Our Student Council was established in 2012 and has been going from strength to strength. Now named ‘Student Voice’, which gives a representative indication about the value we place on students’ involvement in the development of our school community.

When they join the school, students have the opportunity to represent their form on the Student Voice team. They are elected during a democratic process once they have been nominated. Any student is welcome to join Student Voice; all we require is a keenness to get involved in shaping our school life and improving the school community.

Each form class has two or 3 representatives who meet regularly, at least every half term, with the support of senior members of staff. There are two branches of Student Voice – KS3 and KS4 – which enables students of different year groups to discuss matters that are relevant to their own age groups.

Historically, Student Council has been instrumental in considering the school rewards system, lunch time arrangements and site security. This year Student Voice is focusing on charity fundraising, and continuing with Eco Schools to help our school community become more aware of litter and plastic pollution.

Meetings are full of lively debates, with proactive representatives bringing ideas and feedback from their form groups following the circulation of agendas and meeting minutes.

Discussion points are shared with senior leaders in school, form tutors and support staff, who are keen to embrace the ideas of the school community and support wherever they can.

We hope that through their participation in Student Voice, students will gain an understanding of the value of team work and school improvement, and develop valuable life skills that will stay with them as they move through their educational career and beyond.