Heads of School Speeches

Three countries, four cities and five schools later, I finally decided to settle on Clifton.

Straight away my parents thought this was the place for me, while I was just trying to figure out why I had to wear a kilt, sing songs every morning, play hockey on grass, memorise 12 Houses and their reputations, and understand how paracetamol could cure absolutely anything- all whilst remembering to put an ‘x’ at the end of every text message. I have to say, I couldn’t quite get there at first, and maybe that’s why the start of my Clifton journey was a little tough. In my first year, I got told off every day for having my hair down, missed at least a third of all the buses, skipped class with the classic excuse, ‘sorry, the school is too big; I got lost’, and received four Saturday Night Detentions for things I’d rather not mention. Not exactly exemplary Head of School behaviour. I think this experience also enriched my stay at Clifton as I not only became familiar with terms like SND and MED but also experienced the Marshal’s intimidating stare that everyone talked about, first hand. Not something to be proud of, but definitely part of the Clifton ‘bucket list’. But soon I adapted and settled into Clifton life. For the next three years I managed to stay away from Saturday morning visits to the Head Master’s office and the next time I was summoned there, it was no longer to be punished but, ironically, to be appointed as Head of School. So why am I revealing my far-from-perfect track record? It’s to make the point that Clifton gives you new chances every year, every month and every day to learn from your mistakes, pick yourself up and try again.

These past few years have been a turning point in my life; I started prioritising education, and valuing hard work, respect and integrity. Work and academic success started coming naturally, and Clifton teachers have always been there to support me and provide me with the best academic skills for the future, as they are for all pupils.

Clifton provides us with so many opportunities that it would be harder to say that you’re not involved in anything than actually be involved in something. Clifton pushed me to step out of my comfort zone- I performed on stage in plays, read my poetry during Arts Evenings, chaired debates, read in Chapel and sang in choir. The Clifton environment truly makes you strive for greatness and personal success, though I also understood that striving for excellence comes at a price - I learned that there is no such thing as ‘free time’ at Clifton and if you ever think that you have it, then you must be doing something wrong.

In the past year, I’ve done my fair share of tours with prospective parents and have often been asked about my favourite Clifton moment. I was considering whether it was performing in a play, or roaming the streets of New York on a school trip, Congers on a Saturday morning, Mr Harris’ English classes, House Song or every boarding night. Or perhaps it was something as simple as spending a sunny afternoon sitting with friends on the Close. There is really no correct answer; it’s the combination of everything put together that makes Clifton so special. Despite all my struggles to adapt, I got there in the end and for that I have my amazing friends and teachers to thank. Clifton has given me more than I can give back and I’m eternally grateful I joined a school with such good core values, people and opportunities.

I want to thank my friends and teachers for bearing with me and leading me towards the version of myself I am today. I want to specifically thank: Mr Harris, for making English fun, and inspiring me to study it further; Miss Atkinson, who’s been my teacher from the start all the way to the end, for always pushing me to succeed and giving me hope that I’ll someday master French (which probably won’t happen); Mr Siddons who spent his free time every Thursday morning discussing poetry with me; and finally Mrs Beever for playing the role of a second mother and most inspiring teacher in the world. I also want to thank the synagogue community for creating the most welcoming, warm-hearted and comforting atmosphere. A big thank you to all those who are part of Worcester for making it an empowering female ground and an amazing second home. A special thank you to Dr Greene and the Senior Leadership Team for your commitment to constantly making this school the best place to be and, of course, having faith in me and trusting me with this role. I want to finish by dedicating this speech to my parents: without you none of this would’ve been possible. Thank you for putting so much time and effort into my education. I owe you everything for this opportunity and I’m sure you will see all that you’ve invested in me pay off in the future.

Anya Soldatova (WoH)