As the first female Head Student, I am really happy to welcome you to The Forest School. Being Head Student is a role I always dreamed of having and I am really proud to represent the school and its pupils.

I have now started Year 11, the final part of my exciting journey at Forest. I've experienced so much here and I hope I can give you an insight into life at Forest.

Forest offers so many different opportunities for students, whether that's for sports, performing arts or my personal favourite, student voice. When I started at Forest I didn't really know what student voice even meant, so when I discovered the huge range of areas that were available including student council, student mentors, mental health ambassadors and student leaders I realised that I had found my passion! I have participated in many student voice roles since starting at Forest, which has built my character, confidence and resilience; skills I hope to use long after I have finished at Forest.

This school has always been so supportive of every students' passions and interests, ensuring all pupils have their achievements celebrated.

When I joined four years ago, I came from a tiny primary school and knew very few people at Forest. Luckily, there were a huge number of transition activities to help everyone meet each other before we started school. Some of my favourite activities were Summer School and the Year 7 Residential. After all of these events and activities I really started to feel like a part of the Forest Family. I had created lots of new friendships and began to appreciate everything the teachers do for us here at Forest.

One thing I love about Forest is the incredible sense of community. When you join you immediately feel like you belong to a family. All of the teachers and staff are so supportive, they encourage all students to work at their own pace and learn in a way that works best for them. Students are never pressurised, and support is always available for anyone who needs it. Teachers are always proactive and make sure students are treated as individuals, each with their own abilities and strengths.

Another thing I particularly enjoy is how learning goes beyond the classroom. From involvement in UK Youth Parliament elections to Challenge Week, Forest gives all students the opportunity to get involved in new experiences and opportunities they may never have been able to be a part of. Challenge week in particular is an amazing chance to find new interests and develop your skills in a wide range of activities, from the relaxing to the adventurous!

One of the best things for me at Forest is being able to look out of any classroom window onto the vast school field and All-Weather pitch. Here at Forest, we are so lucky to have these extraordinary outdoor spaces that we can use. It's so nice to be able to walk past such lovely outdoor spaces between lessons, at break-time, and lunch.

My final message for any new students would have to be, enjoy your time at secondary school! Although sometimes it can be hard, you will create so many funny memories and long-lasting friendships.

I hope I have given you an insight into how amazing Forest is as a school. It's a place that allows all students to make progress and reach their potential, offering opportunities and experiences that make Forest a wonderful place to learn and thrive.

I hope I see you at Forest soon!