Student Leadership

Student Leadership

From their first days, students at Cobham Hall begin developing leadership skills that extend beyond the classroom. Each year, the Guardian Convention gives older pupils a chance to campaign for positions like house captain or head of student council—they write manifestos, deliver speeches to the entire assembly, and face a secret ballot. Those elected work alongside staff to shape school life, organizing charity initiatives and advocating for their peers. Meanwhile, younger students launch their own clubs, mentor sports teams, or serve as wellbeing ambassadors who support classmates through everyday challenges.

House System

Upon arrival, everyone—students and teachers alike—joins one of four houses: Clifton, Darnley, Lennox, or Richmond. This affiliation becomes part of their identity and fuels a friendly rivalry throughout the year. Houses compete academically and athletically, earning points as they go, while staff don team colours for events like Sports Day and even jump into relay races. The annual Festival Day crowns the champions with a shield and cup, a moment that unites the community and rewards months of collective effort.

Cobham Hall and Round Square

In 1967, Cobham Hall became the first girls’ school to join Round Square, an international network now spanning over 180 institutions. Built on the six IDEALS principles, the network encourages global thinking through hands-on experience. Today, as a co-educational school, Cobham Hall regularly sends delegations to conferences across Thailand, South Africa, India, and Canada, where students meet peers from dozens of countries, hear inspiring speakers, and contribute to local communities. On their return, they share insights through assemblies and presentations, enriching the school’s outlook.

Exchanges and Social Projects

Students from Year 7 onwards can spend anywhere from two weeks to half a term at another Round Square school—options stretch from Australia to Singapore. Some go to refine language skills, others choose homestays to immerse themselves in unfamiliar cultures. Senior students also take part in Big Build expeditions to places like Peru or South Africa, where they work with local residents to construct schools, repair community centres, and improve water systems. These projects teach responsibility while offering a fresh perspective on the wider world.