Empowering Young Voices: How The Royal Ballet School’s Student Council Transforms Confidence and Leadership
At The Royal Ballet School, students aren’t just learning to pirouette—they’re stepping into leadership roles that shape their confidence and their community. But here’s where it gets inspiring: even the youngest students are finding their voices through the Student Council, proving that age is just a number when it comes to making a difference. From Year 7 newcomers to seasoned boarders, these students are not only representing their peers but also driving real change within the school.
The school offers a wealth of leadership opportunities, from Student Council roles to Head Boy and Head Girl positions. For many, it’s a chance to be heard, to advocate for their peers, and to leave a lasting impact. Take Madeline and Rafferty, two Year 7 students who joined the Student Council just weeks after arriving at White Lodge. When Tara Kirkwood, the faculty head of Year 7, called for interested students to submit a paragraph explaining their motivation, both jumped at the chance.
Madeline shared, ‘I joined the Student Council to boost my confidence and to speak up for those who might not feel comfortable doing so. I wanted to ensure fairness for everyone, so we could all enjoy our time here. Being part of the council has been transformative—I feel more at ease talking to others, and we’re all more open with each other, which I love.’
Rafferty echoed her sentiments, adding a unique perspective: ‘I was part of the Student Council at my previous school, so I knew I could help amplify others’ voices here. It’s exhilarating to know that as a Year 7 student, my opinions are valued just as much as those of older students. It feels like we’re truly making a difference.’
Lucinda, a Year 8 student, also joined the council this year after a previous unsuccessful attempt. With a year of boarding experience under her belt, she was eager to represent her year group and gain leadership skills. ‘Being on the Student Council is a stepping stone to roles like Head Girl or Head Boy, which are incredibly important. It’s a chance to prove to my peers and staff that I can provide meaningful feedback and drive change. Plus, it’s great to meet representatives from other year groups—it’s a rare opportunity to connect with students we don’t usually interact with.’
And this is the part most people miss: the Student Council isn’t just about meetings—it’s about action. Every week, council members send out a link to their classmates to gather suggestions or complaints. These are then passed on to house parents, who organize additional meetings if needed. This term, Madeline and Rafferty championed initiatives like improving meal options and ensuring proper nutrition. ‘We’re working with catering staff to incorporate diverse food preferences,’ Madeline explained. ‘Some students love spicy dishes like curry, while others prefer simpler options like pasta. We’re striving to provide more variety so everyone gets the nutrients they need.’
Rafferty added, ‘We’re also making sure everyone’s opinions are heard. During nightly house meetings, we discuss updates and future plans. It’s amazing how quickly changes can happen here—sometimes in just a couple of weeks.’
Twice a term, the Student Council meets with staff from various departments, including catering, maintenance, and academics. Rafferty recalled, ‘The staff were so engaged—taking notes, listening, and offering feedback. It felt validating to know our opinions are not just heard but acted upon.’
Lucinda highlighted another success: introducing sushi to the menu and advocating for more pinboards in common rooms to create a homier atmosphere. ‘It’s rewarding to see our ideas come to life and think, ‘Yeah, we made that happen.’
For all three students, the first half-term meeting with staff stood out as a highlight. Madeline reflected, ‘I’ve never felt so heard. It was a proper meeting, with minutes being taken, and it made me feel important.’ Rafferty agreed, ‘It was different from my previous school—here, our ideas are not just noted but implemented. It’s like we’re living the way we dream about.’
Lucinda appreciated the sense of unity: ‘My favorite part is seeing all the staff—artistic, catering, and more—come together. I’m excited for more meetings and even greater achievements.’
But here’s the controversial question: Are schools doing enough to empower young students as leaders? While The Royal Ballet School sets a remarkable example, not all institutions prioritize student voices to this extent. What do you think? Should more schools follow suit, or is there a risk of overwhelming students with responsibilities? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
