Pupil Leadership and Personal Development

At Laneshaw Bridge School, we believe that every child should have opportunities to develop leadership skills, take responsibility and make a positive contribution to our school community. Through a range of leadership roles, enrichment programmes and personal development opportunities, pupils learn to become responsible, respectful and active citizens who are well prepared for their future lives.

School Ambassadors

Our School Ambassadors play an important role in ensuring that pupil voice is at the heart of school life. They provide a meaningful way for children to share their views, contribute ideas and influence decisions that affect the school community.

School Ambassadors meet regularly to discuss pupil suggestions, review aspects of school life and help organise key events. Through this role, pupils develop confidence, leadership skills, communication skills and a greater understanding of responsibility and teamwork.

School Parliament

Our School Parliament consists of elected representatives from Year 1 to Year 6, ensuring that all pupils have a voice within the school community.

Each year, candidates take part in a democratic election process, presenting themselves to their classmates before voting takes place. School Parliament members represent the views of their peers, contribute to school improvement initiatives and help organise events and projects throughout the year.

Through participation in School Parliament, pupils gain first-hand experience of democracy, leadership and active citizenship.

APEX Champions Award

The APEX Champions Award provides an exciting opportunity for pupils to develop character, resilience and leadership skills through a range of practical challenges and experiences.

In Year 5, all pupils begin the Bronze APEX Champions Award, which is structured around four key areas:

• Skill Development
• Physical Activity
• Outdoor Adventure
• Community and Environment

Pupils work towards completing challenges in each area, recording their achievements and reflecting on their experiences. The programme encourages children to demonstrate ambition, perseverance and teamwork while developing skills that prepare them for future opportunities, including progression to the Gold Award and, ultimately, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

UNICEF Rights Respecting School

Laneshaw Bridge School is proud to be a UNICEF Rights Respecting School. Since beginning our journey in September 2022, we have embedded the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) throughout school life.

Children's rights are promoted through our curriculum, assemblies, pupil leadership opportunities and everyday interactions across the school. Pupils learn about their rights, understand their responsibilities and recognise the importance of respecting the rights of others.

We achieved the Bronze: Rights Committed Award in December 2022 and were proud to be awarded the Silver: Rights Aware Award in January 2026. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring that every child feels safe, valued, respected and empowered to make a positive contribution to school life.

Laneshaw Bridge Passport

The Laneshaw Bridge Passport provides EYFS and Key Stage 1 pupils with opportunities to experience new challenges and adventures beyond the classroom.

Inspired by the concept of "100 Things to Do Before You Leave Primary School", the Passport encourages children and their families to complete a range of memorable experiences, including:

• Building a den
• Planting and growing something
• Baking a cake
• Visiting a library
• Going on a nature walk
• Learning a new skill
• Helping within the community

These experiences promote confidence, independence, curiosity and resilience while helping children create lasting memories with their families and develop a love of learning beyond the classroom.

Year 6 Buddy System

Our Year 6 Buddy System supports Reception children as they begin their journey at Laneshaw Bridge School.

Reception pupils are paired with caring and responsible Year 6 buddies who act as positive role models throughout the year. Buddies support younger children through shared activities, reading opportunities, playtimes and special events, helping them feel welcomed, included and confident in their new environment.

The programme also provides Year 6 pupils with valuable opportunities to develop leadership, communication and mentoring skills, strengthening relationships across the school community.

Impact

Through these opportunities, pupils develop confidence, leadership, resilience, empathy and a strong sense of responsibility. They learn how to contribute positively to their school and community, understand the importance of respect and inclusion, and become active participants in society.

These experiences support our vision of developing pupils who embody our core values of Ambition, Collaboration and Trust, preparing them for the next stage of their education and for life in modern Britain.