Student Leadership
Head Girl’s Welcome
Welcome to Sarah Bonnell School — a treasure trove at the heart of East London, where diversity is not just celebrated, but woven into the very fabric of who we are. This is a place where respect is the foundation, and brilliance is the expectation.
Here at Sarah Bonnell, we live by a powerful ethos: Be Proud. Aim High. Work Hard. Be Kind. No Excuses. These aren’t just words on a wall — they’re the values that shape our every day, guiding us to become the best versions of ourselves. In every classroom, corridor, and conversation, you’ll find a fire — a spark of ambition, curiosity, and resilience — instilled in each and every student. That fire is nurtured by world-class teaching and a sisterhood of peers who uplift, challenge, and inspire one another.
This school is a garden of ideas, where creativity blossoms and passion finds its voice. Whether it’s through art, science, sport, or leadership, every girl is given the space to explore, express, and excel. The friendships formed here become lifelong bonds, and the lessons learned go far beyond textbooks — they shape the women we become.
As Head Girl, I proudly stand behind my motto: Empowered Today, Exemplary Tomorrow. My mission is to ensure that every individual at Sarah Bonnell feels seen, valued, and supported. I strive to be a guiding light — someone to rely on, someone who leads by example, and someone who believes in the unique brilliance of every girl here. I work to make each student a radiant force of change, illuminating our school with their potential and purpose.
As we begin this new academic year, I challenge each of us to rise with intention. Every day at Sarah Bonnell is a chance to shape our destiny — not just to dream it, but to define it. We are the authors of our own stories, the architects of our futures, and the voices that will echo far beyond these gates. Let this year be one of fearless ambition, relentless kindness, and unwavering pride. Because Sarah Bonnell Girls don’t wait for destiny to find them — we rise to meet it, and we leave our mark.
Keziah-Nissi Acheampong, Head Girl, 2025
Our Student Leadership
Our Student Leadership Team gives our students a voice and provides leadership opportunities which develop their confidence and communication skills. Opportunities for our students to participate in school leadership positions are available from Year 7 through to Year 11. These include:
Executive Council – every year group has a school council: a group of students who are elected by their peers to represent the interests of the year group and to bring their ideas to the whole school community.
The school council model we use at Sarah Bonnell enables every student in the school to have a voice. Ideas from tutor time feed into the Year Group Council, with three members of each Year Group Council sitting on the Executive Council alongside the Student Leadership Team. The Executive Council both contributes to and supports the evaluation of the School Development Plan.
Big Sisters Programme – a team of Year 11 Prefects who volunteer to support Year 7 students as they start school and support them to establish friendships and understand school routines.
Key Stage 3 Ambassadors the programme supports our younger students to develop as leaders. KS3 students develop their decision making, time management and leadership skills through shadowing members of our Prefect Team. In addition as Ambassadors, our students are given a range of opportunities to support various school events such as interviews, projects and curriculum development so that they can prepare themselves to work effectively in a team.
To become an Ambassador, students first need to put forward an application which is considered by the Student Leadership Team and staff team. The next stage is an invitation to an interview with a member/members of the Prefect Team. Successful applicants then take up the role as Ambassadors.
‘Being part of the KS3 ambassador team is such a great honour. Sarah Bonnell has given me so many opportunities and you can be given many opportunities too’ ( Year 9 Student)
Year 11 Prefect Team – a team of students who work alongside the Strategic Leadership Team led by the Headteacher. This team ensures that student voice is heard and that student initiatives are harnessed to make our school an even better place to learn. Head Girl applications are made from the prefect group.
Student Leadership Team – this mirrors the structure of the Strategic Leadership Team
The team consists of the Head Girl, three Deputy Head Girls and six Assistant Head Girls. Our Sports Captain and her Deputy complete the Year 11 Student Leadership Team.Each member of the Student Leadership Team is responsible for leading an an aspect of the School Improvement Plan.
‘Pupils take an active role in the life of the school beyond the classroom. They participate in many of the clubs and activities on offer, perform in assemblies, help to organise events and activities and mentor younger pupils. School Leaders listen to pupils and involve them in decision making’ ( Ofsted Report, November 2022)