Wendy Wang (Colvin, 2023) joined the programme during her gap year, preparing to study Material Science and Engineering at Imperial College London. Unsure whether to study AI or materials, she wanted guidance on navigating both her degree and her future career. Wendy was matched with Vanessa Viney, Innovations Manager at Airbus and parent of a current pupil.

From their first meeting at the Leaders mentoring reception, Wendy and Vanessa formed a partnership that mixed scheduled catch ups with spontaneous opportunities. Vanessa introduced Wendy to her aerospace and engineering network, shaping the mentoring journey so Wendy could gain hands-on experience, exposure to networking opportunities, and tailored insight into the space sector.

Wendy’s Perspective 

WW: “I initially joined as I was on my gap year and whilst I roughly knew where I was going, I didn’t really have any connections within STEM. I thought it would be interesting to have someone talk me through their experience and how they got to where they are in their career so I could understand what opportunities I should grasp. However, what I got out of the mentorship was way beyond that. Vanessa didn’t just discuss her experiences, she got me into conferences and helped me connect with people in her network.

Networking has been a really helpful aspect of the mentoring programme. I just didn’t know what networking meant – when you come out of school I think it’s a really abstract concept. Seeing Vanessa interact within the industry taught me the skills to do it on my own.

During the programme, Vanessa gave Wendy valuable exposure to the wider space industry alongside practical opportunities. Wendy visited Airbus to spend a day with the AI team and then the materials facility to discover which area she was most interested in. Following this, she joined an SME accelerator (small and medium enterprise), meeting business leaders and entrepreneurs while learning how to market herself. She attended Space-Comm Expo, a free event connecting people in the sector, which gave her a thorough introduction to the industry. Now, a year later, she has returned as an intern exhibitor for a space startup!

WW: The programme and meeting Vanessa have been so beneficial. I went to university with a real understanding of the industry and what I find interesting. This meant I’ve been able to tailor my experience and harness all of the resources that Imperial has on offer. 

Even after the mentorship officially ended, we’re still in contact and Vanessa shares with me opportunities she thinks I’d be interested in.

Vanessa’s Perspective 

Vanessa got involved with the programme to share her own experience and empower more young people, especially girls, to join STEM fields. 

VV: For girls in particular, they often don’t have the confidence to get involved so it’s great to give them a sounding board and demonstrate the gateways to achieve success. I didn’t really have that kind of mentorship when I was starting out, so I want to show those at the beginning of their journey that space is accessible – there are so many ways you can get involved! 

When we started meeting, I really wanted to understand where Wendy was, what kind of decisions she wanted to make. I wanted to encourage her to get the most of her gap year to put things on her CV as that’s really beneficial to demonstrate to employers. There really is no ‘one size fits all’ when you’re approaching mentoring, so it’s important to adapt the partnership in a way that works for you both. 

For me, it’s been so rewarding following Wendy’s journey and I feel really proud of her. Business is all about people, especially in the small space community. I loved being able to introduce Wendy to some of my network – and it’s so rewarding to hear that the network keeps growing as she shares her insights with others. 

Top tips for mentoring success

Wendy advised future mentees to come with the right attitude. 

WW: Mentoring isn’t just someone helping you solve a problem. Go in with an idea of what you want, be proactive with opportunities given and reflect on what you’ve learned. 

You don’t have to be the perfect mentee, the whole point is for you to grow. Be open minded – when I first met Vanessa, I thought Airbus was all about planes, but this opportunity taught me how wide engineering really is. 

Vanessa encouraged mentees to be ambitious and mentors to adapt. 

VV: I would say to any mentee: think big and make the most of every opportunity. Where you start may not be where you end up. Have confidence, ask questions and don’t limit yourself. 

For mentors: you don’t need to know everything – ask questions, obtain information and pass it along. Mentoring is an iterative process, it won’t have a big bang moment. Sometimes you don’t even realise the effect you have had until later on! 

