Each September, the GDST Head Girls’ Conference, now known as the Young Leaders Conference, is an opportunity to draw together our Young Leaders and their Deputies from all GDST schools, for a residential weekend at the Royal High School, Bath. For the Head Girls’ Conference 2007 Young Leaders from all over the GDST Network came together to discuss the best way to revitalise the fictional Sween Valley.

Students often approach the weekend with a certain amount of apprehension, unsure of what to expect.  You may also be initially shocked at coming across so many similarly bossy and exuberant girls, but this is an excellent opportunity to mix with fellow GDST students from other schools. 

Frances, Deputy Head Girl at Nottingham High School said, ‘I did not think it would be half as much fun as it was.  I thought the presentations would be very serious, but they were so enjoyable! I also thought I would spend more time with my Head Girl and other deputy than I did.  It was so well organised and a fantastic opportunity for all of us.  I had a great weekend and wish we could do it again!  I am going to miss everyone so much.’

The Minerva Network is a very special resource and many girls who meet at this weekend encounter each other again at sports fixtures, university open days, interviews and beyond.  Being elected as Head Girl or Boy inevitably means that these students will be among the big achievers of your generation.  Everyone is different in character, talents and personalities but everyone recognises the value of grasping an opportunity and paying it back with interest.  It’s a cheesy cliché but it’s true….you only get out of life as much as you put in.