Student Leadership Team

Student voice and leadership at Burnley High School help shape our community, strengthen partnerships and enrich life beyond the classroom.

Overview

At Burnley High School, student voice and leadership play a vital role in shaping our school community. We currently have 35 Prefects in Year 11, from whom we appoint our Student Leadership Team.

This team consists of a Head Student, Deputy Head Students and Assistant Head Students and mirrors the structure of our Senior Leadership Team, ensuring strong collaboration between students and staff.

The BHS Foundation

The Student Leadership Team is currently playing a central role in the development of the BHS Foundation. Launched in September 2024, the Foundation has a clear aim: to enrich students’ experiences beyond the classroom while strengthening Burnley High School’s role within the wider community.

The three pillars of the Foundation

Opportunity

Providing students with access to experiences and events they may not otherwise have the chance to undertake.

Community

Developing and strengthening meaningful links with local organisations and groups.

Charity

Working in partnership with our chosen charity to raise both funds and awareness. Our chosen charity for this academic year continues to be Pendleside Hospice. Last academic year, students raised over £6,000, demonstrating their commitment to supporting vital local services.

How the Foundation makes a difference

Since its launch, the BHS Foundation has delivered strongly across all three pillars.

Opportunity strand

Students have attended a wide range of enriching experiences, including Burnley FC fixtures, Manchester City Women fixtures, theatre visits and dining experiences at local restaurants. A number of further opportunities are planned as the Foundation continues to grow.
Community strand

Burnley High School has established and strengthened links with local residential homes and foodbanks. A key development has been the creation of a community partnership with Ashmeade Residential Home, where Year 10 students volunteer weekly as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE). Students support residents through a variety of activities, developing meaningful intergenerational relationships while building confidence, communication skills and a strong sense of social responsibility.
Ongoing community engagement

Alongside this, students continue to support local foodbanks and take part in regular visits to other residential settings, further embedding community engagement into school life.

Impact and recognition

Lord Frank Field Community Award

The exceptional impact of the BHS Foundation has been recognised externally at a regional level. On 14 November 2025, Burnley High School was awarded the Lord Frank Field Community Award at the Educate Awards ceremony held at Liverpool Cathedral. This award celebrates outstanding commitment to community engagement and social responsibility and recognises the significant and sustained contribution made by the BHS Foundation and the wider school community.

Wider leadership in school

In addition to Foundation work, the Student Leadership Team provides mentoring support for our Year 7 students and leads the Junior Leadership Team, where a representative from each form meets every half term with the Student Leadership Team to share ideas and suggest improvements across the school.

Through their dedication, leadership and commitment to service, our Student Leadership Team continues to make a meaningful difference to life at Burnley High School and beyond.