Pupil Leadership
At Benton Park School, we believe pupils should have meaningful opportunities to develop their confidence, character and leadership skills in preparation for life beyond school.
Our Pupil Leadership Programme enables pupils to work alongside staff and their peers to make a positive contribution to school life. Through taking responsibility, representing the views of others and helping to find solutions, pupil leaders ensure that the pupil voice is heard and acted upon.
Leadership opportunities reflect our school vision: Together we belong, develop character and achieve excellence. They encourage pupils to demonstrate kindness, resilience and responsibility while making a genuine difference to our school community.
Aims of the Pupil Leadership Programme
Our programme aims to:
- empower pupils to work in partnership with staff and their peers towards shared goals;
- provide inspiring and worthwhile opportunities to develop leadership, communication and teamwork;
- ensure pupils’ views contribute to decisions about school life;
- support improvements to teaching, learning and wellbeing;
- develop confidence, responsibility and independence;
- prepare pupils for further education, employment and adult life; and
- enable pupils to turn their ideas into positive action.
Leadership Opportunities
We provide a range of formal and informal opportunities for pupils to develop as leaders. These enable pupils from across the school to:
- represent the views of their peers;
- contribute to school improvement;
- support school events and activities;
- take part in staff recruitment, including pupil interview panels and school tours;
- work with staff and external organisations on projects affecting young people;
- develop and lead initiatives within the school community; and
- act as positive role models for other pupils.
We are committed to making leadership opportunities accessible and inclusive. We want pupils from all backgrounds and year groups to see leadership as something in which they can participate and succeed.
Our Commitment
Benton Park School will:
- provide a wide range of meaningful leadership opportunities;
- encourage pupils to take an active role in the life of the school;
- ensure pupil views are listened to and considered;
- recognise and celebrate pupils’ contributions;
- support pupils in developing the skills needed to lead effectively; and
- provide pupil leaders with a badge so they can be clearly identified by the school community.
Expectations of Pupil Leaders
Pupil leaders are ambassadors for Benton Park School and are expected to set a positive example to others. They should:
- demonstrate positive behaviour and attitudes;
- attend school regularly and arrive punctually;
- wear the correct school uniform;
- complete their agreed leadership responsibilities;
- wear their Pupil Leadership badge with pride;
- treat others with kindness, dignity and respect; and
- uphold the school’s values and expectations.
What Qualities Do Pupil Leaders Need?
Effective pupil leaders should:
- enjoy working with and listening to others;
- communicate confidently and respectfully;
- build positive relationships with pupils and staff;
- work effectively as part of a team;
- be willing to represent the views of others;
- show initiative and contribute ideas;
- be polite, mature, responsible and reliable; and
- want to make a lasting difference to the school.
Making a Difference
Pupil leaders contribute to many areas of school life. They represent the pupil body, support school events, contribute to recruitment and help shape initiatives that affect pupils and the wider community.
These opportunities allow pupils to develop valuable skills while making a visible and lasting contribution to Benton Park School. Through pupil leadership, our young people do not simply share their views. They take responsibility, help shape solutions and make a genuine difference.
