A PRESTIGIOUS school’s first ever female head has reflected on her first months in the job while looking forward to her long-term aims.
Emma Goldsmith took up the role at Oxford’s Dragon School in September, becoming the twelfth head in its 144-year history.
The Dragon is widely acknowledged as one of the best prep schools in the UK, and the fees reflect that – boarders this academic year pay £10,931 per term.
Read again: School appoints first female head in 144 years
Mrs Goldsmith said: “There’s very much a sense of responsibility – the tone of the school comes from the top and I’m very aware that the responsibility of the school is on my shoulders.
“You’ve got to look to the future and support these young people.
“If you look at the alumni of the school, they’ll always reflect on the fact they had fun and were encouraged to challenge ideals.”
In the short-term, Mrs Goldsmith is keen to get parents back involved at the school having been ‘kept behind the school gates due to Covid’.
Looking ahead, she added: “The plan is to produce a new school development plan in the next three to five years.
“We want to develop our facilities and invest in them.
“We really want to have our net zero policy – it’s really important and the children have a keen sense of wanting to do the right thing.
“Year 7 did presentations on what they want the school to be – these are the engineers of the future who will be able to make a difference.”
The former deputy head at Bloxham School – where she set up the first girls’ boarding house – added: “I hadn’t given it a second thought, being the first female head.
“It’s gone very smoothly though, the girls like someone who represents them.
“I was really fortunate to start when we were opening up again, it’s been a challenge but we’ve almost got used to being agile.
“There’s the attitude that we can change and there’s the opportunity to do things slightly differently.”
Mrs Goldsmith also paid credit to the work the school has been doing with Oxford Mutual Aid.
Since partnering together this time last year, more than 5,000 meals have been provided to 50 households across Oxford.
Pupils have taken part, sorting and packing food boxes, and helping deliver them across the city.
“One of our key aspects is the philanthropic arm, it’s something we take seriously,” said Mrs Goldsmith.
“It’s something we want to develop, and offer opportunities to children who might not have access to a Dragon education.
“With privilege comes responsibility and it’s important we give back and work with various charities.”
The school’s annual Dragon Sale is due to take place on December 11, with the last pre-Covid one in 2019 raising £206,000 for charity.
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