Inspired by the Round Square IDEALS (Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service), Cobham Hall empowers students to grow into confident, independent, and globally aware individuals.

But what does it truly mean to be a part of a Round Square school? For many students, the experience extends far beyond the classroom, shaping them into open-minded, adventurous and socially responsible individuals.

A Second Home

For international students, studying at Cobham Hall is more than just an academic journey—it’s a transformative life experience. Catalina from Peru recalls her initial apprehension. "At first, I was afraid to be here, in a place where everything was unfamiliar, surrounded by people I didn’t really know. But over time, this environment has become a second home where I feel safe and cared for." She describes how immersing herself within the School’s rich history and strong sense of community made her time truly special, "I love how welcoming everyone is and how the sense of community is so strong. Walking through the School and discovering its history is an incredible experience."

Cobham Hall’s commitment to fostering independence, resilience and confidence is evident in Catalina’s words - who cherishes her experience. She adds, “I would recommend coming here, even if it seemed scary at first. The School has helped me build up more confidence due to the reassurance it provided. The experience is one that I will forever cherish, as it has helped me become more independent and prepare for future life adventures.”

Adventures and Unforgettable Experiences

Being part of a Round Square school means stepping out of comfort zones, embracing new cultures, and seeing the world from different perspectives. Isabelle, a former Lenox House captain and a current Year 13 student, took full advantage of these opportunities when she travelled to Kenya as part of an exchange programme and attended the Round Square International Conference in 2023.

“Attending the conference in Kenya was an incredible experience. I got to immerse myself in a wonderful new culture, make friends from all over the world, and even take part in a home stay in Nairobi. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, as I was rooming with people I had never met, but that challenge helped me grow and form lifelong friendships.”

Cobham Hall students embody the Round Square IDEALS in their daily lives. Environmentalism provides initiatives through the Carson Club - named after renowned environmental activist Rachel Carson. Isabelle, an active member of the Carson Club adds, “We’ve run swap shops, fundraising events and beach cleans to create the best environment possible at Cobham.”

A part to being a Round Square school is experiencing Global Perspectives. A way in which Cobham Hall introduces Global Perspectives into the curriculum is through a Model United Nations programme. Students gain a firsthand experience in diplomacy and global governance. Isabelle is the Deputy Secretary-General of Cobham Hall’s 2025 Model United Nations Club (MUN), “I’ve seen how conferences teach us about international democracy and help us view the world not just as a collection of nations, but as a global community.”

For many students, Cobham Hall’s focus on internationalism and leadership sparks a lifelong passion for global affairs. Isabelle, has set her sights on studying international relations and politics at university, driven by the opportunities and experiences gained through Round Square.

“Being part of a Round Square school has provided me with opportunities I would never have otherwise been able to engage with. It has helped me grow in confidence and develop the characteristics to become a global citizen of the world.”

A Round Square Approach

At Cobham Hall, education extends beyond academics - it’s about shaping young individuals into leaders, adventurers and drivers of change who will leave a lasting impact on the world. Whether through international exchanges, environmental activism, leadership opportunities or global discussions, students here are truly embracing the spirit of Round Square and preparing to take on the world with confidence and curiosity.