Student Leadership

Knole Academy Student Leadership functions as a proactive body, ensuring our students are represented, heard and valued as key stakeholders within academy planning and development.

• Enable student voices to be heard and responded to
• Enable students to voice concerns and make suggestions about aspects of school life that affect them and their learning.
• Allow for greater collaboration between year groups
• Undertake projects that help to take forward the development of Knole Academy

The Academy Council meets each half term. Student representatives are joined by the Academy Council co-ordinator, Deputy Head Teacher and when appropriate Head Teacher. Governors are invited to join Academy Council meetings at their discretion.

The items discussed at these meetings will be generated from our student leadership prior to full Academy Council meetings. Tutor groups elect House Leaders and Sports Leaders. One elected representative from each house years 7-10 will then be chosen to represent the house.

Heads of House will organise and chair half term meetings with their 10 house leaders where points are agreed with house representatives who are then fully prepared to actively participate in Academy Council meetings. Form Tutors are responsible for ensuring all students are given the opportunity to voice ideas, concerns and opinions to their tutor group representative in a timely fashion.

The academy council will be attended by Head Students, House Leaders, the 4 House Representatives (1 from each house) and prefects.

Tenure for senior students runs from April to March, ensuring that there is no disruptions to academic studies. Prefects are invited to apply in March of Year 10 and will take up responsibilities at the beginning of April. Head student applications are submitted in March of Yr12, responsibilities assumed by the beginning of April and finish at the end of the winter term of Yr 13.

Those wanting to serve on the Senior Student Leadership Team make a formal application for their role as Prefect. Prefect positions are limited to 16, four from each house. Those who are successful are invited to interview with HOY and Senior Deputy Head Teacher.

Prefect Specific responsibilities:

• Break and lunch duty rota
• Attending and supporting key events throughout the year
• Actively promote Knole Scholar/Sports Competitions/House Events
• Liaising with academy council members to support student’s voice
• Attend prefect meetings
• Support Knole Student News publication
• Support and assist with Knole Interact
• Act as role models to promote Knole values in all that they do
• Attend house competitions to encourage participation by younger students

Prefect Rewards:

• Develop confidence, resilience and independence
• Prefect tie and badge in house colours
• One free lunch a week
• Front of the lunch queue
• Paid for trip at the end of the year

Chloe Craig, Head student

I have been a student at Knole Academy since 2019 and am honoured to have been appointed as head student. From Year 7 onwards, the school has afforded me numerous opportunities, including attending a luncheon on International Women’s Day, meeting inspirational individuals, and serving as a prefect in Year 11. These experiences have contributed significantly to my development as a confident and motivated student qualities I intend to uphold throughout my life. Currently, I am studying the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, taking History, Social and Cultural Anthropology, and English at higher level, and Mathematics, Physics, and French at standard level. Choosing the IBDP was an excellent decision; prior to entering Sixth Form, I was uncertain about my career direction, and the DP has enabled me to retain a broad spectrum of academic skills applicable to various professions. My ambition is to apply to Russell Group universities to study History, with the long-term goal of joining the civil service. The IBDP has greatly enhanced my critical thinking abilities. I have become more reflective and actively seek environments where constructive critique is encouraged. Knole Academy has provided a setting that fosters personal growth and academic challenge. The experiences gained over the past seven years have shaped my character, and I remain sincerely grateful for these opportunities. Sixth form presents considerable challenges, requiring commitment and organisation over the two years of study. However, with dedication, the long-term rewards are substantial and well worth the effort.

Sommer Wilson, Head Student 

I am currently studying level 3 vocational courses in Health & Social Care, Enterprise & Entrepreneurship, and Criminology to prepare for a career with the metropolitan police, aiming to reach the rank of a detective and later join the sniffer/bomb K9 unit. I have always wanted to help others and make individuals feel safe, so this is the perfect career choice for me. I am grateful to Knole Academy for supporting and inspiring me to pursue my dream of working in law enforcement. Alongside my studies, my work as a dog sitter, babysitter, and gardener has developed my customer service skills, organisation, and independence. Serving on the school leadership team and participating in the School Council has involved communicating with students from lower years and collaborating with them to further develop student-related aspects of Knole Academy. I am exceptionally grateful for the support and experiences Knole Academy has provided me, allowing me to thrive and find happiness during the last 7 years. I would highly recommend attending our sixth form for its strong academic and supportive pastoral environment.