Holderness Academy believes in empowering learners to help shape their academic environment and that young people have the capacity to be effective young leaders. This starts with building a learning community where young people’s views are embraced and acted upon.

Our students take a keen, active interest in the development of the Academy and our Academy Council is proactive in shaping the educational experience of our learners and contributing to the wider community.

Our Academy Council is made up of two representatives from each year; these are elected from each Year Council. The process of nominating, electing and voting is followed in order to raise the profile of Young Leaders and empower the Academy Representatives to take responsibility for being heard.

In addition, there are independent representatives who have achieved places through application and interview.

The Academy Council and each Year Council meet each half-term. Agendas are compiled by the students and minutes of the meetings are taken.

At every meeting, a member of the Academy staff is invited to talk about their area of responsibility. Every meeting has a ‘You said, We did.’ feedback session as well as a Teaching and Learning focus.

The Academy Council take part in the ongoing improvements in the Academy environment, the learning, the well-being of learners, the management of behaviour (including praising and celebrating success) and the decisions which affect the way we evolve and develop.

The Academy Council is focused on driving change across the Academy, helping in the recruitment of new staff and ensuring that every learner’s point of view is taken into consideration. Here at Holderness Academy, we are proud of our student voice and ensure it is always heard.