Why get involved? 

WW: There is absolutely nothing to lose, only things to gain.  At Haileybury you’re part of this great community which provides a fantastic resource.  This is a great opportunity to connect and build lifelong relationships with others, which is especially important at the beginning of your career.   

VV:  This isn’t an exclusive club. This programme is for everyone at Haileybury and is a resource to help you be the best that you can be. It’s also important for both potential mentees and mentors to realise it’s an adaptable programme to ensure it works for both of you. It’s so rewarding seeing the next generation taking opportunities and seeing your advice open doors for them. Being part of their journey is incredible. 

Interested in seeing what the Haileybury Leaders Programme could do for you?

Mentees can apply to get involved here.

If you’re interested in giving back and mentoring, please contact the team on development@haileybury.com

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Recently, our School marked Giving Week, which proved to be a testament to our pupils’ dedication and the generosity of our extended community. With the goal of raising £62,000 for Haileybury Youth Trust (HYT) and Hearts & Wings Holidays, our houses went above and beyond, ultimately collecting an impressive £64,280. This feat was made possible by the kindness of anonymous donors who matched every contribution made during the week. In order to reach this impressive target, pupils spearheaded in a variety of creative and energetic events, including runs, triathlons, bingo nights, raffles, photo booths and selling sweet treats across the week.

In late November, our pupils also demonstrated their community spirit by collecting 240 toys for the Hertford Pantry. This initiative will undoubtedly brighten Christmas morning for many children in our local community. Haileybury’s Community Action Volunteering (CAV) programme, available to Sixth Form pupils, further exemplifies our commitment to service. Through partnerships with organisations like Mudlarks Charity Cafe, Humanitas, and Drinkable Rivers, our pupils engage in activities that align with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, such as promoting healthy lives, clean water, and quality education.

Service is also about raising awareness for social causes. Initiatives like RedKite’s Red Bench campaign, which aims to raise awareness about domestic violence by placing red-painted benches in public locations—including our quad— serve as powerful examples. Such campaigns encourage conversations and advocate for systemic change.

Our pupil-led Charity Committee, which meets weekly, organises a range of fundraising events, from charity balls and doughnut sales to non-uniform days and teacher vs pupil competitions. These initiatives not only raise vital funds but also instil a sense of civic duty and empathy among our pupils. Haileybury’s commitment to service and community action is a shining example of the power of collective effort and generosity.

As we enter the season of giving, it is a timely reminder that, indeed, it is better to give than to receive. By nurturing a culture of service and volunteering, we are not only transforming the lives of others but also enriching our own.

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The launch events for Haileybury’s SciTech Centre were not only marked by ceremonial proceedings but also by engaging activities that brought special guests and supporters closer to its purpose. Pupils took the lead in conducting experiments and guiding tours, showcasing the facility’s capabilities and fostering a hands-on learning experience for all attendees. Additionally, cocktail-style events provided a relaxed atmosphere for networking and celebration, allowing donors, Governors and guests to mingle and share in the excitement of the occasion. The personalised touch of seeing supporters’ names represented on signage throughout the building added a sense of pride and recognition, acknowledging their contributions to the project.

Our SciTech building represents a major advancement in science and technology education, featuring cutting-edge laboratories for natural sciences, computer science, robotics, VR, AI and design technology. The modern facility aims to enhance pupil learning by providing access to the latest technology and fostering a culture of scientific exploration. The building also hosts world class provision through our Stan-X programme, focusing on genetics research using fruit flies to combat diseases like diabetes and pancreatic cancer. Moreover, the construction of these innovative spaces prioritises sustainability, with features such as solar panels, green roofs, and eco-friendly materials like cross-laminated timber.

The launch of Haileybury’s SciTech Centre heralds a new era of innovation for current and future Haileyburians. We express our sincere gratitude to all donors, special guests, and contributors who made this vision a reality. Whose support will help foster curiosity and drive discovery at Haileybury.

