Character and ethical leadership
The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.
Dr Martin Luther King Jr.
Academic success is important, but education here at LCS has always sought something even greater: the development of good character.
Character is revealed not in moments of comfort but in moments of choice. It is shown through honesty when nobody is watching, kindness when nothing is expected in return and courage when standing up for what is right.
Increasingly, employers, universities and educational researchers agree that qualities such as integrity, resilience, compassion and responsibility are among the most important attributes young people can develop. The Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues at the University of Birmingham has demonstrated that schools which intentionally teach character help pupils become more responsible, reflective and socially engaged.
Ethical leadership begins long before adulthood. Every time a child includes someone who feels lonely, admits a mistake, helps a younger pupil or takes responsibility for their actions, they are practising leadership rooted in service rather than status.
As parents and educators, our role is to model these virtues consistently. Children notice far more than we sometimes imagine. They learn integrity by seeing integrity, compassion by receiving compassion and respect by experiencing respect. Thus, as parents and educators we all have a part to play in this journey.
Our hope is that every pupil leaves Lichfield Cathedral School not only with excellent qualifications but also with the wisdom, humility and courage to use their gifts in the service of others. In doing so, they will become people of integrity whose lives will be fulfilled not only with personal achievement, but also with the very real reward borne of an outward focus on service to others.
Inservi Deo et laetare
