your voice

"Pupils feel listened to. Some join the school council so that they can support others." Ofsted

The Student Voice comprises of the Sixth Form Student Leadership Team, Subject Ambassadors, Prefects, Student Parliament and Year Council.

Sixth Form Student Leadership Team

At The Highcrest Academy, our Sixth Form Leadership Team plays a vital role in shaping the student experience and embodying the values that define our community. As a secondary academy committed to fostering ambition, integrity, and resilience, we are proud to showcase the leadership and dedication of our Sixth Form students who inspire others to Aspire and Achieve.

Meet Our Sixth Form Leadership Team

The Sixth Form Leadership Team comprises the Head Boy, Head Girl, Deputy Head Boy, Deputy Head Girl, and a dedicated group of Sixth Formers who have successfully applied to join this prestigious team. Each member chairs a specific committee within the wider Year 11 student leadership, including:

• Transition Committee – Supporting younger pupils as they move into secondary school, ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience.
• Environmental Committee – Leading initiatives to promote sustainability and environmental awareness across the academy.
• Social Committee – Organising events and activities that build community spirit and foster inclusivity.

Leadership Rooted in Our Vision and Values

Every member of the Sixth Form Leadership Team has excelled throughout their journey at Highcrest, embodying our core virtues of Ambition, Sensitivity, Purpose, Integrity, Resilience, and Eloquence. These virtues, inspired by our motto Aspire and Achieve, guide their leadership approach and commitment to the school community.

Our leaders are role models who actively promote well-being and character development, ensuring that every student feels supported and valued. Through their leadership, they help cultivate a happy, caring, and inclusive environment where all students can thrive academically and personally.

Exemplifying Excellence and Community Spirit

The Sixth Form Leadership Team is more than just a title; it is a responsibility to uphold the ethos of The Highcrest Academy. By chairing committees that address key areas of school life — from easing transitions, to championing environmental causes, and enhancing social engagement — they demonstrate how leadership can positively impact the entire school community.

Their dedication reflects the academy’s mission to provide every student with opportunities to reach their unique ambitions while developing into confident, responsible young adults ready to contribute meaningfully to society. 

Sixth Form Ambassadors

At The Highcrest Academy, our Sixth Form Ambassadors play a vital role in enriching the academic and community life of our school. As a thriving secondary academy, we believe in empowering students to take active leadership roles that embody our vision of a happy, caring, and inclusive community. The Sixth Form Ambassadors exemplify our commitment to supporting all students’ well-being and character development while inspiring others to Aspire and Achieve.

Role of Sixth Form Ambassadors

Sixth Form students are carefully selected by individual departments to represent their subject area at school events and within their departments. These ambassadors are passionate advocates for their subjects and serve as role models for younger pupils. Their responsibilities include:

• Supporting Learning: Ambassadors assist younger students in their subject learning, offering help during GLAS (Guided Learning and Support) lessons and afterschool intervention sessions.
• Subject Promotion: They actively promote their subjects by sharing their enthusiasm and knowledge, helping to create a vibrant learning environment.
• Event Participation: Ambassadors are key participants in Open Evenings, where they showcase their passion for their chosen subjects to prospective pupils and parents, giving a personal insight into life at Highcrest.

Reflecting Our Vision and Values

Our Sixth Form Ambassadors embody the Highcrest virtues of Ambition, Sensitivity, Purpose, Integrity, Resilience, and Eloquence. Through their dedication:

• They demonstrate Ambition by striving to excel and encouraging others to do the same.
• Their Sensitivity ensures they are approachable and supportive to younger pupils.
• Acting with Purpose and Integrity, they represent their departments and the school with pride and honesty.
• They show Resilience by balancing their ambassador responsibilities alongside their own studies.
• Their Eloquence shines through as they communicate effectively during events and learning sessions.

By fostering these virtues, ambassadors contribute to a culture of excellence and happiness that runs throughout The Highcrest Academy.

Year 11 Student Leadership Team

At The Highcrest Academy,  we believe in nurturing not only academic excellence but also strong character and leadership in our students. The Year 11 Student Leadership Team plays a vital role in embodying our school’s vision of working together in a happy, caring, and inclusive community. This team represents the very best of our values and virtues, helping to shape a positive school culture and inspire younger pupils throughout the year.

About the Year 11 Student Leadership Team

The Year 11 Student Leadership Team is composed of dedicated Year 11 pupils who demonstrate ambition, integrity, resilience, and eloquence — virtues that reflect our ASPIRE motto. Students apply for these leadership roles towards the end of Year 10, and successful applicants receive comprehensive leadership training to prepare them for their responsibilities.

Once trained, each leader chooses a committee to join, focusing on specific areas that impact school life. Throughout the academic year, the team meets regularly to discuss student concerns and initiatives. Their feedback and proposals are then passed on to the Student Parliament, ensuring that student voices are heard at the highest levels of school governance.

Roles and Responsibilities

Year 11 Student Leaders are role models who exemplify the values and virtues of The Highcrest Academy. They wear the distinctive Student Leadership black tie, making them easily identifiable as ambassadors of our community. Their leadership extends beyond meetings and committees, as they actively support key school events such as:

• Parents’ Evenings
• Open Evenings
• Other important school functions

In these roles, they showcase sensitivity and purpose by welcoming parents and visitors, helping to create a warm and inclusive environment that reflects our ethos.

Student Parliament

This is a group of students comprising of the Head Boy, Head Girl, a group of Year 11 Student Leaders and two students from Years 7 - 10. Meetings are held once every half term to discuss further points which have be raised by students within the school. Following the meetings, actions are taken to an SLT meeting and then feedback to the whole school. 

Year Council

The Year Council is made up of two representatives from each tutor group. Students must first apply in writing to their Form Tutor to be considered as an initial Form Representative. Once applications have been received, the Year Team holds a meeting to decide which two students will form the Year Council.

The Year Councils meet once each half term with their Head of Learning to discuss issues raised during tutor time.