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We caught up with Prabhakar and Vittoria to learn about their experiences in the programme. 

Why did you decide to apply for the Haileybury Leaders programme?

MVB: When I got the email about the programme I was just starting a new job and wanted to improve as a professional, gaining a clearer sense of direction and identifying and achieving career goals. I immediately thought that the Haileybury Leaders programme would be the perfect solution to this!

Was the experience what you expected?

MVB: This has been my first mentoring experience so I did not have a benchmark, but my experience definitely exceeded expectations. Before starting the programme, I thought that this might develop into regular calls and questions on my progress, with the mentor doing all the work in the relationship. What I soon realised, is that mentorship is a give-and-take journey, a supportive relationship that has challenged me into new stages of development. 

How do you feel you’ve benefited from having Prabhakar as a mentor? Was it a good match?

MVB: I consider myself to be extremely lucky to have started my mentorship journey with Prabhakar. During the application process, I specified I wanted to be matched with a mentor from a different industry than mine to learn from different experiences. I particularly appreciated the diversity Prabhakar brought to the table. Coming from a different industry, his unique perspective added a fresh dimension to our discussions. Moreover, his global experience, having lived and worked internationally, enriched my understanding and broadened my horizons.

Do you feel the programme has helped you progress towards your career goals?

MVB: I am thrilled to share that my mentoring journey with Prabhakar has been incredibly rewarding. With his guidance and support, I not only achieved all my set goals but also secured a promotion at work. This new position aligns with my aspirations and also includes an exciting international opportunity, fulfilling a long-held ambition. The mentorship experience has undeniably played a turning point in my professional growth.

“Mentorship is a give-and-take journey, a supportive relationship that challenged me into new stages of development”

– Maria Vittoria Busani (Allenby, 2016)

What has been the best piece of advice you received from Prabhakar? 

MVB: It is very hard to just narrow it down to one, as each piece of advice has been truly eye-opening. One of the first things I remember comes from a phrase Prabhakar told me: “Doing things right vs doing the right things”. This prompted me to consider not only how tasks are accomplished but also whether those tasks align with broader objectives and contribute to overall success. This helped me change my mindset and shifted my attention to focus more on strategic thinking, decision-making, and goal alignment to ensure that my efforts contribute to the overall success of my organisation. 

Why do you think having a mentor is important?

MVB: Having a mentor is important as they provide invaluable guidance, share expertise, and offer constructive feedback. Their support helps you to grow professionally and personally, to build confidence, and to inspire continuous learning. In my case, I sometimes felt that the many complexities and dynamics of the workplace could cloud my perspective. Prabhakar offered me a clear and experienced viewpoint, helping untangle challenges, providing insights that may not be apparent, and offering a steady hand to overcome difficulties. 

What advice would you give to OH’s considering applying to the programme? 

MVB: If you’re considering the programme, go for it as it will be an invaluable journey! My keywords for you are: open-mindedness, curiosity, energy, enthusiasm and honesty. 

What made you decide to volunteer as a mentor on the Haileybury Leaders programme? 

PR: There were two things. I was quite taken by the outreach programme and liked the idea of increased connectivity among the Haileybury community, providing OHs with wisdom and advice to guide them in their careers. Secondly, I truly enjoy the opportunity to be connected with the young leaders of tomorrow. I think it gives me a better insight into what is going on in the world around me.

Why do you think mentoring is so important?

PR: I believe we are constantly learning and developing. Mentoring is something that helps to clarify your aspirations and goals. It also gives you a sounding board and a safe environment where you can feel confident speaking openly about your doubts and fears. Of course, a mentor also provides the mentee with a voice of experience that can give you both suggestions and advice, as well as asking the right questions enabling you to get the best out of yourself.

Tell me a bit more about your partnership with Vittoria. Do you think it’s been a good match? 

