Head Girl Champions Reading at the Cambridge Literary Festival
As the UK celebrates the National Year of Reading, the importance of books and storytelling and thoughtful discussion has never been more relevant, whether it is reading about Cressida Cowell's dragons in our Junior School or Year 11 and 13 appreciating Professor Athene Donald's firm opinion that science is 'Not Just for the Boys' when considering their own futures. At St Mary's, fostering a lifelong love of reading is central to school life, which is why we are proud to be long-term supporters of the Cambridge Literary Festival.
While each spring and winter festival gives us the chance to listen to some of the most influential voices in literature, they also give St Mary’s students an opportunity to take part in those conversations, meet the authors, critics and public speakers, and to voice an opinion of their own. In what has become a cherished tradition, one of our students, usually the Head Girl, shares their reflections on reading before introducing a guest author.
This spring festival, we were delighted to see our Head Girl, Charlotte M., represent St Mary’s so eloquently at the festival during the “Writers on Reading” discussion featuring broadcaster and author Samira Ahmed, publisher Margaret Busby and writer, critic and columnist, Sam Leith. Addressing an audience gathered to appreciate the value and influence of literature, Charlotte spoke passionately about reading, describing it as both a privilege and a right.
Charlotte was keen to point out that:
"Something that has drastically shaped our world, and is entirely foreign to previous generations, is the introduction of social media and streaming services, causing us to be constantly flooded with information, images and film which, it is feared, is causing people to read far less. I believe reading to be an art and absolute joy which we should prioritise over time online."
We are immensely proud of Charlotte for representing the school with such warmth and conviction, and we look forward to continuing our valued partnership with the Cambridge Literary Festival for many years to come.
May 2026