It is a profound honour to welcome prospective students and their families to Queen Elizabeth’s School. As we begin this new chapter – formed through the unification of Queen Elizabeth Grammar School and Wakefield Girls’ High School – we do so with reverence for our distinct histories and a shared commitment to a future defined by excellence, integrity, and unity.

This merger is not merely structural, but symbolic – a blending of tradition and progress that places student opportunity at its heart. Throughout my time at school, I have come to value not only academic rigour, but the depth of support that enables each individual to flourish.

A defining feature of our school is the Enrichment and Development Programme. Held every Wednesday afternoon, it offers over 100 options ranging from sport and creative arts to academic enrichment and practical life skills. Separate from our wide-ranging extracurricular clubs and societies, this timetabled enrichment programme provides space for discovery and growth. In Year 11, I attended a MedSoc meeting that first sparked my interest in healthcare. That formative experience inspired me to stand as Chairman of MedSoc; a student-led society that now enables me to guide others exploring similar aspirations.

Beyond academics, the school’s ethos of compassion and community is evident in every facet of life here. When I organised Running for Ronnie, a charity event close to my heart, I was moved by the overwhelming support of staff and students alike – a true reflection of our shared values.

Sport remains an integral part of school life. Through last year’s 1st and 2nd XV involvement, I saw first-hand how participation builds discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Equally enriching are our school trips – from the compulsory biology field course to optional adventures like the ski trip, or the Barcelona water sports expedition – each offering opportunities to learn, bond, and grow beyond the classroom.

As we look to the future under the banner of Queen Elizabeth’s School, we do so with pride in our past, purpose in the present, and a collective belief in all we can achieve together.