PR: I think it was a brilliant match. I feel what really made it work is that we invested the time to get to know each other before jumping into what she wanted to get out of the programme. This created a rich foundation for developing plans for Vittoria to be able to achieve her goals. Most importantly, it created a sense of trust, which meant we could both be open and ask good questions. I think it is that initial investment that I think ended up paying dividends later.

Did you see any specific changes in your mentee’s performance? 

PR: I was very impressed by Vittoria’s self-awareness and energy from the very beginning. I feel she had a real ability to embrace her fears and face challenges head on. I think she grew enormously during the course of the programme. Her progress was also recognised by her own company, with a promotion and increased global responsibility. I was able to help her connect with other marketers around the world as well as other women in senior roles, which broadened her perspective. She really grew as a leader but her own self-awareness was a key part of that journey and success. 

What advice would you give to others thinking about joining the programme?

PR: It’s a free gift right on your doorstep! Having a strong network and good partnerships is so important for building the infrastructure for your life and career. Mentors are just part of the scaffolding helping you build out some capabilities and confidence at a specific point in time.

What do you think are some of the most important qualities that a mentor should have?

PR: A mentor should be a good listener with a strong sense of empathy. They need to be able to create a safe space for the mentee, one where both parties can be open and honest. The other important thing is being able to listen to the mentee as a whole person. You may be doing a certain job at a certain time but you also have a personal life, you have other interests, there’s a whole person on the table. So, respect that whole person and mutual trust will follow.

 “Mentors are just part of the scaffolding helping you build out some capabilities and confidence at a specific point in time”

– Prabhakar Rajagopal 
(Haileybury parent)

Is there anything else that you would like to share about your experience or mentoring?

PR: I want to give credit to Haileybury for the organisation of the programme. I am glad that the School didn’t sit back passively and launch a mentoring programme. The tools and resources provided were fantastic. Of course all mentors and mentees are at different stages in their own journeys, so to be able to give them some assets, touch points as well as personalised communications, has been excellent and I would encourage that this to continue. Mentoring is such a great way to build connections within the community and enrich the experience of pupils, OHs and parents alike. 

Applications for the 2025 cycle of the Haileybury Leaders Programme have now closed. If you would like to express your interest in taking part as a mentee in the 2026 programme please see below.

If you would like to learn more about the Haileybury Leaders programme and how you can get involved, please email mentoring@haileybury.com.

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We caught up with both mentee and mentor towards the end of their year-long partnership. Read on to hear their perspectives on their mentorship experiences.

Why did you decide to apply for the Haileybury Leaders programme?

GA: I was just starting my placement and feeling a bit lost when I got the email about the Haileybury Leaders programme. It sounded like something that might be useful. I had been quite narrowly focused on what I was doing and was keen to get a different perspective on the defence and engineering sector. I wanted to see more broadly where my career could progress. 

Was the experience what you expected?

GA: I think what ended up happening was quite different to what I had expected. It enabled me to really make the most of my placement and approach my final year at university with a clear progression track into the industry that I want to work in. 

How do you feel you’ve benefited from having Markos as a mentor?

GA: Broadly speaking, Markos has given me more confidence in the choices I have made up to this point and has given me additional insights into academic opportunities within industry. For example, there are possibilities to conduct academic research within the defence industry that can potentially lead to sponsored PhDs.

Why do you think having a mentor is important?

GA: I think, particularly for OHs who are coming out of university, you are very much coming off the end of an education conveyor belt. Whilst you’re at school, you choose your GCSEs from a list and then you pick your A-Levels, which determine which university courses you can apply for.  However, once you come out of university, things become a lot less fixed, with so many career paths available, many of which you may not even be aware of. You’re not going to find these opportunities just by browsing LinkedIn or Indeed. Having a mentor, someone who’s built a career, knows their industry and has their own network, is incredibly useful. Based on their feedback and guidance, you can start to see through the fog and form a clearer pathway to a career that suits you.

