Once a term, the Grand Hall fills for the Hollow Forum — an hour in which any pupil may ask the head of school anything at all. No question is screened, no topic is fenced, and the answers are printed in full for the whole school to read.
This term’s session ranged widely. Year 7 wanted to know why examinations exist at all; Year 10 pressed on university pressure; and a brave Year 5 delegation lobbied — at length — for longer lunch breaks and a second pudding day.
What the head said
On examinations: that they are a servant, not a master — a check on teaching as much as on learning. On pressure: that ambition should stretch a pupil, never snap one, and that the advisory team exists precisely for the wobbles. On puddings: that the matter would go to the catering committee, where the delegation had already been invited to present.
Why the forum matters
A school that asks pupils to think must let them question — including questioning the school itself. The forum models the disagreement we teach in seminars: direct, respectful and aimed at making things better. Three forum proposals have become school policy this year alone.
The next forum meets in the autumn term, and the motion desk is already open. Bring your hardest question.