First cross-trust student council

Last Friday, we held our first GLT Secondary Schools Student Council. Student representatives from every one of our secondary schools met with senior staff from across the organisation.

Will Smith, CEO of the Greenshaw Learning Trust, gave an introduction and stated that this was his most exciting meeting of the term! He talked about the importance of listening to students and ensuring their voices were heard at all levels. 

The agenda focused on students sharing what they were most proud of in their schools, as well as areas where they felt we could do more as a trust. 

There were several clear themes reflected in all of our schools. Students particularly valued that they are entitled to disruption-free learning, the diversity in our schools, the warmth of our staff, and the extra-curricular opportunities available to students. 

They also identified several opportunities for us to do more as a trust – particularly in running cross-trust competitions. As a result, within days, we launched our Trust-wide Christmas card competition – with the winning student receiving a £50 gift voucher, along with £250 for their school's student council to spend as they see fit.

The next meeting will take place after the Christmas holidays.