Ian Waller recently met-up with Heidi-Jayne Boyes, Head of Royal High School Bath, to talk about her first 12 months at the school and what the next two years has in store
Ian: You’ve now completed your first year at the Royal High School. What has been your main focus during that time?
Heidi-Jayne: First and foremost, getting to know people – staff, parents and students. I spent a lot of time having one-to-one conversations with colleagues and listening to their experiences of the school. We’ve held regular parents’ breakfasts and events, and I’ve felt a real sense of support from families.
My core focus has been student voice and leadership. I want our girls to feel empowered to advocate for themselves and for others, and to become true global citizens. We’re lucky to be part of the GDST, which gives us opportunities to collaborate with girls from other schools in the Trust.
“My core focus has been student voice and leadership. I want our girls to feel empowered to advocate for themselves and for others, and to become true global citizens.”
One example is the Trust’s ‘Undivided’ group, which focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Our student ambassadors take part in Trust-wide surveys, analyse the results and bring ideas back to senior leadership. They develop leadership and presentation skills and learn how to influence change. It’s excellent preparation for the world beyond school.
Ian: What attracted you to Royal High School Bath?
Heidi-Jayne: I believe deeply in all-girls education and in the GDST’s values. I missed the collaboration between schools when I worked outside the Trust. The professional development for staff is very focused and intentional, and the network for students is incredibly powerful.
There’s also something special about GDST girls. When they go to university, they instantly have a network of like-minded young women with shared values and experiences. That sense of belonging continues long after they leave school.
“When our girls go out into the wider world and hear talk about ‘male-dominated’ subjects, they’re genuinely puzzled. They don’t understand why physics or engineering should be unusual for girls.”
What I love about the Royal High School is that gender stereotypes just don’t exist here. You see it in STEM, sport, leadership – it’s not gender-specific. When our girls go out into the wider world and hear talk about ‘male-dominated’ subjects, they’re genuinely puzzled. They don’t understand why physics or engineering should be unusual for girls. They push back without even realising they’re doing it. Our job is to make sure they are ready to keep doing that beyond the school walls.
Ian: How important is it for the girls to see themselves as part of the wider community, not just the school?
Heidi-Jayne: It’s absolutely vital. I don’t like the word ‘outreach’ because it can sound one-sided or patronising. I prefer ‘partnerships’. It’s about working together for mutual benefit. We share expertise, we share joy, and we learn from each other.
For example, some of our Year 12 students support reading at St Stephen’s Primary School. They get so much from it – responsibility, confidence, and joy. The younger children get role models and support. It’s genuinely mutual. Our students become ambassadors, not just senior prefects but Year 9s and 10s too. It breaks down walls between schools and communities.
We’re also part of the Bath Education Partnership, which brings state and independent schools together. At the moment, colleagues from here and from Ralph Allen are developing a project focused on future pathways and opportunities for young people across Bath. It’s still at an early stage, but it’s about using all our collective contacts and networks for the benefit of all students.
Ian: A big change ahead is the closure of the pre-prep and the integration of Years 5 and 6 into the senior school site. Why was that decision made?
Heidi-Jayne: It was a very difficult decision because we love our prep school – it’s a beautiful place. But bringing Years 5 and 6 onto one site creates a true through-school experience. It removes geographical barriers and opens up opportunities for collaboration and leadership.
“We are creating a values-driven pathway that builds confidence, curiosity and wellbeing from Year 5 through to Sixth Form.”
Instead of Year 7 being the youngest in the senior school, they will become mentors and buddies for Years 5 and 6. At every stage, girls will have opportunities for leadership. We are creating a values-driven pathway that builds confidence, curiosity and wellbeing from Year 5 through to Sixth Form.
Specialist facilities like design and technology labs are already here, which will be exciting for younger girls. We’ll introduce this gradually so it feels like a smooth transition rather than a big leap.
Ian: The nursery will close as part of this change. How difficult was that decision?
Heidi-Jayne: After a careful and detailed review, it has not proved possible for us to accommodate the age-specific needs both in terms of the physical environment and the
provision expected of a GDST prep school.
We are supporting nursery families individually, helping them explore alternatives and acting as a sounding board. Our Head of Prep knows those families well and is working closely with them.
Ian: School right across the spectrum are facing a number of challenges at the moment. How is Royal High School Bath responding?
Heidi-Jayne: It’s an incredibly challenging time for schools. Everyone is having to think carefully about how to future-proof their offer. We’re seeing schools close with little notice, which is very difficult.
Our boarding provision helps us. We offer flexible boarding – from one night a week to full boarding – which supports busy families and international students. Numbers are steady, and our international mix enriches the school culture. Events like Culture Day really show that diversity is lived, not tokenistic.
VAT and the changing global market mean schools have to be agile. Families who come to us now are very intentional in their decision. They’ve thought carefully about the investment and the value.
Ian: Looking ahead, what do you most want Royal High School Bath to be known for?
Heidi-Jayne: Opportunity, and girls first. We want to prepare our students for today and tomorrow. That means strong academics, but also confidence, wellbeing, leadership and global awareness.
“I want our girls to know they belong in boardrooms, that they can negotiate, that they can lead – and that they deserve a seat at the table.”
I want our girls to know they belong in boardrooms, that they can negotiate, that they can lead. I want them to be able to step into the world knowing they deserve a seat at the table. AI and technology matter, but human connection matters just as much. That underpins everything here.
Yes, change is difficult, and some of the decisions we’ve made are hard. But we’re making them so the school can still be here in 150 years’ time, serving future generations of girls. There are exciting things ahead, and we’re focused on giving our students the very best chance to thrive.
