Listening, leading and taking responsibility

This feature originally appeared in the Spring 2026 issue of In Trinity, which focused on our key value of ‘Responsibility’. 

Student voice is an important part of life at Trinity. Across Lower School, Middle School and the Sixth Form, School Councils give students the opportunity to share ideas, raise concerns and help shape the school around them. While the structure and focus evolves as students move through the school, the principle remains the same: students are listened to and their ideas matter. 

Lower School: Learning to share ideas 

In Lower School, School Council introduces students to the idea that their views can make a difference. Each form nominates two representatives who gather ideas from their classmates before attending a meeting once each half term, creating an ongoing dialogue between students and staff. 

Head of Lower School Hannah Carey describes the council as an important way of hearing directly from students about their experiences of school. Discussions range from catering and outdoor spaces to clubs, charity initiatives and how we celebrate diversity as a community. 

Students are also involved in shaping aspects of school life. As we look forward to welcoming girls into Year 6 and 7, we have talked about the importance of play spaces and the Lower School induction experience for new students. Junior Year students democratically created a play equipment wishlist (including some grander ideas such as an ice rink and a dry ski slope!). After discussions around the practicality of all ideas, the students are happy that some of their ideas are being implemented later this year for all to enjoy. 

Junior Year council rep. Zaki said, “It has been an amazing opportunity, and I have really enjoyed discussing ideas with teachers and other students. I believe it is important for everyone to have a say about what they would like and not just the teachers. The School Council is a great way to make sure the school is enjoyable for everyone.” 

Middle School: Developing perspective 

By Middle School, School Council becomes a forum where students begin to engage more thoughtfully with the day-to-day life of the school. Representatives from each form meet once each half term with their Head of Year to discuss topics such as co-curricular opportunities, uniform, facilities and wider developments across the school. 

Head of Middle School Rosabelle Lattery-Lee explains that the council provides a safe space for students to share ideas, reflect on changes and raise questions about issues that affect them. 

Students are often asked for their views on potential initiatives before they are introduced. Recent discussions have included plans for the school grounds and ways to broaden co-curricular opportunities and engagement for Third-Year students. As the school becomes fully co-educational, councils have also provided an opportunity for students to share their perspectives and feel part of the conversation about the school’s exciting next steps. 

Sixth Form: Shaping the bigger picture 

In the Sixth Form, School Council takes on a slightly different form. Participation is voluntary and students meet regularly to discuss issues that matter to the wider student body. 

Deputy Head of Sixth Form Victoria Boorman explains that the aim is to ensure students genuinely feel listened to and can see the impact of their ideas. This year over 40 students have been actively involved and are taking real responsibility for shaping the Sixth Form experience. 

Discussions range from everyday aspects of school life such as catering and facilities to wider conversations about uniform, curriculum and the future development of the school. Students have recently given feedback on new uniform designs for when younger girls join the school and shared ideas about the future new Sixth Form Centre. 

Meetings often include staff from across the school, allowing students to raise questions directly and see how their feedback helps shape decisions. 

Joint President of the Sixth Form Council, Beni, says, “I initially joined School Council in the hope it would integrate me into the school better and help understand how things worked. Since then, I’ve engaged in all kinds of conversations about day-to-day issues, catering, co-ed and more. I suggested dividing the group up into focus groups to really propel progress, simply because there was so much to address – everyone was so keen!  

“My favourite bits have been having ‘guest speakers’ in (members of the school community who we wouldn’t otherwise interact with) to gain deeper understanding and align their work with student voice directly. Catering, Marketing and Mr Rounds (the Senior Deputy Head) have all attended to address specific questions we had for them. It feels as though every opinion is considered, and we also get to have fun with our suggestions as well as see the progress.”   

Across every stage of the school, School Councils show students that being part of a community means listening, contributing and taking responsibility for making things better for everyone.