New student leaders aim to strengthen community after pandemic

THE North’s leading state school has appointed new officers to lead the student body for the next academic year.

Head girl Aleena Allan and head boy Adam Carpenter will work with an impressive team of 13 deputies at Ripon Grammar School.

They will be focussing on ensuring students across every year group feel welcome and included, and have a voice, in addition to reinforcing a strong sense of community following the pandemic.

Aleena, 17, from North Stainley, who plans to pursue a career in medicine, said: “I’m looking forward to working with the team of school officers to achieve the best and help make this academic year as memorable as possible.”

Adam, 17, from Boroughbridge, who hopes to study law at university, said: “I hope I can be a positive role model for students and make sure they thoroughly enjoy their time at RGS.”

Keen violinist Aleena, who is studying biology, chemistry and art at A-level, volunteers as a ward clerk assistant at Harrogate District Hospital and plays in a local orchestra, said she was delighted to be appointed.

She is looking forward to being involved in popular school community events, to help students put the pandemic behind them: “I am especially looking forward to being involved in Charity Week, one of the highlights of the school year, which everyone looks forward to, as well as House drama, swimming and music competitions.

North Yorkshire County footballer and classic car enthusiast Adam, studying maths, RE, English literature and chemistry, said he was extremely excited about the year ahead.

“I look forward to being at the heart of the school's decisions and hope to help make it a better place. Most importantly, I look forward to integrating with, and getting to know, the students in younger year groups.”

One of Adam and Aleena's first roles will be leading the student team welcoming prospective students and their families to RGS's Open Evening on Thursday, June 23rd, when they will be offering tours of the school and boarding accommodation.

Their 13 deputies have all been given individual responsibilities for the coming year, ranging from boarding, community and environment to enrichment, publicity and student equalities and welfare.

They are: Jonty Allen, Isobel Bean, James Bowsher, Samuel Cann, Benedict Dunn, , Barnaby Patterson, James Pilgrim, Glory Poothavelil, Eva Scullion, Hetty Simenacz, Milo Smith, Bella Weston and India Wilkinson. (Read more here)

All the candidates were interviewed for their roles, following a rigorous selection process which included written applications.

Headmaster Jonathan Webb said the candidates were selected from a very strong field: “It was a very difficult choice to make. School officers play a key role as ambassadors for the school, giving students a voice and taking the school forward in a range of initiatives.”

He said he was looking forward to working with such a talented and dynamic team: “They clearly have a passion for the school and the drive to build on what previous school officers have achieved. They are great role models.”