Five Minutes With... Oynisa Safaeva, Co-Deputy Head of School for 2025-26 | News | King's Ely | Private Co-educational School in Cambridgeshire

Five Minutes With... Oynisa Safaeva, Co-Deputy Head of School for 2025-26

King's Ely NEWS

Five Minutes With... Oynisa Safaeva, Co-Deputy Head of School for 2025-26

September 2025

In which year group did you join King’s?

I joined King’s Ely Senior in Year 10.

What A-Level subjects are you studying?

Spanish, Politics, and English Literature.

What is your favourite subject and why?

English Literature is my favourite because I love to read different genres and learn more about literature through various periods of time. It allows you to write freely and propose your own ideas regarding the works that we study. 

What extra-curricular activities are you involved in at King’s? 

I am Vice Captain of our Girls' Football Team this year, and I have been on the team since Girls' Football was first introduced at King's. I participate in Model UN Conferences and write for our online school magazine, KEStrel. I am also a Queen’s Scholar and an Ely Scheme Instructor!  

Describe King’s in three words:

Welcoming, encouraging, supportive.

What do you think makes King’s a unique place to study?

I think that it is all of the opportunities that are available, which helps you find out exactly what you want to do in life. It gives you a sense of direction, of course with the support of our teachers and tutors. 

Do you board at King’s? If so, what is the boarding experience like here?

I have been a full-time boarder ever since I joined! Boarding is definitely my favourite part of King’s, and I often describe it as ‘an endless sleepover’. I have found friendships for life and a unique experience that has made me independent, helping to prepare me for my future. 

How do you feel to have been appointed Co-Deputy Head of School?

I am so honoured to have such a big responsibility which will allow me to grow as a person, as much as being able to bring change and advice. I am very grateful to all the teachers who have encouraged me to get involved in school life, and supported me throughout my journey at King's. 

What do you hope to achieve in your capacity as Co-Deputy Head of School? 

I want to be a reliant friend and colleague to those who I am working with, and bring my perspective and new ideas that will hopefully be useful to King’s.

What are your plans for after Sixth Form? Do you know what career you would like to pursue yet?

I want to be a Diplomat or work in the world organisations, specifically in humanitarian work. At University, I want to study International Relations and Spanish.

Hobbies/interests outside of school:

I love MARVEL comics (and films)!

Any pets?

A tortoise called Bob. 

What is your favourite meal/food at King’s?

The rice and salmon bowl at dinner.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Teleportation.

Who is your hero?

My mom!

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Speaking three languages and learning a fourth!

What was the last book you read?

'Piranesi' by Susanna Clarke for my English coursework.

What song are you most likely to sing at a karaoke?

'What Makes You Beautiful' by One Direction!

What is your favourite film?

'Little Women'.

Do you have any phobias or fears?

To lose my memory.

If you could share a meal with any four individuals, living or dead, who would they be?

Oscar Wilde, Robert Downey Jr, Cleopatra, David Attenborough.

Name three things that you would want with you if you were stranded on a desert island for a week:

Sunscreen, a pool inflatable, a Kindle.
 

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