Fairfax Academy has officially appointed its new Head Boy and Head Girl, following the most competitive student leadership campaign the school has ever seen. More than 700 students cast their votes after an unprecedented 22 Year 12 applicants put themselves forward for leadership roles.
This year marked a major shift in the selection process. For the first time, candidates were asked to submit a short campaign video explaining why they wanted to represent the student body. These videos helped students recognise candidates around school and brought a new level of creativity to campaigning.
From the initial 22 applicants, 14 students progressed to the interview and voting stage.
Head of Sixth Form, Miss Blake, said the calibre of applicants made this year’s decisions especially challenging.
“There simply weren’t enough places for the number of exceptional students who applied. This is a very ambitious year group, and those who were successful demonstrated real strategic thinking about how they would drive the school forward.”
Campaign ideas ranged from expanding access to past exam papers, to anti-bullying mentoring, staff and student recognition systems, and charity initiatives that focus on donating time as well as money.
The leadership team is divided into three focus areas: Teaching and Learning, Student Wellbeing, and Equality and Diversity.
Head Boy Fred Burke centred his campaign on strengthening student voice.
“It’s amazing that the school trusts you with such an important role. Teachers voted too, and it’s great knowing people have your back. The best part is the team element. There are eleven of us working together.”
Head Girl Elisha Salmon was new to the school in September, after joining from Erdington Academy, which is also part of Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust. She built her campaign around kindness and belonging.
“The welcome I received here was so warm. Being recognised so soon after joining is really humbling. Starting a new school can be scary, but I hope this shows others that they can do it too.”
She added: “I really wanted to be Head Girl but I didn’t expect it, I didn’t get my hopes up, but when I told my mom she was so happy for me and a few tears were shed.”
You can watch Head Boy Fred Burke’s confident video submission here.
Alongside Elisha Salmon and Fred Burke, the student leadership team comprises of:
Georgia Eaves – Senior Deputy Head Girl – Teaching & Learning
Amy Willis – Senior Deputy Head Girl – Equality and Diversity
Tommy McGowan – Senior Deputy Head Boy – Student Wellbeing
Eena Priddy – Deputy Head Girl
Frankie Ballinger – Deputy Head Girl
Will Ewbank – Deputy Head Boy
Brea Phillips-Payne – Deputy Head Girl
Sam Williams – Deputy Head Boy
Shae Karwowski – Deputy Head Girl
The team’s first project is to create a video introduction for the whole school, which will be shown during the first week back after half-term.