Rugby School becomes first to adopt Resilient Leaders Development Programme

Rugby School partners with Resilient Leaders Elements™ as the first school in the world to reshape Sixth Form leadership development and Levee selection.

Reflecting the School’s “the whole person, the whole point” philosophy, a new partnership with Resilient Leaders Elements™ is providing resilient leadership development for the LXX (lower sixth) and reshaping Levée selection around observable behaviours and real-world capability.

As part of the new process, all lower sixth form students have access to a personalised leadership development programme (Resilient Leaders Development Programme™) throughout the academic year. The programme combines insight, feedback and supported practice through structured development activities and guided reflection.

As part of the new process, the 170 students involved in Sixth Form leadership selection will participate in a series of development activities designed without assigned leaders. Overseen by RLE™ and Rugby School, the activities create space for individuals to step forward or back as the situation requires, allowing leadership to emerge based on strengths and contribution, not status. The focus is on how students communicate, collaborate, make decisions under pressure and contribute to group performance in real time.

This approach reflects the belief that effective leadership is situational and shared. It recognises not only the ability to lead at the right moment, but also the awareness to support others when their strengths are better suited to the task.

Together, these elements strengthen resilience and teamwork as students prepare for life beyond school.

As part of the process, students will provide both written and verbal feedback to their peers so that everyone can authentically answer the question: “What is it about who I am and what I do that has people choose to follow me?”

This feedback forms a core element of the selection process, giving students ownership, whilst reinforcing reflection and learning.

Rachel Cooper, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Resilient Leaders Elements™, said:

“Rugby is trailblazing by providing their sixth form with this opportunity. They are sending the message that everyone leads and therefore deserves leadership development so that, when the situation requires us to step and lead, we are ready. The Levée plays a critical role in the life of the School and so it is hugely important that the right people are selected and are willingly supported by their teams. This programme is about equipping all students with the self-awareness and Resilient Leadership capabilities they will need long after they leave Rugby.”

Lara Hampton, Deputy Head of Rugby School, added:

“At Rugby School, we are committed to preparing our students not just for academic success, but for leadership in and contribution in a complex and changing world. This partnership supports that ambition by giving students meaningful developmental experiences and a clearer understanding of what effective leadership looks like in practice.”

The partnership represents a further step in the School’s commitment to innovation(academic study, co-curricular activities, pastoral care and leadership development), ensuring students are supported as they grow into confident and capable young leaders.