Watching our Junior School Headteacher, Mrs Newton, with a python around her neck and a beaming smile on her face, I was in awe of what a brilliant role model she is. Even as the snake started to wrap itself more tightly around her legs she didn’t flinch, and her graceful confidence remained. Mrs Newton was attending our ARCH ‘The Amazing World of Snakes’ event. Professor of Cardiovascular & Venom Pharmacology at the University of Reading, Sakathi Vaiyapuri, had delivered a mesmerising lecture before giving guests the amazing opportunity to hold a real snake. Emboldened by Mrs Newton, more and more of the students around her took turns to have a slithery friend put on their shoulders.

Driving home after the event, I found myself thinking how well Mrs Newton fits within the Abbey community, which is a hive of inspiring role models. Something never to be taken for granted.

Research consistently supports the significant impact of role models on females’ development and success. A study from the UK found that 57% of women believe that having a relatable role model is crucial to achieving career success and 70% agreeing it’s easier to be like someone you can see. We know that strong female sporting role models encourage teenage girls to be more physically active. For example, The FA has reported that since the Lionesses lifted the Euro 2022 trophy, the number of women and girls playing football has increased by 56%.

At The Abbey you can find role models in abundance. Our staff, our students, our guests – people that we can all be inspired by. I believe that by being exposed to a range of people that you can learn from, you are better equipped to understand who you are and who you want to be. What qualities do you admire in someone that you want to strive to nurture in yourself? How do they approach challenges, and would that knowledge build your own resilience?

Whatever you are striving to discover a role model in, The Abbey will help you to find them. Our community contains experts in so many fields – visible examples of what passion and career paths are achievable. Our teaching body has ardent experts in their fields from computing to languages, and physics to classics. Our alumnae generously share their command of industries from architecture to medicine, finance to drama. Many of our students are already inspiring forerunners. We have a Class National Squad Sailor, a GB Artistic Swimmer, an England Badminton player, national chess finalists, dance champions and a Young Musician of the Year finalist to name just some of our phenomenal students’ achievements. We also take huge pride in welcoming such varied guest speakers – even Spice Girls – to inspire with their advice and career journeys.

Equally important, The Abbey projects wonderful role models for who you want to be as a person. I see the school value of kindness embodied within people every day here. From overhearing a student saying a supportive comment to a friend, to holding the door open for a member of staff with a smile. We have leaders who approach difficult conversations with empathy, instill self-belief in others and champion people. We have staff who take such pride in their work and care deeply about their students. How many schools could host a fundraising staff karaoke competition for students that’s met with such respectful, collaborative joy?

At The Abbey, we’re privileged to be surrounded by so many great role models. Enjoy soaking up all of the inspiring qualities and talents exposed to us – each one helping us to believe in ourselves, motivate us and shape who we are.

If you need to see something to believe that you can be it – you will see it here.

Julia Wooton, Head of Engagement and Development