Pupil Leadership
Pupil leadership is an important and much‑valued part of life at Ashleigh CofE Primary School. Rooted in our Christian vision, we believe every child is created with unique gifts and the potential to make a positive difference. Our pupil leaders — including our Ethos Team, Prefects, Librarians, School Council, Play Leaders, and other ambassador roles — help to shape the life of our school through service, compassion, and responsibility.
Through these roles, pupils learn what it means to lead in the way Jesus taught: with kindness, humility, and a desire to help others flourish. Whether welcoming younger children, supporting worship, sharing ideas for improvement, or being positive role models, our leaders embody our values and help create a community where everyone can experience Life in all its Fullness.
Ethos Team
At Ashleigh C of E Primary School, our Ethos Team plays an important role in helping our school community live out our Christian values each day. As pupil leaders, members of the Ethos Team support other students with kindness and encouragement during the dinner hall, take responsibility for keeping our school environment clean through activities such as litter picking, and help to shape and lead acts of worship. They work together to promote respect, compassion and stewardship across the school, acting as positive role models and ensuring that our shared values are reflected in everything we do.
Prefects
At Ashleigh, our prefects play a vital role in shaping the culture of our school. They support younger children through daily reading, run times‑tables interventions with Years 3 and 4, and welcome pupils and families at the school gate each morning. At the end of the day, they guide children safely to the gate and act as positive role models throughout the school.
Prefects also support lunchtimes, lead worship, take part in meetings, and represent the school when visitors arrive. Head prefects are elected through a democratic voting process, giving pupils an authentic experience of leadership, responsibility, and student voice.
Visitors frequently comment on how respectful, mature, and articulate our prefects are. Their work has even been recognised by Devon County Council, who published their views in Working in Partnership with Children and Young People, as well as in the acknowledgements section of the same publication. Working in partnership with children and young people - Support for schools and settings
Our school is thanked here: Acknowledgements and thanks - Support for schools and settings
The impact on the children themselves is profound. Former prefects describe gaining confidence, improving communication skills, developing maturity, and discovering pride in their own character:
- Ava shared how worship leadership built her confidence and helped her feel prepared for future jobs.
- Sophia spoke about finding her voice, performing in front of the whole school, and valuing teamwork.
- Elliot said being a prefect inspired him to improve his behaviour and become “his best self.”
- Byron described growing in confidence, maturity, and clear communication.
- Harrison said he feels trusted, proud, and happy knowing he makes a difference.
- Spike powerfully explained how becoming a prefect helped him find confidence “in school and out of school,” even enabling him to hold conversations independently.
These voices show that being a prefect at Ashleigh isn’t just a set of jobs — it’s a transformative experience that builds skills for life. We are so proud of our year 6 leaders here at Ashleigh.
Archbishop's Young Leaders Award (AYLA)
Some of our pupils are working through the Archbishop's Young Leaders Award, where they are learning that "Leaders are kind." Together, they are learning about kindness, perseverance, teamwork and action.
Librarians
Our Junior Librarians are enthusiastic reading ambassadors who help to keep our school library running smoothly and joyfully. They support younger pupils in choosing books, promote a love of reading across the school, and help to organise and tidy the library so it remains a calm, inviting space for everyone. Junior Librarians also assist with book displays, reading events and sharing recommendations, acting as positive role models who inspire others to enjoy stories and discover new authors. Through their dedication and teamwork, they help our library thrive as the heart of our reading community.
Play Leaders
Our Year 5 Play Leaders play a vital role in helping to make breaktimes active, friendly and fun at Ashleigh C of E Primary School. Trained to support younger children, they organise and lead games, encourage positive play, and help everyone to feel included. Play Leaders also promote teamwork, fairness and respect on the playground, acting as role models for our school values. Through their leadership, they help to create a safe, happy environment where all children can enjoy playtime together.
School Council
Our School Council at Ashleigh C of E Primary School plays an important part in supporting whole‑school fundraising initiatives. Although their role is focused, School Councillors take responsibility for helping to organise events such as non‑school‑uniform days and ice‑lolly fundraisers. They work together to promote these activities across the school, encourage pupil participation and help ensure events run smoothly. Through their teamwork and commitment, they contribute to raising funds that benefit the school community while developing confidence and leadership skills.