Katy meets...Holmes Chapel’s Head Students

By Katy O’Regan

Some interviews take you in unexpected directions. What began as a conversation with Holmes Chapel Comprehensive’s newly appointed Head Students soon became a discussion about moving countries, overcoming the disruption of Covid, discovering confidence and what really makes a school community special.

As someone who has lived in Holmes Chapel for many years - and whose own son attended the school - I was interested to hear about life through the eyes of its students. Schools are about far more than lessons and qualifications. They are where young people build confidence, make lifelong friendships and begin to discover who they are.

Within minutes of meeting Max Darbyshire and Tiffany Gamanya, it was obvious why they had been chosen for the role. They spoke with confidence but also humility and, throughout our conversation, kept returning to the same idea: how they could make life better for other students.

Their journeys to Holmes Chapel Comprehensive couldn’t have been more different.

Max has been at the school since Year 7, while Tiffany joined in Year 10 after moving to Cheshire from South Africa, having previously lived in Zimbabwe. Starting a new school is challenging enough; doing so in a completely different country is another challenge altogether.

Tiffany admitted she was nervous about joining halfway through her secondary education but quickly found herself feeling welcomed and supported. As she settled into school life, she realised she had found somewhere she truly belonged.

That sense of belonging became a recurring theme throughout our conversation.

Tiffany spoke passionately about how the school has become increasingly international during her time there, with students from a growing range of countries and cultures. She believes those different backgrounds enrich the school community and help create an environment where everyone feels accepted.

Having lived in Holmes Chapel since 2012, I’ve noticed our own village evolving too. Families from around the world have chosen to make this area their home, bringing new traditions and perspectives. It was encouraging to hear two young people speaking so positively about celebrating different cultures. We even found ourselves discussing community events centred around food and music from different countries as a way of bringing people together.

Max’s story has been different but equally inspiring. He told me he had wanted to become Head Student ever since attending a Year 5 open evening. Seeing older students representing the school planted a seed that stayed with him throughout his time there. Following a competitive interview process with senior staff and Headteacher Mr Bielby, that ambition has now become reality.

When I asked what being Head Student actually means, neither student spoke about status or achievements. Instead, they described themselves as a bridge between students and teachers, someone younger pupils can approach if they need advice, reassurance or simply someone to listen. They hope to make it easier for students to share ideas and concerns, ensuring every pupil feels they have a voice.

Like many young people, both Max and Tiffany reflected on the impact Covid had on their generation. As a parent, I saw similar challenges with my own son. Confidence, friendships and communication all took a knock during those years, making the return to everyday school life harder than many people realise.

Rather than dwelling on what had been lost, both students spoke about the opportunities that helped rebuild confidence. For Max, school trips to Germany remain among his favourite memories. As we chatted about Cologne Cathedral and learning German, the conversation drifted to my own recent trip to Berlin with my son. Those unexpected detours are often my favourite part of interviews because they stop feeling like interviews and become genuine conversations.

Towards the end of our conversation, we talked about some of the challenges young people face today. Growing up has never been easy, but today’s teenagers are navigating a world of social media, constant online communication and the pressures that come with finding their place and building confidence.

What impressed me was the way both Max and Tiffany spoke about supporting others. As Head Students, they want younger pupils to know there is always someone they can turn to, whether they need advice, reassurance or simply someone who will listen. They understand that talking to another student can sometimes feel less daunting than approaching a teacher and hope to help bridge that gap.

Before I left, I asked one final question: what would they say to families choosing a secondary school?

Their answer wasn’t about grades or facilities, it was about people.

“You don’t have to be the most academic,” Tiffany said. “Everyone has something different to offer.”

Max agreed. “Whatever your strengths are, there’s support here. There’s a place for everyone.”

As I walked back to my car, I found myself reflecting on those final words. Spending time with Max and Tiffany left me feeling optimistic, not simply because they are impressive young people, but because they genuinely care about making life better for those coming behind them.

If these two Head Students are a reflection of the values encouraged at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive, then the school has every reason to be proud. They reminded me that education is about much more than what happens in the classroom. It’s about leaving school with confidence, compassion and the willingness to support others, qualities that will stay with them long after they leave Holmes Chapel Comprehensive.

All information correct as of August 2026