I am Mia; I am in Year 13, and I have been at RHS since Year 7. I joined in 2018 from Littlegarth School as a Sports Scholar and have maintained this scholarship throughout my time here. I am a proud member of Drake House, where I was a day pupil from Year 8 to Year 12, before being a 3-night boarder for my final year in Nelson.
My time at RHS has been a truly incredible experience. When I first arrived at RHS, I was struck by the warm and inclusive atmosphere. I immediately felt at home from my first visit and was absolutely certain this was the place for me. Despite the initial apprehension of starting at a new school, I quickly became part of the school community. Everyone went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and supported, and making friends was surprisingly easy - there’s a real sense of camaraderie, everyone is encouraged to be themselves and there were so many opportunities to try new things and meet new people.
Over the years, I’ve participated in as many extracurricular activities as I possibly could. I have been involved in show choir, chapel choir, climbing and baking clubs, debating, MUN, CCF, DofE, Infant Swim, school plays and musicals, House Shout, Sports psychology and have also been able to get involved in committees such as school council and diversity committee. Being a Prefect and a Peer Mentor has also been a wonderful opportunity to get involved with as many people as possible and as a way of giving back to the school, and the people who have done so much for me. The experiences I have had, skills it has given me, and the relationships I have developed through all of this has been invaluable. You won’t find the opportunities anywhere else with the levels of support and enthusiasm like you do at RHS. I will never forget these memories and would not trade them for anything.
Although I have many interests, sports have always been my passion. As a Sports Scholar, I’ve had the privilege of representing RHS in the first team for hockey, netball and cricket and am very proud to be a part of these teams. We have achieved so much, and I leave with amazing memories. Sport is a huge part of who I am, it embodies teamwork, resilience, and determination - qualities that both RHS and I, value highly. The support I have received for my sporting journey at RHS has been amazing. The exceptional coaching, facilities and encouragement, as well the dedication and expertise of the sports staff have created an environment that has pushed me to achieve my best and made all the difference in my development both in sport and personally.
RHS stands out because it’s not just a school; it’s a family. The sense of community here isn’t like anywhere else, and the opportunities to explore your interests and develop new ones are endless. I have received so much support and feel truly cared for. RHS has had such a significant impact on me during my time here and I know I will carry it forwards into the rest of my life, using the lessons I have been taught and the examples shown to me by teachers and other pupils, of how to treat others, be a role model and be resilient in all I face.
My favourite place on campus is the sports fields, from playing cricket and athletics, to going for runs and walks in the summer with friends - it’s where I have some of my happiest memories. This year, I have been lucky enough to have this as the view out of my bedroom window, waking up to that view every morning. It’s a constant reminder of how beautiful the campus is, and it’s something I’ve come to appreciate more and more as my time here comes to an end. Whether it’s the peaceful mornings or the stunning sunsets, the view always brings a sense of calm and perspective. It’s the perfect place to reflect, whether I’m preparing for a busy day or winding down after a long one. It truly is beautiful.
The Sixth Form at RHS has been a particularly memorable time for me. I’m studying BTEC Sport, A-Level Psychology, and Geography, and these subjects have given me a strong foundation for my future aspirations. In Year 12 I was also able to study Core Maths which was a great opportunity to gain an additional qualification and build upon my GCSE knowledge which has helped me in my A-Levels and looking ahead to university. The teachers here are fantastic, they genuinely care about you and your success, and are always willing to offer support, whether it’s academic work, advice on university applications, helping you to develop skills such as revision techniques, or a more pastoral aspect, they really get to know each of us individually and I could not be more grateful for them, I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
One of my favourite parts of Sixth Form has been the social events. They really bring everyone together, and the Sixth Form Ball is a standout for this as it brings both Year 12 and 13 together. However, the social events in Year 13 are the best! Nelson Nights are so much fun and evenings such as Burns and Trafalgar Night in particular, are unique and truly incredible nights I will always remember.
After RHS, I am taking a Gap Year during which I will be working in a local prep school, where I hope to be able to support the children and help them to love their time at school as much as I have. After this I will be going to university to study Sports Science with the aim of becoming a teacher or working with professional athletes.
As I prepare to leave RHS, I know I’ll miss the people most of all. My time here has been a truly incredible experience and although I do not want to leave at all, and wish I could do it all over again, I feel so prepared and ready to take on the next steps, whilst always knowing I am always part of this exceptional school and community. To anyone considering joining RHS: if you’re looking for a school that will challenge, inspire, and support you, RHS is the perfect place, and you will have the most amazing time!