We are thrilled to announce that Oxford High School GDST has been named a finalist for the prestigious Independent School of the Year for Student Wellbeing Award at the Independent School Parent Awards. This nomination reflects our dedication to supporting our students’ mental, emotional and social development alongside their academic growth.
The world our girls face today, and in the future, is increasingly complex and demanding. At Oxford High, we provide our students with the education, courage, strength and sense of self-purpose they need to navigate these challenges. Our focus on wellness is about more than just providing care; it’s about empowering students to practice self-care, respect for others, find their voices, and use them to positively address the issues they encounter both in society and the wider world.
The Life Ready Programme
At the heart of our wellbeing approach is our Life Ready programme, a holistic initiative designed to ensure that by the time our students graduate, they are confident, self-aware, and ready to make meaningful contributions to the world. Developed in partnership with our students, the programme extends from reception to year 13, focusing on four key areas: self-management, wellness, relationships, and learning.
Our approach fosters a school environment where students feel comfortable engaging in open dialogue with staff, allowing them to discuss any challenges they face. This close relationship between staff and pupils enables our students to actively shape their educational experience. For example, students have renamed the Neurodiversity and Academic Support Hub, taken the lead in organising school-wide wellbeing events and conducted important research on how travel impacts academic performance – directly influencing our upcoming review of school transportation.
Student-Led Initiatives for Social Change
At Oxford High, we recognise that our students’ wellbeing extends beyond academics, into the larger societal issues affecting their lives. Our priority is to empower our girls to use their voices to create positive change in society.
One example is our TEDx Youth event, New Realities: The Big Questions Shaping Our Future, where students from Years 5-13 delivered thought-provoking talks on the skills and knowledge they need to face future challenges. Our students are also leading change through initiatives like the formation of climate change action groups, a campaign against street harassment and through an Amnesty International club.
In addition to supporting these student-led initiatives, we have implemented meaningful changes across the school based on student feedback. From increased provisions for visually impaired pupils to introducing student-led pronoun badges and updates to our uniform policy – focused more on comfort and readiness for learning than appearance – our girls are actively shaping their school experience.
A Unique and Inclusive Educational Experience
At Oxford High School, we believe that wellbeing is closely tied to inclusivity and a strong sense of belonging. We have designed our academic and pastoral systems to ensure that every girl feels seen, heard, and valued. In our most recent survey, students overwhelmingly reported that they feel their voices are respected and appreciated.
Our curriculum is uniquely designed for girls, and through our Life Ready programme, we ensure that our pupils develop not only academically, but also emotionally and socially. This focus on personal development and leadership is what sets us apart in the independent sector.
We provide our students with opportunities to engage with the world around them, whether that means presenting their innovative projects at NASA or advocating for change closer to home. Our students leave school equipped with the confidence, knowledge, and self-assurance they need to navigate their future successfully.
Looking Forward
Being named a finalist for Independent School of the Year for Student Wellbeing is a proud moment for our entire school community. It reflects our commitment to providing a nurturing, empowering environment where every girl can thrive.
Our students are not just learning; they are leading, using their voices to make meaningful changes in the world. And at Oxford High School, we will continue to support them every step of the way.