“[The Haileybury Leaders Programme] enabled me to really make the most of my placement and approach my final year at university with a clear progression track into the industry that I want to work in.”

What advice would you give to alumni considering applying to the programme?

GA: I would say, don’t always seek out a mentor who works in the area that you think you’re going to be working in. Try to learn as much new information as you can from your mentor and use this as an opportunity to speak to someone with a breadth of experience in areas that you may not have previously considered. Don’t pigeonhole yourself!

Markos, what made you decide to become a mentor on the Haileybury Leaders programme? 

MT: I saw it as an excellent opportunity to be part and support the fantastic Haileybury community by sharing my personal experience and knowledge in assisting young Haileyburians. Being involved and helping the success and the continuation of the programme meant that I would be part of a Haileybury legacy that could significantly benefit future alumni.

What do you enjoy most about mentoring?

MT: Interacting with my mentee George, I was able to appreciate first hand the excellent values, work ethic and confidence that Haileybury instilled into him. This filled me with pride being part of our school. Working with such a bright and mature young person helped me gain new perspectives and fresh ideas that are valuable both as an employer but also as a parent.

Why do you think mentoring is important?

MT: Mentoring brings significant value to both mentors and mentees. It helps mentors with the chance to further develop their people skills, helps you get a better grasp of the issues young people face hence helps you understand and develop better young people at your own working environment. And finally it helps you grow as a person and be more open to new perspectives.

Mentoring helps mentees have a vision and a plan on how to achieve it, become more confident, ask the right questions, be honest with themselves and their employers, be open to provide and receive feedback and use it to their benefit.

Tell me about your partnership with your mentee. Do you think it has been a good match?

MT: My partnership with George was in one word, ‘perfect’. And this was made possible by the fantastic work that Marika and [the Development Department] did in partnering us together.

What advice would you give to others thinking about joining the programme as mentors?

MT: I would strongly encourage people to participate in this programme. Be part of this great community and help guide young Haileyburians through the beginning of their career paths by sharing your extensive knowledge, experience and success. This is a programme that will support future generations of alumni. 

What do you think are the most important qualities to have as a mentor?

MT: Have empathy, be open minded, be enthusiastic, actively listen to your mentee and be honest with them.

Applications for the 2025 cycle of the Haileybury Leaders Programme have now closed. If you would like to express your interest in taking part as a mentee in the 2026 programme please see below.

If you would like to learn more about the Haileybury Leaders programme and how you can get involved, please email mentoring@haileybury.com.

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Parents were able to see how the buildings have been designed to offer light, collaborative spaces in which pupils will be able to engage in dialogic learning, supporting each other to think, hypothesise and evaluate their research. They also heard about the sustainable features included in the build, such as solar panels, ground-source heat pumps and the use of eco-friendly materials such as cross-laminated timber.

On their tour, parents met with pupils who demonstrated their extensive knowledge of Astrophysics and also with pupils engaged in the exciting Stan-X programme, which is run in conjunction with Stanford University.

Learn more about our SciTech project here.

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As we enter the second year of the Wellbeing Centre’s existence, and building on Haileybury’s success in gaining the “Wellbeing Award for Schools” last year,  it is exciting to see how the centre has evolved and how pupils and staff are using it to support their wellbeing.

Already this year we’ve seen a higher footfall to the Wellbeing Centre, with pupils enjoying the tranquillity of a space away from their school work and boarding houses, and somewhere to meet with friends and join activities and societies.

We have expanded the mental health support team, having been joined by Zoe Chaney, our new Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioner. Zoe has a background as a mental health nursing associate and will be an additional layer of support for pupils who want advice or simply a listening ear. We are also delighted to welcome Jack De Saram to the Counselling Team this year.

Pupil voice remains central to what we offer in, and beyond, the Wellbeing Centre and this year’s Wellbeing College Prefects – Jack, Jessica, Piya and Charles –  have already established some exciting plans for how they will oversee the Peer Support programme, and encourage proactive care for ourselves and others. Kindness, inclusion and enthusiasm were noted as core tenets of Haileybury life by the Heads of School recently, and this chimes with all that we are trying to achieve through the Wellbeing Centre.

