At William Byrd, we believe that every child has the right to be heard and to be included in decisions at the school that involve and affect them. This right is set out in Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on Rights of the Child. Democracy is also one of the core British Values.

We also believe that giving pupils leadership roles helps them to build skills that set them up for successful futures.

We aim to accomplish this by allowing pupils to have a voice, a presence and a role in our school community.  This helps to develop pupils’ recognition of themselves as worthwhile individuals with a right to be heard. We believe that feeling valued helps to develop and promote self-confidence, social skills, oracy, responsible behaviours. 

Our leadership opportunities will help develop the pupils’ knowledge, skills and understanding of how to contribute to society as a whole and what it means to be an active citizen.

At William Byrd, the Pupil Parliament representatives are selected through a democratic process which concludes with our General Election day. Year 6 Head Pupils are selected through an application and interview process with our Head of School, further preparing them for the opportunities that await them in Secondary School and beyond.

All other Pupil Leadership roles are selected by working parties within School Parliament. These parties are trained and supported by their SLT mentor. 

Head Pupils and School Parliament

Terms of Reference