Prefect hustings 2025
Leadership was under the microscope as sixth formers took to the floor in front of pupils and staff to vie to become part of Headington Rye Oxford’s prefect team.
In all, 40 Year 12 pupils applied to be considered for one of 16 prefect roles, setting out their candidacy in a written application letter alongside their Headington Rye Portfolio in the first stage of the rigorous process.
Based on their applications, 28 girls were invited to take part in a special hustings event live and streamed to the whole school, with just one minute to answer the question ‘what makes a good leader’.
Some girls used props ranging from Yoda and Paddington dolls, a Rubik’s cube and a lamp, while others used examples from their own lives or cited inspiring world leaders to make their argument.
The process is designed to mirror the kind of tasks girls might face in the workplace when applying for jobs. Following the hustings, 14 girls were invited for interview with the Headmistress, Pastoral Director of Sixth Form and Head of Boarding to be considered for the ‘trio’ positions of Head Girl, Head of Day or Head of Boarding, while interviews for those shortlisted for other roles will be held over the coming week with relevant staff members.
Headmistress Mrs Caroline Jordan said: “Each year I am incredibly impressed by the calibre of the candidates putting themselves forward to be considered as prefects.
“It takes a great deal of courage and self-confidence to put yourself forward in the spotlight in this way and each of the applicants has demonstrated an impressive level of maturity.
“Selecting the right leaders for our student body is always tricky but from what I have seen so far, our girls will be in excellent hands.”
Prefects act as important representatives of and role models for the School at events such as open mornings and assessment days, with each also having specific responsibilities according to the position.
They also chair committees made up of younger pupils, part of the way we encourage pupil voice on key issues throughout the School.
In addition to the prefect roles, which cover key areas including Chapel, Charities, Diversity and Inclusion, Eco, Social and Wellbeing along with a prefect heading each academic year, L6 girls can also apply to be a student leader. These key roles cover everything from being leaders in academic subjects, to extra-curricular pursuits, to boarding houses and competitive houses, along with those with interests in other areas of school such as Marketing, International and Alumnae.
