to become one of the foremost Sixth Form colleges in London. Its unique approach and ambitious plans to support the education of 16–18 year olds in Feltham chime with all that we stand for here at LEH and we are delighted to play our part in the establishment of this exciting new college.”

Rowena Cole, who has more than 20 years’ experience working in education, has been appointed by the Governors of LEH as the School’s next Head Mistress.

The appointment follows an extensive recruitment process to find an outstanding, experienced and forwardthinking education leader with a commitment to and passion for girls’ education. Rowena Cole has been Head at St John’s School, Leatherhead

Life Advice in Action

As part of LEH’s drive to respect, value and celebrate diversity, Sheyi MartinsAllen, Class of 2006, returned to the classroom to talk to L5 pupils about her experiences of racism. Three of the pupils who took part in the Life Advice session share their thoughts.

“We were lucky enough to be able to hear Sheyi speak about her experience of being the only Black student during her time at LEH. She interacted with us well and this made it an easy environment in which to share our thoughts. We felt that it opened our eyes to the opinions of our peers and gave everyone the voice to express their feedback on ways in which different cultures can be represented.

We were very happy that the school wanted to hear any ideas or comments we had regarding inclusion. The topic