From the Deputy Head of Senior School – Wellbeing: Developing Leaders

Empowering Future Leaders: Student Leadership Development at MLC School

At MLC School, leadership is more than a title, it’s a way of thinking and acting. Guided by our core values of courage, compassion, respect, and growth, we empower girls to develop confidence, empathy, and a sense of purpose.

Leadership at MLC School takes many forms, both formal and informal and can be seen in daily behaviours and interactions. It is framed as an action rather than a position, empowering students to take initiative, collaborate, and make responsible decisions. We see students demonstrating leadership every day, thorough supporting a friend in need, advocating for a cause, standing up and calling out injustice or helping a teacher with a task.

Leadership is more than a badge or title, it is a lived experience woven into the fabric of school life. Through intentional leadership programs, values-driven education, and a culture of respect, courage and compassion, we support young women to become fearless thinkers and agents of change.

Our approach to student leadership is structured, holistic and inclusive. Through combining structured roles, formal and informal opportunities and a focus on mentoring, training and support, we empower students to become capable, compassionate changemakers ready to shape their world with courage and conviction. This approach starts early, our Year 8 students engage in structured leadership teaching through their engagement in the International Coalition of Girls School (ICGS) leadership program: ‘lean in leadership’, delivered as part of the wellbeing program.

From Year 7 through Year 12, leadership opportunities are embedded into school life and our framework. Students have the opportunity to engage in initiatives that foster responsibility and collaboration in various contexts:

Year 12 School and House Captains
Sub Captains and Prefects
Student Representative Council (Years 8-12)
Year 9 Middle Years Leaders
Year 10 Peer Support Leaders

There are also a range of further opportunities central to leadership at MLC School, encouraging students to lead through action by supporting peers, contributing to community events, and engaging in spiritual life including:

Committee and club members
Years 11 and 12 Big Sisters
Luminary representatives
New student buddies
Supporting with tours, orientations and whole school events.
Speaking or presenting at Chapel, Assembly, Year meetings and House meetings
Experiential and service-based leadership: Immersions, Cadets and Round Square IDEALS

2026 SRC

Led by School Vice Captains Crystal and Sophie, our newly appointed 2026 SRC gathered for their first meeting to share student voice and discuss ideas and plans for positive impact at MLC School.

At MLC School, every girl has the chance to lead, collaborate, and make a positive impact, preparing her to shape the world with courage and conviction.

To read more about the leadership efforts and opportunities in the Junior School, click here.

– Andrew Taylor
Deputy Head of Senior School – Wellbeing