As the world prepares to celebrate International Women’s Day on 8th March, the focus on female empowerment and leadership takes centre stage, resonating deeply within communities striving for gender equality. This year’s celebration holds special significance for one particular institution in our local community, which is on a very rapid improvement journey, led by a visionary female leader.

At the heart of this transformative journey lies the story of Kirsty Rogers, the Headteacher of Aureus School. With a steadfast commitment to excellence and inclusivity, Kirsty has been instrumental in steering the school toward significant improvement. Aureus School stands out as the only mixed-gender secondary school in the area, embodying the ethos of inclusivity and diversity that Kirsty and her staff champion. By providing a supportive environment where boys and girls learn and grow together, Kirsty has created a space where students are encouraged to challenge stereotypes providing equal opportunities for all.

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When considering the opportunities that education provides, Kirsty favours a quote by Michelangelo “The danger for most of us is not that we aim too high and miss our goals, but that we aim too low and reach them”. As the Headteacher of Aureus School, Kirsty recognises that all young people have the ability to succeed, they simply need the right opportunities and quality learning experiences. She believes passionately in the school’s motto “cultivating ambition; high standards for all”, and whilst she has a caring and supportive nature, she will always stand by the best thing we can do for our students is give them a high-quality education.

Kirsty is honoured to lead a school in her local area and welcomes the opportunity that this presents to build a sound understanding of the young people and families that Aureus School serves, ensuring that she and her staff celebrate the values of inclusion and diversity every day, “in recognition of our school’s wonderful students and our shared community”.

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Reflecting on her own education, Kirsty shares that “ensuring girls feel empowered to challenge gender stereotypes in education has always been close to my heart.  As a Maths graduate, I often found myself to be the only woman in the room. This led to a passion for encouraging female students to continue studies in the STEM subjects, sharing with them the successful female mathematicians who have shaped the mathematics we know today, and championing extra curricular activity which can ignite a continued interest in the subject”.

Following university, Kirsty travelled extensively and lived abroad in France, the US and Uganda before returning to the UK to start her career in education. She recalls the inspirational women she met along the way “During my travels and throughout my career I have met and worked with some truly inspirational women who have rightly continued to shape and challenge my own limiting thoughts imposed by gender. As a leader, a teacher and the mother of three wonderful daughters, I strive to help shape, create, inspire and raise empowered, curious women who know that their worth and potential is boundless”. Kirsty and her team at Aureus School aim to encourage girls to smash through the glass ceiling and recognise that all careers and positions are within their grasp.

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At Aureus School, students are required to think critically, encouraging curiosity and ensuring learning at every stage. They do this by teaching their girls and boys tolerance, respect and ambition, showing them the benefits of working as a team whilst promoting independence and individuality. Aureus has also developed and promoted leadership opportunities including a Girls’ Football Leadership Programme, a Debating Club and lead female roles in all their performing arts productions, encouraging girls to step out of their comfort zones and into the spotlight.

To date, Aureus are proud to celebrate their current year 11 girls securing future endeavours which include full scholarships to institutions such as Cranford House and MEPA, and many other great opportunities such as apprenticeships, level three qualifications and a range of diverse post-16 courses.

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International Women's Day serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of female leadership in education. Kirsty is proud of her staff and the rapid progress they continue to make and as an inclusive, inspiring and highly ambitious school, aiming to become the school of choice for the local community Kirsty is so proud to represent; by standing at the front of the school others can see that they too can be here one day. 

Kirsty reflects “as we celebrate the progress made, let us also recommit to the journey ahead, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed and contribute meaningfully to the world”.

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