Minerva Prize Winner

One of our Deputy Head Girls has won this year’s Minerva Prize – one of the most prestigious awards presented by the GDST.

Each year, the Girls’ Day School Trust awards the £500 Minerva Prize to an Upper Sixth student – an accolade to recognise overall achievement and the embodiment of the GDST spirit and ethos. Congratulations to Olivia who was announced as one of two students to win this year’s top award.

Olivia joined South Hampstead in Year 7. As a shy 11 year old, she decided to join Debate Club; four years later, she was representing England at the Debating World Championships in Vietnam, where the team placed sixth. Having faced sexist comments at some competitions, Olivia decided to start a Junior Feminist Society and a feminist magazine to inspire open conversations with younger pupils about stigmatised topics. She also became a peer mentor and coached debating at local primary schools, as well as getting involved with the school choir and drama productions.

In the Sixth Form, whilst studying for A Levels in Economics, History, Maths and Politics, she became an Academic Scholar and took on the role of Deputy Head Girl of Environment, amplifying student voices and implementing sustainable initiatives across the school community. With a keen interest in global affairs, she was a finalist in a national competition for her essay on the gig economy and, for her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), researched Somaliland’s case for independence. Olivia has also interviewed inspiring women such as Laura Coryton and Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and completed work experience with an MP, when she was given the opportunity to speak to a subcommittee on the topic of climate education.

“I have never shied away from giving things a go and am so grateful for the opportunities, voice and skills that South Hampstead has given me which I will carry with me throughout my life.” 

We look forward to seeing what she will go on to achieve next.