Student Leadership

Dear Prospective Students and Parents,

Our names are Jasmine Fox and Juliana Alexander, and we are the newly appointed Head Girls at St Philomena’s Catholic High School for Girls. We are both currently in Year 12, pursuing a diverse range of subjects: Jasmine is studying Maths, Further Maths, Psychology, and Drama with the intention of studying Economics and acting; Juliana is studying Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and French for Business with aspirations of studying Dentistry.

As Head Girls, we serve as the primary student ambassadors and the voice of the student body. Our shared objective is to advocate for our peers and implement suggestions that continually improve our school community, ensuring every student feels heard and represented.

We are both proud to have been Philomenians since Year 7, becoming part of a rich 130 year long history that began with the Daughters of the Cross. Our time here has allowed us to witness firsthand the exceptional levels of support and academic excellence that define this institution. Whether we followed in the footsteps of older siblings or were the first in our families to join, we have both found that the genuine feeling of belonging and the warmth of the staff have exceeded our every expectation.

We understand that the transition from primary to secondary school can feel daunting. However, at St Philomena’s, this "bridge" is made seamless. Whether it was walking into the chapel on that first nervous day or settling into new routines, our worries were quickly replaced by lasting friendships. This school is deeply aware of how overwhelming change can be and assists in every way possible to make it an exciting, manageable experience.

What distinguishes St Philomena’s is the extensive range of facilities and opportunities that cover all aspects of education, from STEM to the Arts. Our dedicated SEND department provides tailored care to help students reach their full potential, while our well-being leads, chaplaincy team, and education leads ensure that no one ever has to navigate challenges alone. The school prioritises strengthening the bonds between us as one body, nurturing an environment where every girl feels safe and cared for.

We embrace modern learning through the integration of technology, including the use of Chromebooks available from Year 7, and a robust peer mentoring system where Sixth Form students guide their younger peers. Our academic journeys have been exceptionally gratifying, from STEM competitions, Biology and Chemistry Olympiads, and the Cambridge Chemistry Race to Additional Maths qualifications and exhilarating school productions, St Philomena’s has pushed us out of our comfort zones. Experiences like Ballgirling for the HSBC Championship at Queens, Sports Leadership roles, and serving as Eucharistic Ministers have allowed us to network and form friendships across all year groups.

Being a Philomenian means being part of a community that perpetually encourages you to aim as high as you can. For both of us, becoming Head Girl was a dream we held since Year 7, one we once thought was out of reach. We have grown into confident, resilient young women as a direct result of the encouragement found here.

We can assure you that your daughter will be welcomed with open arms into our family. She will be challenged, supported, and inspired, leaving St Philomena’s spiritually and academically fulfilled, with the skills to succeed in whatever path she chooses.

Jasmine Fox & Juliana Alexander - Head Girls 25/26