Student Leadership

At our school, Student Prefects play a key part in making our community a positive place to learn and grow. Prefects are chosen because they consistently show Ambition, Determination and Respect, and they help to promote these values across the school every day.

Ambition

Our prefects aim high—not just for themselves, but for the whole school. They:

• Encourage others to do their best
• Show pride in their learning
• Take on leadership roles and new challenges
• Help make school an inspiring place to be

Determination

Prefects show resilience and commitment in everything they do. They:

• Support staff during busy times and events
• Work hard to carry out their duties responsibly
• Stay reliable and organised
• Keep going even when things are difficult or busy

Respect

Respect is at the heart of the prefect role. Prefects:

• Treat everyone with kindness and fairness
• Set a positive example around school
• Help keep corridors and shared spaces calm and safe
• Welcome visitors and show pride in our school community

The School Council gives students a real voice in how our school develops. Councillors represent their tutor groups, listen to different views and work with staff on projects that improve school life. Taking part helps students build confidence, develop teamwork and communication skills, learn how decisions are made in school and gain experience in leadership. School Councillors play an important role in shaping our community, planning activities and supporting whole‑school events, while also enjoying the chance to make a positive difference and influence change.

The Rights Respecting Changemakers are our trained anti‑bullying ambassadors, and you can always find one nearby. They are on duty every break and lunchtime, patrolling the yards and offering support to anyone who needs it. If there is ever an issue with bullying, the Changemakers are trained to spot concerns, report them quickly to staff and offer reassurance and support to students. They play an important role in helping to create a safe, respectful and supportive school environment where everyone feels included.

At Barnsley Academy, our Cultural Ambassadors play an important role in celebrating the diversity that makes our school community so special. They help ensure that everyone feels welcome, valued and represented, no matter their background or personal identity. Our Cultural Ambassadors promote understanding and inclusion across the school by supporting events, raising awareness of different cultures and helping students feel comfortable and respected. They work with staff and their peers to make sure our school environment reflects the wide range of experiences, languages and traditions within our community, creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere for everyone.

Our Digital Ambassadors help promote the safe, positive and responsible use of technology across Barnsley Academy. They support students with basic digital questions, encourage safe online behaviour and help raise awareness of important topics such as online safety, privacy and digital wellbeing. Digital Ambassadors also work with staff to share ideas on how technology can be used to improve learning and communication in school. Their role is to make sure everyone feels confident using digital tools and to help create a safe, supportive online environment for our whole school community.

Our Eco Ambassadors are responsible for helping to look after our school environment and promoting how we can all play a part in caring for the world around us. They encourage students and staff to save energy in classrooms, reduce waste and make environmentally responsible choices every day. Eco Ambassadors help implement ideas for reusing and recycling materials, remind others to use electricity and water wisely, and support projects that make our school more sustainable. Their role is to inspire positive change and ensure that everyone in our community is doing their bit to protect the planet.

Our Literacy Ambassadors help promote a love of reading, writing and communication across the school. They encourage others to enjoy books, support whole‑school literacy activities and take part in events such as reading challenges, library promotions and themed literacy days. Literacy Ambassadors also help model good reading habits, recommend books to their peers and work with staff to raise the profile of literacy in every subject. Their role is to inspire confidence, celebrate creativity and help make reading a positive part of everyday school life for everyone.

Our Music Ambassadors help promote a love of music across the school and play an active role in supporting our involvement with MISST (Music in Secondary Schools Trust). They encourage students to take part in MISST ensembles, rehearsals and performances, and help others make the most of the opportunities the programme offers. Music Ambassadors assist staff with setting up instruments and equipment, welcome students to music clubs and celebrate the achievements of our young musicians. Their role is to inspire confidence, nurture creativity and ensure that music, both within lessons and through MISST, remains an exciting, inclusive and vibrant part of school life for everyone.

Our Wellbeing Ambassadors support their fellow students by promoting positive mental health and creating a calm, welcoming atmosphere around school. They offer mindful lunchtime drop in sessions where students can take a break, talk to someone friendly or take part in simple mindful activities. Wellbeing Ambassadors help others manage stress, encourage healthy habits and work with staff to promote a supportive and caring school environment. Their role is to make sure everyone feels comfortable, listened to and able to look after their own wellbeing.