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Academy Empowers Pupils By Giving Them A Voice

Members of Pilgrim Academy’s new Student Leadership Team with Mrs Joanne Ireson, Student Leadership Coordinator.



Empowering children by giving them a say in the leadership of their school has proved immensely successful at Pilgrim Academy where 20 Student Leaders have been appointed for this academic year.

Student representation is vitally important, says Principal Andy Clark, who, following the hotly-contested Student Leadership Team elections, is now wading through suggestions from eager pupils. 

He is already determined to implement at least one of the new ideas which has come from Year 3 pupil Grace Elliott (7), who would like to see a ‘buddy bench’ in the playground.

“That one I am definitely going to do, it is an excellent idea” said Mr Clark.

Two pupils from each class will now represent their fellow classmates on the Leadership Team, and their first meeting was with Tollbar Multi Academy Trust CEO Martin Brown to put forward some of their views.

Mr Brown described the team as ‘respectful and well-behaved with lots of good ideas.” He said they will be an asset to the Academy.

Joanne Ireson,  the Academy’s Student Leadership Coordinator, said the pupils were extremely enthusiastic about having a say in what happens at the Academy.

“At Pilgrim Academy we consider ourselves a family and we learn from each other. Giving pupils the chance to put forward their ideas gives them some ownership of their school and promotes pride and enthusiasm for continuing to make it the very best.”

Jack Lambert (6) said the Leadership Team’s first major task would be to raise money for Children in Need. “We are going to help other children by raising money for charity,” he said.

Principal Andy Clark said: “I am so proud of this group of children who span all ages at the Academy. Their enthusiasm and energy for this is wonderful to see and I know they will come up with lots of good ideas for us all to work on this year.”



The full Leadership Team and the classes they represent.


Pilgrim Academy Student Leaders (l-r) Grace Elliott (7), Ayse Ibrahim (6) and Caitlyn Barton (9) with Principal Andy Clark.