Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) says that children and young people should have a say in decisions that affect their lives.  

Leadership roles help to enhance students’ life skills and build their resilience. The experiences we offer shape students into confident, capable individuals ready to lead beyond The Derby High School.

Leadership roles across the school.

• Year 11 Senior Team
• Year 10 and 11 International Changemakers 
• Year 10 Well-being Mentors
• Year 10 Sports, Drama, Dance and Media BTEC Leaders
• Year 9 Subject Leaders
• Year 8 Well-being Buddies
• Year 7-10 Sustainable Changemakers
• Year 7-10 Technicians 

Positive School Culture – All student leaders model respect, responsibility, and integrity, which sets the tone for the rest of the student body. They help to create an inclusive environment where others feel seen and valued.

Well-being Mentors and Buddies 

Our well-being Mentoring and Buddy Programmes equip students with vital skills in leadership, empathy, and mentoring, enabling them to effectively support younger peers. By leading groups, and supporting students and school initiatives, student mentors learn to collaborate, problem-solve, and inspire others through example. 

School Council

Our School Council gives our students voice and agency – students see their ideas being taken seriously, it reinforces their belief that they can make a difference, which is helping to create a more democratic and participatory school culture.

Student Representatives are strong leaders who encourage their peers to use their voice, get involved, and take ownership of their learning. This increases student confidence and engagement across the school. The School Council are a bridge between the student body and school leadership.

Wider council – Each form class has two designated form representatives (selected by the students in each form by a vote in early September during R-Time). There are sixteen form representatives for each year group. These sixteen form representatives attend Year Council Meetings, at designated times in the academic year, with their Head of Year, to discuss key agenda and bring their ideas and suggestions to the group.

Core Council – Each year group has two designated year group representatives (selected by the sixteen form reps at the first Year Council Meeting). There are ten year group representatives across the five year groups.

These ten year representatives attend School Council Meetings, with the Personal Development Staff, to raise the agenda, ideas and suggestions discussed by their year groups. Once the most appropriate whole school projects have been decided, student-led working parties are established, supported by appropriate staff around school, to work on key issues e.g environmental working party, mental health and well-being working party. These groups meet during lunch breaks and after school to work on projects.

A ‘You Said, We Did/Are Doing’ document records the Student Councils progress. 

Year representatives feedback to form representatives at the termly year group meetings and form representatives feedback to their forms.

Annual Student Council Assembly celebrates the work of the council prior to the launch of the new year leadership opportunities.

Prefect System at The Derby High School 

At The Derby High School, we encourage all students to work towards joining the School Prefect Team during Year 10. The application process begins with a Year 10 assembly in the Autumn Term. 

Prefects are ambassadors for the school and act as positive role modelsamong their peers. The role helps students develop leadership, teamwork, and professional communication skills, while also enhancing future college, apprenticeship, or job applications. 

Why Become a Prefect? 

Becoming a Prefect offers students the chance to: 

• Take pride in representing the school 
• Gain confidence and leadership experience 
• Make an independent contribution to school life 
• Build soft skills and boost their CV 
• Participate in reward events and Prefect trips 
• Earn achievement points and use lunch passes on duty days 
• Prepare for future opportunities beyond school 
• Experience a professional-style application process 
• Gain respect from peers and staff 

Prefect Responsibilities

Prefects: 

• Complete designated duty responsibilities 
• Represent the school and departments at events 
• Uphold the school’s values and 7Rs 
• Can apply for leadership roles such as: 
• Team Leader 
• Senior Prefect 
• Deputy Head Student 
• Head Student 

Prefects receive a special tie and badge, which they are expected to wear at all times. 

Prefect System Timeline 

International Changemakers |

Application Criteria for Student Leadership Roles 

Applicants must: 

• Demonstrate a positive approach to school life 
• Maintain excellent attendance and punctuality 
• Have received the DofE Bronze Award (Year 10/11 roles)  
• Be reliable and complete all duties 
• Support school events and attend assemblies when required 
• Follow the school’s 7Rs and uniform expectations 
• Show respect, organisation, and ambition 
• Maintain an ATL (Attitude to Learning) average of at least 3 

About the Application Process 

Our application format mirrors a professional job process, using a job description and person specification to help students understand real-world expectations. 

Students receive individual feedback if unsuccessful, with encouragement to re-apply for future roles. 

Parental Support & Contact

Students must have parent/carer support before applying for a leadership role.  Mrs Provoost, Assistant Headteacher and Mr Kerr, our Students’ Aspirations Lead, manage, our student leaders. Students should regularly check their school email for updates and can contact Mr Kerr directly for support or advice.