At Stoke Newington School and Sixth Form, student voice is central to our inclusive and empowering school culture. We believe that when students are given meaningful opportunities to lead and shape their environment, they develop the confidence, character, and skills needed to thrive both in school and beyond.

A Structured and Inclusive Leadership Model

Our student leadership programme includes:

  • Senior Student Lead (SSL) and Deputy Student Lead (DSL) – chair the School Council and represent students at key events.
  • Prefects – support school discipline and lead by example.
  • Subject Ambassadors – promote academic excellence and represent departments.
  • Student Council Representative Leads (SCRLs) – elected from each year group to meet with senior staff.
  • Student Council Representatives – elected from each form to gather and present feedback.
  • Diversity Reps – appointed from each year group to champion inclusion and equity.

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Our Student Voice Leadership Team

The 8 Key Areas of Student Voice

Student Council meetings focus on eight core areas that shape the student experience. These areas emphasise character development, citizenship, wellbeing, and preparation for adult life:

  1. Curriculum
    Students provide feedback on subject content, accessibility, and engagement, helping to ensure the curriculum reflects diverse perspectives and supports all learners.
  2. Careers Education
    Students influence the planning of careers events, workshops, and employer engagement, ensuring pathways are relevant and inclusive.
  3. Behaviour and Rewards
    Student input helps refine behaviour policies and reward systems, promoting fairness, consistency, and motivation.
  4. Inclusion and Diversity
  5. Diversity Reps and Council members raise awareness of identity, heritage, and equity, contributing to a culture of respect and belonging.
  6. Wider Opportunities
    Students help shape extracurricular offerings, trips, and enrichment activities, ensuring broad access and representation.
  7. Health and Wellbeing
    Feedback informs mental health support, PSHE content, and wellbeing initiatives, helping to create a safe and supportive environment.
  8. School Environment and Community
    Students contribute ideas for improving physical spaces and strengthening community links, fostering pride and ownership.
  9. Teaching and Learning
    Students share insights on classroom experiences, learning styles, and teacher-student relationships, supporting continuous improvement.

Examples of Student Leadership Activities

  • Chairing School Council meetings and presenting student feedback to senior leaders.
  • Organising and leading assemblies on diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing.
  • Representing the school at Open Evenings and public events.
  • Supporting duty teams and helping maintain a positive school environment.
  • Writing articles and blogs to promote subject areas and student achievements.
  • Planning and delivering events such as TKTC Achievement Week, Community Evening, and cultural celebrations.
  • Leading student consultations on curriculum, behaviour, and wellbeing.

Impact on Personal Development and Wellbeing

This leadership structure supports students in:

  • Building character – through responsibility, resilience, and integrity.
  • Understanding citizenship – by engaging in democratic processes and respecting diverse viewpoints.
  • Improving wellbeing – by shaping policies and practices that support mental health and inclusion.
  • Preparing for adult life – through public speaking, collaboration, and leadership experience.

At Stoke Newington School, student leadership is not symbolic—it is transformational. It is a key driver of our commitment to personal development and wellbeing, and a reflection of our belief that every student has the power to lead, influence, and inspire.