At Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School, we believe that every student has the potential to lead, inspire, and make a difference. Our student leadership programme empowers pupils to take responsibility, develop confidence, and contribute positively to school life and the wider community.

Why Student Leadership Matters

Student leadership is at the heart of our school ethos, helping pupils grow not just as learners, but as people of virtue. Leadership encourages students to:

  • Show compassion and service by supporting peers and contributing positively to the school community

  • Act with integrity and honesty in their responsibilities and decisions

  • Demonstrate courage by taking initiative and stepping up to make a difference
  • Promote justice and fairness through democratic participation, teamwork, and listening to others’ voices

     

By linking leadership to these virtues, students develop a sense of purpose, responsibility, and self-worth. They learn that their actions can positively impact others, inspiring confidence, motivation, and a deeper understanding of living out the values of our Catholic school community.

 

Leadership Opportunities

There are many exciting ways for students to get involved and take on leadership roles across the school:

  • School Council - Our School Council gives students a real voice in how the school is run. Representatives from formation groups are elected democratically by their peers, giving pupils an authentic experience of voting and leadership. This process teaches important lessons about democracy, responsibility, and active participation in society.

    Council members meet regularly to discuss ideas, raise issues, and help make decisions that improve school life for everyone. By taking part, students learn how to listen, collaborate, and advocate for their peers - essential skills both in school and in life beyond the classroom.

  • Year 11 Leadership Team & Prefects - Our Year 11 leadership team are role models for the entire school. Prefects help organise events, support younger students, and represent the school at functions and open evenings. They demonstrate maturity, integrity, and teamwork in everything they do.
  • Chaplaincy Team - The Chaplaincy Team plays an important role in supporting the spiritual life of our school. They help lead assemblies, plan liturgical celebrations, and promote the values of compassion, faith, and respect. They are the beating heart of school life.
  • Peer Mentors - Our Peer Mentors are trained to support younger students with advice, encouragement, and a listening ear. They help promote kindness, inclusion, and wellbeing across the school community.


  • Transformation Offer - Through our transformation offer, students can take on leadership roles in a wide range of activities. Opportunities such as Sports Leaders and Envision projects allow pupils to develop leadership skills, teamwork, and initiative outside the classroom while making a positive impact on their peers and the wider community.

 

Testimonials from students

"Being part of the School Council is important because it provides a vital link between students’ perspectives and the teachers’ priorities. Additionally, during events such as Open Evening, it is essential to have students who are presentable and serve as positive role models, demonstrating the values and potential future of pupils at Cardinal Wiseman." 

 

"Being part of the School Council is a true privilege. It fosters confidence to speak up, courage to voice opinions, and compassion for our school community. Ensuring that pupils are heard and their concerns addressed is vital, and the Council plays an important role in building bridges between students and teachers. Beyond making a positive impact on the school, the experience develops valuable skills. For example, my confidence, eloquence, and public speaking have grown significantly since joining the Council, and I look forward to continuing to develop these skills in my final year at Cardinal Wiseman."

 

"I enjoy being part of the School Council because it allows me to understand what is needed to improve the school and make it a better environment for everyone. It gives us all a responsibility to represent ourselves positively. The Council has already achieved a great deal, and we continue to make progress  - for example, promoting recycling and taking small steps to support the environment. Without the School Council, it would be much harder to discuss issues and implement meaningful improvements."

 

Empowering Our Pupils

We are proud of our student leaders, not only for their achievements, but for the positive influence they have on others. By taking on leadership roles, students learn that their voices matter and that they have the power to create change.

At Cardinal Wiseman, we don’t just teach leadership - we live it every day.