Michelle Scott, Principal, Downe School

Can you share some insights into your childhood and early years? What inspired you to pursue a career in education?I grew up in Australia, where much of my childhood was spent outdoors, embracing adventure and challenge. From an early age, I would role-play being both a teacher and an actress—so in many ways, my career path seemed carved out from the start. Drama was a huge part of my upbringing, and I loved immersing myself in different characters and stories. I was torn between pursuing acting and teaching, but ultimately, it was the influence of my drama teacher that led me towards education. He showed me how theatre could empower, transform, and give voice to individuals, and I realized that through teaching, I could combine my love for performance with the opportunity to shape young minds.Was there a particular teacher or mentor who had a lasting impact on your passion for English Literature, Language, and Drama?Yes, my Drama teacher had a profound impact on me. He had an incredible ability to bring stories to life and create an environment where students felt confident to take risks, explore emotions, and express themselves freely. His passion for performance and storytelling was infectious, and he helped me see that Drama was not just about acting but about communication, empathy, and human connection. His ability to nurture creativity and self-belief in his students stayed with me, and it is what I strive to bring into my own teaching and leadership—helping students find their voices and embrace their potential.What drives your passion for education, and what is your core mission as an educational leader?Education has the power to transform lives, and that belief drives me every day. At the heart of my leadership is a love for people—I am deeply motivated by the students, staff, and parents I work with. Being present, front-facing, and engaged in the life of the school is key to my leadership style. I don’t see leadership as a role for personal status; rather, I strive to be the best school leader I can be for others—for the students who deserve the best education possible, for the staff who need support and inspiration, and for the parents who entrust us with their children’s futures.You’ve dedicated much of your career to all-girls’ education. What is your vision for empowering young women in education today?I believe that an all-girls’ education provides a unique and powerful environment where young women can discover their strengths without limitation. My vision is to cultivate a space where girls develop confidence, leadership, and the ability to navigate the world with conviction. It’s about ensuring that they see no barriers to their ambitions and that they leave school as articulate, compassionate, and globally aware individuals ready to shape the future.If you could achieve one major transformation in global education, what would it be and why?I would ensure that every school—regardless of geography or resources—priorities emotional and social well-being as much as academic achievement. Too often, the pressures of performance overshadow the importance of mental health, personal growth, and character education. A values-based, student-centered approach should be the foundation of every educational system, as it nurtures not just capable students but fulfilled, responsible, and ethical citizens.You’ve held various leadership roles, from Director of Drama to Deputy Headmistress and now Founding Principal. How have these experiences shaped your leadership style?Each role has reinforced the importance of vision, adaptability, and empathy in leadership. As Director of Drama, I learnt how to engage and inspire creativity in students. As Deputy Headmistress, I understood the complexity of school leadership—balancing academic, pastoral, and operational responsibilities. Now, as Principal, I see the power of shaping an entire school culture from the ground up. These experiences have shaped my leadership style into one that is people-centered, highly visible, and values-driven. I believe that the best leadership happens not in a meeting room but in the corridors, classrooms, and everyday interactions within the school community.Moving from the UK to the Middle East was a significant shift. What were the biggest challenges and rewards of launching Downe House Muscat?Launching Downe House Muscat was an extraordinary opportunity, but it came with its challenges. The biggest was ensuring that the school retained the core values of a Downe House education while adapting to a new cultural and educational landscape. Understanding the needs and aspirations of Omani and international families was key to building trust and community. The greatest reward has been seeing the school flourish—watching students thrive in an environment that celebrates academic aspiration, personal growth, and a true sense of community.How do you foster a strong school culture where students, staff, and families feel valued and inspired?School culture is built through trust, communication, and shared values. I ensure that every student feels heard and seen, that staff are empowered and supported, and that families are engaged partners in their children’s education. A culture of kindness, inclusion, and excellence must be embedded in daily interactions—not just in policies. Encouraging student voice, celebrating achievements, and maintaining open communication channels all contribute to a thriving school community.Working in a for-profit education environment creates different challenges, as there is always a commercial element to consider. The key is to stay true to your values and not get swept up and consumed by the business aspects. Education is fundamentally about people, and schools cannot be run solely from spreadsheets and a meeting room. The heart of a school lies in the relationships between students, staff, and families—without that, no amount of strategy or financial planning can create a truly exceptional educational environment.Leading a school is demanding. How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life?Balance is always a work in progress, but I make a conscious effort to set boundaries and priorities well-being. I find joy in exploring the world around me, taking care of my physical and mental wellbeing and spending time with friends and family —all of which help me recharge and bring fresh perspectives to my leadership. School can be all-consuming, so surrounding myself with a strong support network and finding love and joy in life away from school also help maintain a sense of balance.What keeps you motivated and energised in your role, even during challenging times?The students. Seeing their progress, their enthusiasm, and their growth reminds me why I do what I do. Their curiosity, kindness, and achievements are a constant source of inspiration. Additionally, having a strong team of educators who share a common vision keeps me motivated—we support each other and celebrate the victories, no matter how small. And we also have fun in the process! This is important to me.You emphasis values-based education and pastoral care. Can you share a story where this approach made a real difference in a student’s life?There have been many that I could share, but one story that particularly stands out is that of a student who arrived struggling with severe anxiety, both mental and physical health challenges, and deep self-doubt. By providing a strong network of mentorship, fostering a sense of belonging, and ensuring she had access to well-being support, we saw her gradually regain her confidence. Over time, she not only thrived academically but also grew personally, eventually stepping into leadership roles. She later reflected that the school had been a turning point in her life, giving her the courage to believe in herself and her abilities.This, to me, is the true essence of a values-driven education—it goes beyond academic success to nurture the whole person. One of the greatest joys of my career is following the journeys of students beyond school and welcoming them back as adults. After more than 30 years in education, I have had the privilege of teaching hundreds, if not thousands, of students, and nothing is more fulfilling than seeing them flourish in the wider world.Looking ahead, what are your future aspirations in education, and what legacy do you hope to leave behind?My aspiration is to continue shaping schools that place well-being, character, and values at the heart of education. I hope to mentor the next generation of educational leaders and advocate for a more compassionate, student-centered approach in global education. The legacy I wish to leave is simple: a community of students and educators who feel empowered to make a positive impact on the world around them. If I can inspire others to lead with integrity, empathy, and vision, I will consider my work a success.Femenamag is an online magazine featuring insightful articles from renowned personalities across diverse categories, including lifestyle, business, technology, health, and more. 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