Ratton Schools Student Leader Team!!
This article was written by one of our Young Reporters, a scheme that gives 14 to 18-year-old school students a chance to write for a real newspaper. Find out more at the Young Reporter website.
The United Kingdom has been a democracy for hundreds of years, and what better way to get future voters used to this system than to instil it in schools.
Schools across the country (and even the world) offer leadership opportunities to their students, whether in the form of a council, leadership team, or parliament.
“It’s empowering to know we can help make school decisions”- Anny B (current leader)
Often, two of these young leaders are elected by the student body to serve as the school's head students.
“It was amazing that I had actually done it, it provides a whole different aspect to the school that I had never seen before”- Archie M, Head boy.
Recently, Ratton School set up the 2026-2027 student leaders' team, 24 promising students who serve as the student voice.
“It’s very rewarding because I know what I do helps others in the school”- Freya M (current leader)
Students wrote up a letter of application and sent it over to Mrs Chloe Papagna (in charge of student leaders) and Mr Stuart Reynolds (Head of Year 10), who then discussed and selected the top 24.
Being part of a team that works towards something bigger than just yourself is a fantastic opportunity that the leaders have.
“Being a student leader lets me be an inspiration to others, as well as inspires me to be and do better.”- Summer M (current leader)
Building friendships, voicing out pupils’ concerns, working with management regarding school rules, helping the staff and being role models for the younger years are only some of the benefits and responsibilities these students have.
“The team is delightful to work with and one of the strongest ones we’ve had”,- Year 10 Leader Mr Reynolds.
Hundreds of students across year groups 7-10, and teachers cast their vote for head student after 5 candidates ran their electoral campaigns.
“It felt great having the responsibility and means to convey the ideas and feelings of the students to the staff”- Austin R (earlier student leader)
The weeks leading up to the big vote were filled with sticker distribution and poster sticking by the candidates to get their best shot at winning.
Mrs Papagna then counted the paper ballots to declare the two head students at Ratton School.
The leadership team will continue to work together to serve as the bridge between staff and students and support the school in all ways they can.
