Head's Blog - July 2025

As you will see from this Highlife issue, this term and year have certainly been packed with lots of hard work, programmes and events. I genuinely love everything that happens at the school but some standout highlights for me include the thought-provoking peek into the teen mind courtesy of the Senior School play ‘Brainstorm’; the fantastic achievement of our girls at the Oxford German Olympiad and of course the much anticipated Sixth Form Ball – always a brilliant night. Ms Lewis’ thoughts on the complexities of modern leadership are particularly relevant as we continue to ensure a Blackheath High School education is preparing girls for the future in an authentic, meaningful way. And of course our Futures Programme, which works hard to do exactly that, via expert talks, work experience and much more.

Whilst students and staff alike are no doubt ready for some R&R, there is certainly an air of positivity and excitement in the air as many end the year on a high after so many achievements. To round out the year of a very successful ISI inspection, we have also just received news that we have once again been shortlisted for Independent Girls’ School of the Year! 

For many, the summer might bring sunshine, opportunities to see friends, travel, more time to cook or enjoy the hobbies we have. For me, the highlights are spending time with my two children and reaching the point of forgetting whether it is a weekday or weekend! I think another of the best parts is giving my brain a rest from jumping around so much from one thing to another to slowing down and having an extended period of time to do my best thinking. One of the things I am most looking forward to is planning for the next academic year! 

There are many new experiences coming to Blackheath High over the next academic year and I am looking forward to launching these initiatives. I have written in my end of term letter about two of these which I am excited to share more about in September; the GDST Space Tech programme and our new Combined Cadets Force, Royal Navy contingent.  We continue to work towards our vision and creating the best opportunities for our wonderful girls. 

I am grateful to our staff for facilitating the experiences they deliver and thankful to you for the support you have given the school this year. 

I do hope that even if you are working over the summer, you are also able to slow down a little and recharge.  I know that our students will be back rested and ready to learn in September, and I already cannot wait to see them then! 

Read some of this term’s highlights: 

• Thought Leadership: leading by example in a complex world 

• Seniors: Thought provoking Drama and our Academic Scholars' Celebration Evening

• Juniors: Year 6 farewell to Junior School and The Mighty Girls Challenge 

• Sixth Form: A night to remember for Year 13 

• Futures: A glimpse into the Futures 

• Awards: The Oxford German Olympiad and the Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators 

• And of course, don't miss all the other good stories in this issue! Use your e-zine cover to guide you through or head to our Latest News page. For real time news throughout the term don't forget to follow us on our great social media channels too.

Best wishes, 

Natalie Argile 

Head