We believe that strong leaders have all our core values – Trust, Respect, Honesty, Kindness and Tolerance – but also compassion, empathy, and the ability to inspire, motivate and empower others. By providing opportunities from the start of each student’s Cobham journey, and by instilling these values, our students will have the potential, confidence and capability to be tomorrow’s leaders.
Guardian Convention and Student Leadership Team
The annual Guardian Convention is the pinnacle of our commitment to student leadership. Students can stand for the positions of Clifton, Darnley, Lenox or Richmond House Captain or Guardian (Head Student). The Year 12 students applying for these roles are expected to write their manifesto and present themselves with a speech at the Convention. The whole school attend and each member of the community has the opportunity to cast their vote in a secret ballot. The results are announced at the end of the School day and the elected candidates form the Student Leadership Team (SLT).
The SLT has significant influence on the life of the School. They organise events and charity fundraisers, promote School and House spirit, and represent the student body both internally and externally. They are expected to act as role models and be an inspiration to younger students. The team provide an essential link between staff and students. The SLT has an opportunity each half term to meet with their House, to allow students to air their views and put forward suggestions and ideas. The SLT will represent the student voice in regular meetings with the Headmistress.
The 2023/24 Student Leadership Team is:
| Guardian | Alyssa |
| Deputy Guardian | Natasha |
| House Captains | |
| Clifton | Tara |
| Darnley | Tunmise |
| Lenox | Poppy |
| Richmond | Elena |
House System
Upon joining Cobham Hall, each student and staff member is assigned to one of four Houses – Clifton, Darnley, Lenox or Richmond. Staff members often make sure they are wearing their House colour at events such as Sports Day and may also join in the staff relay. The only member of the school community not assigned is the Headmistress, to ensure her impartiality!
There are many Interhouse competitions throughout the year and joining in is a big part of Cobham Hall life. House Points are awarded throughout the year for academic achievement, and a shield and a trophy are presented at Festival Day to the House and the individual gaining the most House Points during the academic year.
Other Leadership Opportunities
As well as the SLT, there are numerous opportunities for leadership for those in younger years. Students in Upper School are encouraged to organise and run their own clubs, as well as help with coaching in sports clubs. Often, students will take leadership roles within co-curricular activities and help run them, such as General Secretary for Model United Nations.
Each Tutor Group has a Group Representative who attends School Council to pass their classmates’ views to the Student Leadership Team, as well as a Round Square Representative, who attends committee meetings to arrange activities within School and the community.
There are also leadership roles for those who want to support their peers and friends. Open to all Year Groups, students can undertake training to become Wellbeing or Anti-Bullying Ambassadors, providing students with a friendly ear to listen. You can find out more about these roles on the Pastoral Care and Wellbeing page.
