Ethos and Student Leadership
Ethos and Student Leadership at Didcot Girls’ School: An Overview from Dr Gohar Khan, Director of Ethos
Ethos and leadership are integral to the student experience at DGS. Our values underpin every aspect of school life, shaping both academic and personal development. Through a culture built on respect, resilience, ambition, diversity and belonging, we aim to nurture young people who are confident, compassionate and ready to make a positive difference in the world.
At DGS, leadership is for everyone. We believe that leadership begins with self-leadership: the ability to act with integrity, take responsibility, show empathy and make positive choices. These skills are taught explicitly, developed through meaningful experiences and celebrated across all year groups. Through our Leadership Ladder programme, students are supported to develop their leadership capabilities from Year 7 onwards, ensuring that every young person has access to opportunities for personal growth and contribution.
As Director of Ethos, my role centres on promoting a culture in which socially responsible, globally aware and values-driven young people can thrive across the schools within the Ridgeway Education Trust (RET), including DS, St Birinus School and the Trust's primary schools. We are committed to creating opportunities that inspire students to lead, serve others and engage actively with the world around them.
Our ethos encompasses a broad range of experiences that enrich student life and strengthen our school community. This includes our approach to teaching values and character (including grit), student leadership, enrichment, cultural capital, assemblies, conferences, educational visits, global awareness initiatives, house events and community partnerships. We place a strong emphasis on equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all students feel represented, respected and empowered to contribute their perspectives and experiences.
Developing character is at the heart of our work. Through carefully planned opportunities for leadership, collaboration, service and reflection, students develop qualities such as resilience, compassion, integrity, ambition and courage. Alongside this, we encourage students to think critically about social, environmental and global issues, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to become active citizens and positive changemakers.
Our House system, comprising seven houses named after inspirational women, provides a vibrant framework for participation, belonging and healthy competition throughout the year. Student-led initiatives are central to many aspects of school life, supported by a diverse and representative student leadership team who serve as role models within the community.
Ultimately, our aim is to develop young people who understand both the privilege and responsibility of leadership. By fostering character, values, social awareness and a commitment to inclusion, we empower students to lead themselves well, to contribute positively to their communities and to shape a better future for others.
Leadership Ladder
Values-based leadership sits at the heart of life at Didcot Girls’ School. Through our Leadership Ladder programme, every student is given the opportunity to develop the skills, character and confidence needed to make a positive impact within school and beyond.
Young leadership is a cornerstone of our ethos. We believe that leadership is not reserved for a select few; it is something that can be nurtured in every student. The Leadership Ladder reflects this belief, providing a structured and inclusive pathway for students in Years 7-11 to develop as leaders, role models and active members of their communities.
Built around the values that define our school community, including resilience, compassion, courage, creativity, integrity and teamwork, the programme offers a wide range of leadership experiences designed to appeal to different interests, strengths and passions. Whether leading others, serving the community, promoting inclusion, supporting peers or championing a cause, students can engage with leadership in meaningful and enjoyable ways.
How it works
The Leadership Ladder is open to all students and is designed to encourage participation, personal growth and contribution. Students work towards a series of awards that recognise their commitment to leadership and service:
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum
Each award level includes a range of leadership activities linked to our core values. Students collect evidence of their participation and achievement, with activities verified by staff throughout the year. Awards are celebrated publicly, recognising the contribution students make to our school community and beyond.
The Platinum Award represents the highest level of achievement and focuses on sustained service to the wider community. Through volunteering, fundraising, social action and community engagement, students demonstrate a commitment to making a positive difference and embody the spirit of giving back.
As students progress through the Leadership Ladder, they develop the skills, experiences and confidence that prepare them for the extensive leadership opportunities available in Year 11 and the Sixth Form. Alongside enhancing personal development, the programme helps students build valuable qualities sought by employers, universities and apprenticeship providers, including communication, teamwork, initiative, responsibility and problem-solving.
Above all, the Leadership Ladder is about empowering young people to discover their potential, embrace new challenges and recognise that leadership begins with leading themselves well.
Student Leadership Opportunities
At DGS, we are proud to offer a wide range of student leadership opportunities that enable students to develop confidence, responsibility and the ability to make a meaningful contribution to school life. Leadership roles are designed to be accessible, purposeful and representative, ensuring that students can lead in areas aligned with their interests, strengths and passions.
Leadership opportunities include:
- Head Students (Sixth Form)
- ​Student Executive (Sixth Form)
- ​Associate Head Girl (Year 11)
- Deputy Associate Head Girls (Year 11)
- ​House Captains (Year 11)
- Deputy House Captains (Years 10-11)
- Climate Action Leaders (Year 11)
- Charity Leaders (Year 11)
- Diversity Leaders (Year 11)
- Mentoring Leaders (Year 11)
- Community Prefects (Year 10)
In addition, students can take on a variety of leadership responsibilities throughout their school journey, including:
- Form Captains
- Academic Mentors
- Peer Mentors
- Club and Society Leaders
- Reading Ambassadors
- Sports Ambassadors
- School Councillors
- Student Voice Representatives
- House Representatives
- Subject Ambassadors
- Event and Conference Leaders
Through these roles, students have the opportunity to shape school life, support their peers, champion important causes and develop the skills needed to become confident, compassionate and effective leaders both within and beyond DGS.
Our House System
At DGS, every student belongs to one of seven Houses, providing a strong sense of identity, belonging and community throughout their time at school. The House system is a central part of our ethos, promoting participation, teamwork, leadership and healthy competition while encouraging students to embody the values we celebrate as a school.
Our Houses are named after inspirational individuals whose lives and achievements reflect the qualities we aspire to develop in our students. Following a student-led review of our House system, students researched, discussed and voted for a refreshed set of House namesakes that better reflect the diversity, aspirations and values of our school community.
Our Houses
Together, these namesakes represent a diverse range of experiences, cultures, professions and achievements, providing students with inspiring role models from the worlds of science, technology, sport, the arts, journalism, healthcare and public service.
House Championships
Throughout the year, students contribute to their House through a wide range of activities, competitions and achievements. The House Championships celebrate participation as well as success, recognising students who engage positively with school life and demonstrate our values in action.
House Points can be earned through:
Achievement and effort in lessons.
Recognition through postcards home.
Progress through the Leadership Ladder programme.
Participation and success in House competitions and events.
Contributions to the wider life of the school community.
House Points are collected and celebrated throughout the year, with regular updates recognising individual, form and House achievements. Through the House Championships, students are encouraged to challenge themselves, support one another and take pride in representing their House.
