A new generation of young voices is stepping forward, as student leaders from across a multi-academy trust came together to share ideas, challenge thinking and help shape the future of their schools.
More than 40 students from Education South West schools attended a Student Leadership Conference, bringing together pupils from year seven to year 13 to explore how leadership can have a stronger impact across their communities.
A total of 42 students from King Edward VI Community College, Teign School, Coombeshead Academy, Kingsbridge Community College and Dartmouth Academy took part in the event.
The conference featured a range of speakers with experience in leadership. Although Caroline Voaden, MP for South Devon, was unable to attend in person, she delivered a video message reflecting on her career and the lessons she has learned.
Matthew Shanks, chief executive of Education South West, and Tom Pether, sustainability lead for the trust, also spoke about leadership, responsibility and the importance of student voice.
Students from each school delivered presentations explaining how leadership operates in their own settings and the impact it has on school life.
(Credit : Submitted)
(Credit : Submitted)
Following this, attendees worked in mixed-school groups to discuss key questions, including how student leadership could be made more effective, what qualities define a strong leader, and what advice they would give to younger pupils.
Common themes emerged from the discussions, including raising the profile of student leadership, increasing student involvement in decision-making and creating more opportunities for younger pupils to develop leadership skills.
Students also expressed a desire for more opportunities to connect with peers from other schools, with plans now being explored for regular online meetings and collaborative projects.
The conference took place on Wednesday, February 26.
Matthew Shanks said: “It was inspiring to see so many young people from across our schools come together to share ideas and learn from one another.
“Student leadership plays a vital role in shaping positive school communities, and events like this give students the confidence and platform to have their voices heard.
“The passion and thoughtfulness shown by the students at the conference demonstrates just how important their contributions are to the future of our schools.”
