Student Leadership

Student leadership is an important part of developing our students’ character and helps prepare them for life beyond Northampton Academy. We offer a range of leadership opportunities across the school whether it be within their form groups, subject-specific leadership or through our wide-ranging enrichment programme.

Examples of the Leadership Roles on offer:

Prefects (Year 11)

Becoming a Prefect is one of the highest student leadership positions within Northampton Academy. Prefects are selected after going through a rigorous application process which is open to Year 10 students only. Prefects are appointed following applications and interviews with the Vice Principal and are recognised by their purple ties.

Prefects have a range of responsibilities ranging from assisting with lunchtime duty, supporting at key events throughout the year and mentoring other students within the school. They help to support positive behaviour around the school and are seen as role models in their everyday interactions.

Our Prefect Charter is available to view and download here >>>

The Director of Key Stage 4 coordinates the Prefects and holds regular meetings with them.

Wellbeing Ambassadors

A team of ‘Wellbeing Ambassadors’ act as a link between their peers and the support services available at the school. Whilst not providing counselling or wellbeing support themselves, they simply give those students who either don’t know or don’t feel confident enough to access support themselves, a peer’s support to do just that. Ambassadors are on 'Wellbeing Duty' at break and lunch, looking out for students who look upset or as though they might need support. This is a prestigious student leadership opportunity, and we encourage students to apply only if they think they are a serious candidate and can take this role on showing commitment, determination and integrity at all times.

Anti-bullying Leaders (Year 9 -10)

We are very proud of our recently appointed first cohort of Anti-bullying Leaders. These KS4 students were the successful applicants for this important role, they received a day of training by an external company, Anti-Bully Pro who are supported by The Diana Award. The leaders will carry out a variety of roles within the school to support our mission to eradicate bullying.

These include:

• ​Being ‘monitors’ in Year 7 play area
• Drop in service for other students in the school to access
• Mentoring younger students who are having difficulties in school
• Lead on anti-bullying campaigns
• Lead on assemblies for anti-bullying

The Anti-bullying Leaders are recognised by their distinctive gold ties.

Further information on how the school deals with bullying is available by clicking here >>>

Sports Leaders (Year 7-11)

The Sports Leaders at Northampton Academy are a cohort of students who are passionate about sports and enjoy inspiring others to participate in physical activity and sport. Within the team we have a variety of skills and talents, all showing strong Respect, Determination and Ambition in what they do.

The Sports Leaders have trained in the SL-1 qualification which enables them to assist teaching staff in lessons, clubs and at sports events. Throughout the year the leaders have gained qualifications and experience in a wide variety of sports including golf and athletics - they have then utilised this experience to ‘lead’ primary school students in sports events and festivals both here at Northampton Academy and around the town (supporting the Northampton Town School Sports Partnership).

To be a strong sports leader requires enthusiasm, commitment and dedication, our team has this in droves and I feel very proud anytime they wear the Northampton Academy Leader T-Shirts.

Form Time Leaders (Year 7-11)

Within each tutor group there are two leadership roles available for pupils which are on rotation throughout the year: Uniform Tutor Leader and Equipment Tutor Leader. These two roles are integral to ensuring, maintaining and monitoring the high standards that are expected of pupils at the Northampton Academy each and every day.

Subject Leaders (Years 7-10)

Students have had the opportunity this term to apply to work in student subject teams across the school. All departments have had at least three applications from students across years 7-10. Students are going to have the opportunity to get involved with leading assemblies, designing displays, organising engaging learning environments, running clubs for other students and being involved in department competitions. Students will develop skills in leadership, teamwork, and collaboration.

STLT: Student Leadership Team

The students' version of Staff Senior Leadership Team (SLT). Three students from each year group will be elected.​21 students in total will have a ‘seat at the table’. ​​​STLT will meet every week to debate and vote on real issues.​ STLT Leaders will be recognised by Burgundy Ties.​

Foreign Language Leaders

The Foreign Language Leaders are ambassadors of all languages in a school proud of it's diversity in terms of multicultural background. They will lead fellow students through basic languages activities by working to develop their communication, organisation and motivational skills. These enthusiastic leaders will attend weekly after school clubs to expand their skills and then use them to teach other children, through a vast range of activities based not only on languages but also on the knowledge of culture, traditions and history.

Peer Mentors (Year 10)

Peer mentors are selected from students in Year 10. Their role is to act as mentors/buddies to students in Year 7 and 8 who may be vulnerable or identified by pastoral staff as needing support. To ensure the selection process is rigorous, students must complete an application.

Interact (Year 7-13)

Interact is a club for young people ages 12-18 who want to join together to tackle the issues in their community that they care most about.  Interact lead the school in terms of raising awareness of local, national and international charity events. Students on this body ensure that all students are aware of National events like Children in Need, Red Nose Day or Sports Relief.

Duke of Edinburgh (Year 9)

The Duke of Edinburgh scheme is run by an appointed member of staff. The scheme helps develop leadership through a programme of activities in four skill areas; physical activity, volunteering, developing a skill and an expedition.  Students meet regularly with staff in school to review their progress towards completing the award and to prepare for the expedition section of the programme.