The ceremony saw the newly appointed Head and Deputy Head Students formally recognised for their roles in shaping the direction of student voice and leadership across the academy.
The event was attended by the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress of Derby, along with school governor Carolyn Marriott, who joined staff and pupils to celebrate the achievements of the Year 11 students. Each student delivered a short speech outlining their priorities for the year ahead and how they intend to make positive changes within their areas of responsibility.
The nine Head and Deputy Head Students will take on a range of responsibilities, including encouraging positive behaviour, championing mental health and wellbeing and supporting with the organisation of school events.
This is the first time Noel-Baker Academy has introduced Head Students, with each now set to form their own student leadership teams to support initiatives across the school. The aim is to encourage every pupil to take on a leadership role in some form.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Mayor praised the school’s strong culture, behaviour, and sense of community, describing it as “a privilege to visit such an impressive academy” and expressing a wish to become more involved in future school activities.
In recognition of the new partnership, the nine student leaders have been invited to visit the Derby Civic Offices later this term.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in the process and especially all my peers who voted. It really is a privilege.”
“We are immensely proud of our new Head and Deputy Head Students. They have already shown great maturity, enthusiasm and a desire to make a difference. Every member of our school community is challenged to daily to be the best version of themselves; this initiative is an important step towards our goal that every pupil at Noel-Baker Academy becomes a leader in some capacity.”
