Student Leadership

We believe that student leadership is integral to student success.

Engaged students are more likely to succeed in school and beyond and to develop the character and competencies that will help them as they progress through life.

We have an extensive range of opportunities for students to contribute to school life. In leading others, students learn to be active citizens, think about their learning, develop relationships with staff and students, improve their interpersonal and communication skills and help staff to improve the school continually.

The roles that are on offer vary greatly. For example, students vote in their Tutor Groups and Houses for their House and School Council Representatives. These Student Leaders meet regularly with an Assistant Headteacher to discuss the school environment and express students’ views or concerns.

Staff appoint other leadership roles. For example, the Heads of House choose the Prefects and Senior Prefects. The prefects are Year 11 students that have demonstrated leadership qualities throughout their time at our school.

These students play a significant part in the day to day running of the school and are highly respected by staff and students.

Sports Leadership is well developed at our school, and students have the opportunity to gain experience of organising and leading others within physical education lessons. Also, a range of roles and qualifications are offered to students as they progress through the school to develop their leadership skills further and assist staff. These include organising House events and school teams, coaching younger students and leading projects in primary schools.

Many other subjects in the school offer leadership opportunities to students. For example, Music Leaders, Dance Leaders and History Leaders assist in lessons, coach other students and help to plan and organise events. Peer Mentors, Maths Mentors and Paired Readers assist younger students with their learning.

To enable students to build their leadership skills, we have developed clear structures. Sports Leadership is monitored by use of a Leadership Ladder that identifies roles and responsibilities and allows progression for students as they show they can accept greater responsibility. Within Tutor groups, a similar Pastoral Leadership Ladder is in place. Roles and responsibilities have been identified so that all students have an opportunity to lead.

We are committed to academic excellence and extra-curricular opportunity and believe that the vehicle of leadership is important in nurturing values that create well rounded citizens proficient in the skills needed in the world of work, alongside their academic qualifications.