Charlotte Avery, headmistress of the only girls’ school in Cambridge, is heading back to school this week to experience life as a Sixth Form student.
For a full week, the St Mary’s head will attend registration, participate in lessons and go to assemblies in order to experience school from a pupil’s perspective.
Earlier this month, Charlotte also shadowed a girl from Year 7 to Year 11 for a day each week. She took part in class discussions, worked in teams with the girls and was addressed by pupils and teachers by her first name.
Charlotte Avery said: “I have really enjoyed my time on the other side of the school desk, not only has it been a lot of fun but also I have been delighted with the excellent standard of education I have witnessed first-hand.
“What is of fundamental importance to me, as headmistress, is that our pupils enjoy coming to school and have a fantastic learning experience in the classroom and the only way I could witness this was to head back into the classroom and join the girls for their lessons.
The experience has only confirmed to me what intelligent, confident and enthusiastic girls we nurture at St Mary’s, how supportive and expert our teachers are so that every girl is challenged yet supported through every aspect of school life.”