We hope that all pupils and staff will see the Wellbeing Centre as their space, where they can find support from like-minded others, or simply some time to “just be”. From Pride Alliance to Islamic Society, staff book clubs to House nights, the Centre has something for everyone, and everyone is welcome.

“Our job as the Wellbeing College Prefects is to be mental health ambassadors across the school – promoting pupil wellbeing, and normalising conversations around mental and physical health to ensure that Haileybury is a tolerant, kind and inclusive school, which supports everyone’s needs. By leading the Peer Support team, and organising Mental Health week and various other activities, we aim to create an environment and community in which all people feel supported and confident in their own skin.

“As last year, the Wellbeing Centre will continue to be a place where societies, pupil  gatherings and social events, alongside counselling, are held. We look forward to working with the Wellbeing Team, Peer Supporters and the Haileybury community to ensure that the School’s ethos and values are adhered to and that wellbeing continues to be a priority.” – The Wellbeing CPs

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After sending them his essays over the course of a few weeks, the team at The London Financial were impressed, they felt that Danyaal’s work suited their writing style and were eager for him to start writing an article for the publication. After deciding the topic with his Editor, Danyaal begun writing his piece, which was later posted on their website. Danyaal is the first A-Level pupil to be published on the site and it is the first article that he has ever had published on a mainstream publication.

“It’s certainly something I am proud of, to know that I can produce work of that standard at this time, and to have some good recognition of the piece of work I produced.”

The process of writing the article and having it published was what Danyaal described as “short, but lengthy”. Over a two-day period, he worked hard with The London Financial to draft and re-draft the article, trying not to catch the “news burnt out period”. Going through this process and working alongside an editing team, has given him the fundamental skills needed to write more articles in the future.

“I definitely enjoyed the process. It was eye opening and gave me an insight into the process behind the scenes of an article that is published on a mainstream publication. It is something that I definitely wish to do again.”

In the future, Danyaal hopes to go to university to study Land Economy. To view Danyaal’s article, click here.

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They have been making the most of Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) – a core element of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) which is offered to pupils as an alternative to A levels.

CAS projects enhance pupils’ personal and interpersonal development through experiential learning. “It’s important to find passions and learn about what you love,” says Sitara, who has made colourful face masks from recycled Indian saris to protect people in New Delhi.

“As hard as the pandemic has been for so many people around the world, hope and positivity can help us through this,” she added.

Another pupil, Elin, supported flood defence efforts in her hometown. She helped position sandbags on the eve of heavy rainfall. Mahaut created her own sweaters and t-shirts with profits supporting a coral reef conservation programme in Tahiti. Ida has been plaiting pearled bracelets and posting them to friends around the world.

Paul has helped out with a Bridge of Giving in Germany – arranging acts of kindness for the homeless – and Emily’s podcast charts Haileybury life throughout the pandemic.

Adam learned to play the ukulele, Thomas ran a half marathon to support the NHS and Mikee created re-usable shopping bags from scrap material. Moritz has built an aquarium and Lucy has cleared litter from a popular trail route.

“CAS has allowed me to aspire to do certain activities that I may have never done before and with CAS I often try something new and I end up enjoying it,” Sixth From pupil Tom said.

Urav, who’s also a CAS pupil, added: “I would have never tried to think so far outside the box, challenge myself more and try to improve other people’s lives in such a big way.”

“The important role of CAS in the wider education of pupils within the IBDP has never been more evident,” said Giovanna Iorio, who oversees the projects. “Research has shown that a sense of engagement is important to wellbeing with CAS pupils learning perseverance and the tenacity to continue with a task or activity, even though challenges may occur.”

Haileybury is ranked in The Sunday Times Top 10 for co-ed independent schools which offer the IBDP.

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