As I have just stepped down from my role as Headteacher, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable journey our schools - and our society - have taken over the past few decades. The world of education today looks vastly different from the one I stepped into as a young teacher, and these changes have challenged us, stretched us, and ultimately made us more resilient and compassionate. 

Perhaps no period has brought more dramatic change than the last few years. The COVID-19 pandemic redefined every aspect of school life. Overnight, classrooms went dark and screens lit up in kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms across the country. We swapped whiteboards for webcams, assemblies for Zoom calls, and breaktime chatter for muted microphones. For the first time in generations, national exams were cancelled—not once, but twice—forcing us to rethink how we measure achievement, and more importantly, what success truly looks like. 

But the impact of the pandemic went far beyond logistics. It brought into sharp focus the importance of student wellbeing. We saw an alarming rise in mental health challenges among our young people, from anxiety and depression to social isolation. As educators, we were called not just to teach, but to listen, to support, and to advocate. Mental health is no longer a quiet sidebar in our conversations about education—it's central, and rightly so. 

Through it all, I have been endlessly inspired by the students themselves. Their resilience, creativity, and determination have shone in even the darkest moments. They have adapted, led, and supported one another with a maturity beyond their years. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they have shown themselves to be leaders of today. 

My ten years at Latymer have been a joy; I believe the school has changed throughout my tenure. I'd like to think it is a warmer, more welcoming school where the students are well cared for and supported. The school community continues to evolve and I have always been so proud of the students, contributions to social issues; they rose to the challenge of the Black Lives Matter movement and were at the forefront of instigating change after Me Too. Latymer students have and will always continue to exercise their social conscience. 

Of course, challenges remain. But I leave this role with a deep sense of optimism because I've seen what our students can do when given the chance. I have seen teachers go to extraordinary lengths to support them, and I have seen communities rally around their schools with passion and purpose. Education is not what it once was—but that's a good thing. We are moving towards something more human, more connected, and more compassionate. 

Thank you to every student, colleague, and parent I've had the privilege to work with. It has been the greatest honour of my career. 

Maureen Cobbett