Lawn Manor Academy has announced this academic year’s Head Pupils, voted for by their fellow pupils.
Year 11 pupils Eddie and Rofiat both won the largest number of votes and have been appointed as Head Pupils, taking on the responsibility of representing their peers and acting as a vital link between pupils and school leadership.
Both pupils at the Swindon school successfully secured the prestigious roles after a rigorous application process which included submitting a written application, producing campaign speeches and videos. They were ultimately elected by their fellow pupils in a school-wide vote, giving everyone a chance to participate in real-life democracy in action.
As Head Pupils, the pair will not only gain valuable leadership skills but also represent the voice of young people across the school, ensuring that every pupil feels listened to and included.
Wearing distinctive turquoise ties to identify their roles, and badges depicting their roles, they will also support with key events such as open evenings and tours for prospective pupils and their families, where they will share the opportunities available and how life and learning is embodied through the ‘Lawn Manor Way.’
Both Rofiat and Eddie share a passion to make sure that everyone is heard and valued at the school.
Rofiat, who hopes to pursue a future in medicine, is determined to make the role meaningful. She explained, “For me, this role is about making sure pupils and school leaders are in sync so no one feels left out. I’ve always wanted to make sure young people are heard, and this position gives me the opportunity to listen to ideas and put them into action.”
Eddie added, “It’s a big privilege to be a Head Pupil – it’s a great accomplishment. My duty is to help the school keep improving, making sure everyone feels happier and safe. It’s important to me that every pupil’s ideas are heard and valued.”
Russell Langdown, Head of School, commented, “Already in just the first few weeks of the new school year, Eddie and Rofiat are both already excelling in their positions as Head Pupils.
“These positions are hotly contested every year and not only do they give the candidates, whether successful or not, experience of campaigning and leadership, but they also give every member of the school, pupils and staff, an opportunity to participate in democracy in action.
“We run the whole process to closely resemble a real-life political vote, with everyone submitting their voting slip in a box in the school. This is now incredibly relevant to real life as with the election voting age now being reduced to 16, our young people already recognise the value of their vote in making choices that effect that whole nation.”
Lawn Manor Academy is part of the Ascend Learning Trust. To find out more about Lawn Manor, visit www.lawnmanor.org.
Tours are available through the school day for prospective pupils and their families.
