Pupil Leadership @Barnehurst
At Barnehurst, we believe that every pupil has the potential to be a leader. Our Pupil Leadership Teams provide an opportunity for children to take an active role in shaping their school community. Led by our Junior Leadership Team (JLT), these six teams work across different areas of school life to ensure the smooth running of our school and to drive continuous improvement.
The JLT acts as a vital link between the pupil leadership team, pupils, teachers, the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), and the wider community. They give a voice to the children, ensuring that their ideas and perspectives contribute to school decisions. Through their leadership roles, pupils develop essential skills in line with our school values: resilience, kindness, courage, and equality.
As pupil leaders, they carry out important tasks, take responsibility for key school initiatives, and help evaluate and enhance our school environment—making Barnehurst the very best it can be.
How the Junior Leadership Team was Formed
The process of forming our JLT began with an exciting advert for the whole of year 6, encouraging children to step forward and apply for leadership roles.
Pupils who were interested in becoming leaders had the opportunity to write their own application, showcasing their skills, ideas, and enthusiasm for the role. To support them in this, we held a writing workshop, where children could refine their applications and express their leadership qualities effectively.
After careful consideration, a shortlist of applicants was created and invited to interview. Children were then selected to take on leadership positions within one of our six Pupil Leadership Teams, ensuring that as many pupils as possible had the chance to contribute to the school community.
This process encouraged initiative, built communication skills, and ensured that our school leadership is inclusive, pupil-led, and truly representative of the voices at Barnehurst.
Here are the names of the children within each of our pupil leadership teams with the Junior Leader shown in bold:
Power of Me & Power of We 
The Junior Leadership Team is a powerful example of how children at Barnehurst are Harnessing the Power of Me to Unleash the Power of We. Here's how they are already achieving many of the goals to become resilient, capable learners, as well as well-rounded human beings and global citizens who take action for the world and their community:
To form own opinions whilst respecting others:
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Through discussions, decision-making and debates during meetings, JLT members learn to confidently share their ideas while listening respectfully to others.
To challenge themselves and achieve something they didn't think was possible by facing fears:
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Many members stepped out of their comfort zones to apply, speak in assemblies, or represent the school—developing confidence along the way.
To take steps to keep themselves safe both in the real and digital world:
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The JLT supports school-wide messages around safety and wellbeing, and models responsible behaviour online and offline.
To develop presence, confidence and the ability to use voice to speak to an audience:
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Presenting in front of governors, speaking to visitors, leading assemblies, and being visible in the school community builds their public speaking skills and presence.
To develop an appreciation for the value of money and the ability to work within a budget:
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Some JLT projects have involved planning events or choosing resources, offering real-life opportunities to think about costs and budgeting. For example the environmental team selling tomatoes grown at school to raise funds for the development of Barnehurst's Forest School.
To show empathy and kindness to everyone and all living things:
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The JLT often leads initiatives that promote kindness, inclusion and support for peers.
To use technology with expertise and creativity to demonstrate ideas:
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They’ve used Keynote, Slides and video to present their projects, developing both digital skills and creativity.
To have high aspirations for themselves and value the journey of success:
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Taking on a leadership role shows ambition. Members often set goals, reflect on progress and see their growth across the year - they reflect on how far they’ve come and what they can achieve moving forward.
To be responsible for themselves and their actions:
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JLT members understand their role as role models, taking responsibility for tasks and setting an example for others.
To be part of the community and value the importance of giving back and connection:
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From supporting charity events to school improvement projects, the JLT is a voice for others and actively contributes to school life.
To celebrate and value difference:
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JLT membership reflects the diversity of the school, and they often help lead or support projects that promote inclusivity and respect.
Here are specific ways the Junior Leadership Team members achieve the Power of Me and Power of We goals, tailored to the different leadership areas they are part of at Barnehurst:
Operations Leaders
Power of Me:
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Taking responsibility for setting up events and helping with school logistics
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Leading school tours or speaking to visitors confidently
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Presenting updates in assembly or to SLT
Power of We:
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Helping events run smoothly and creating a welcoming school environment
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Making decisions based on collective feedback from other students
Sports Leaders
Power of Me:
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Leading warmups, explaining game rules to peers
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Trying new sports or leading larger groups
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Teaching rules of fair play and physical safety
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Having a lead role in sports day
Power of We:
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Encouraging teamwork, respect and inclusion in sports
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Adapting games to be inclusive for all children
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Helping at after school clubs for younger children alongside our PE teacher
Literacy Leaders
Power of Me:
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Reading aloud in assemblies or to younger children
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Reading book reviews or digital storyboards
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Promoting a love of reading and writing
Power of We:
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Leading book clubs or debates
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Recommending diverse books and authors
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Opening the school library before school and at lunchtime and working with families to promote reading
Health and Wellbeing Leaders
Power of Me:
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Supporting peers and promoting emotional wellbeing
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Promoting good mental health habits
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Speaking openly about difficult topics like emotions or mental health
Power of We:
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Planning wellbeing events or supporting anti-bullying initiatives
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Fostering a calm and caring school atmosphere
Rights Respecting Leaders
Power of Me:
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Educating others about children’s rights
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Modelling respectful behaviour and holding others accountable kindly
Power of We:
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Understanding global rights and responsibilities
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Ensuring every child’s rights are respected, no matter their background
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Working with Rights Respecting staff leader to complete out silver award.
Environmental Leaders
Power of Me:
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designing eco-campaigns or posters using iPads
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managing resources for eco projects
Power of We:
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organising litter picks, improving recycling
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highlighting how environmental issues affect different communities around the world
