My name is Harriet, and I have the pleasure of being Head Girl this year.

Following in my sister's footsteps, I joined QM in Year III. However, this was during the peak of Covid, so I was unable to experience what true QM life was like. Despite being in bubbles for the entirety of my first year, I still managed to form extremely strong friendships. Being a boarder further solidified these friendships, and to this day, some of my core memories from life at QM are from small, memorable moments in the boarding house.

For A-level, I am studying Spanish, Economics, and Geography. At the start, I had a bit of a rocky journey with my A-level selection. However, thanks to the amazing Sixth Form support team, we were able to find the best fit for me. Taking that extra time to decide was the best decision I could have made, as I now thoroughly enjoy all three subjects, and I never get bored—the wide variety of topics constantly keeps me on my toes. The small class sizes in all my subjects have really been beneficial, as the teachers’ support has enabled me to focus on specific targets to improve and develop my learning. Throughout my time at QM, all the staff have been dedicated to providing individualised support, which is something I find extremely special and unique about the school.

I am currently undecided about my career path and life after QM. However, I hope to pursue something that pushes me to become the best version of myself.

Alongside the strong teacher support at QM, another thing I really appreciate is the wide range of activities available to every student. I take part in almost every sporting activity, as sport helps me clear my head and focus. I especially enjoy playing in Mavericks, which allows me to compete against higher-level players, improving my skills and adaptability. I am also involved in the Music department, where I am a member of the Wind Band. Not only is this a lovely way to improve my musical abilities, but it's also a great way to socialise and meet girls from all year groups. This is made even more special by our annual music dinner, which is a fantastic evening of celebration.

One of my favourite things about QM is how each girl is allowed to be her own individual self. When I first joined QM, I was extremely shy, but the school has allowed me to blossom and fully become the person I am today. I believe this is not only due to the all-girl environment but also to the small community; no one is forgotten, and everyone is encouraged to discover who they are and become their true selves.

I decided to apply for the role of Head Girl because I wanted to provide a relatable platform for younger girls to connect with. There are many challenges that people face every day, and I wanted the girls to be able to come to me and talk about anything that is on their minds. Since becoming Head Girl, I have organised a Back to School Summer Fete, which was a charitable event, and I am proud to say it was a huge success. Seeing how the QM community came together put an enormous smile on my face, and it has inspired me to pursue more ideas for whole school events. I am extremely excited for the year ahead and can’t wait to see what innovations the Prefect team brings.

Watch the QM Podcast: Episode 1, featuring Head Girl Harriet and Deputy Head Girl Pippa.