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Pupil Leadership and Voice

At Witham St Hughs Academy, we strongly believe that pupil leadership and pupil voice are vital parts of a successful school. We provide a range of opportunities for pupils to share their ideas and opinions, take on leadership responsibilities and play an active role in making a real difference to our school community.

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Empowering Every Child to Lead

Pupil leadership plays a central role in life at our school and is an important part of how we develop confidence, responsibility, character and leadership skills. We regularly review our leadership opportunities to ensure they are purposeful, meaningful and have a genuine impact on school life. Our pupil leaders do not simply hold titles; they actively lead, contribute ideas, support others and help drive improvement across the school. Currently, almost half of all Key Stage 2 pupils (48%) hold a significant leadership role within the school, giving them valuable opportunities to develop leadership skills and make a positive difference. We are also proud that 34% are from vulnerable or distinct groups, reflecting our commitment to ensuring leadership opportunities are inclusive and accessible to all children.

Community Council

Community Council is our pupil leadership group and works in a similar way to a traditional school council. Made up of elected representatives from across the school, it ensures that every child has a voice in shaping and improving school life. Community Council members gather and share the views of their classmates, work alongside staff to develop ideas and improvements, and help make decisions that positively impact our school. They also lead fundraising initiatives and community projects, helping to support both the school and wider charitable causes. Through their work, Community Council members develop leadership skills, promote pupil voice and play an important role in making our school an even better place to learn.

“My children are well supported academically and personally. ” – Parent Questionnaire – March 2026

99% of parents responded positively or neutrally when asked whether the school supports their child’s wider personal development, with 92% specifically agreeing or strongly agreeing.

Our Community Council proudly led our whole-school Harvest Festival assembly, creating a special time of music, reflection and unity. Thank you to our school community for the generous donations to the Lincoln Community Larder.

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Eco Warriors

Eco Warriors are pupil leaders who champion sustainability and environmental responsibility across the school. Representing every class from Year 1 to Year 6, they work together to support the school’s Climate Action Plan and help make a positive difference to both our school and the wider community. Using the United Nations Global Goals as a guide, Eco Warriors identify areas for improvement, lead environmental projects and encourage others to make sustainable choices. Through campaigns, initiatives and practical action, they help promote active citizenship and inspire everyone to play their part in creating a greener future.

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Prefects

Prefects are selected Year 6 pupils who serve as the school’s most senior pupil leaders and ambassadors. They are trusted to uphold the highest standards of behaviour, attitude and responsibility, setting an outstanding example for others through their actions and commitment to our school values. Working closely with staff, Prefects represent the school at events, welcome visitors and new families, support younger pupils and take on important responsibilities across the academy. As role models, they help foster a positive school culture and play a key role in making our school a welcoming, respectful and successful place for everyone.

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Ministers for Food

Ministers for Food are pupil leaders who help make lunchtimes safe, organised and enjoyable for everyone. Working alongside the Midday Team, they support younger pupils in the dining hall, promote good hygiene and encourage positive lunchtime routines. They take pride in helping others, ensuring the dining environment is welcoming and well organised, and acting as positive role models for all children. Through their responsibilities, Ministers for Food help create a calm, respectful and enjoyable lunchtime experience for the whole school community.

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Play Leaders

Play Leaders are a team of selected Year 5 and Year 6 pupils who help create happy, active and inclusive lunchtimes for all children. Working alongside Mr Durkan and the Midday Team, they organise and lead games, encourage positive friendships, support younger pupils and promote teamwork and fair play. They also take responsibility for lunchtime equipment and play an important role in sharing ideas and helping to shape and improve our lunchtime provision. As positive role models, Play Leaders help ensure that lunchtimes are enjoyable, engaging and welcoming for everyone.

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L.E.A.D Learners

L.E.A.D Learners are KS2 pupil leaders who work alongside the Senior Leadership Team to help evaluate, improve and celebrate teaching, learning and the curriculum across the school. Each term, they focus on a school improvement priority or curriculum area, developing a broad understanding of learning across the academy. Through activities such as learning walks, book looks and reviewing classroom environments, our L.E.A.D Learners gather pupil voice, share ideas and feedback, and help shape improvements that benefit all children. They also play an important role in staff recruitment, supporting with interviews and giving valuable pupil perspectives to help inform appointment decisions. As positive role models, L.E.A.D Learners promote high standards, a love of learning and a commitment to making our school the very best it can be.

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Wellbeing Champions

Wellbeing Champions are pupil leaders who help make our school a happy, welcoming and supportive place for everyone. Working alongside staff, they promote positive mental health and wellbeing, encourage kindness and inclusion, and help ensure that every child feels valued, listened to and connected. They act as positive role models, supporting younger pupils, leading wellbeing initiatives and helping to create opportunities for children to build friendships, confidence and resilience. Through campaigns, events and pupil voice, Wellbeing Champions play an important role in shaping and improving wellbeing across the school community.

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Silver Readers

Our Silver Stories Leaders are part of an exciting pupil leadership programme that uses the power of reading to connect generations. Working with the Silver Stories charity, our leaders take part in weekly telephone calls where they share stories and conversation with an older listener. This role helps pupils develop confidence, fluency, communication and oracy skills while making a positive difference in the community. Over time, these regular calls build meaningful connections, giving both the children and their listener something to look forward to each week. As Silver Stories Leaders, our pupils represent the school with kindness, respect and empathy, demonstrating how leadership can have a real impact beyond the school gates. Through this unique opportunity, they not only grow as readers and communicators but also help bring generations together through the simple joy of sharing a story.

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