School Councils are democracy in action. The School Council at Elmbridge Primary School consists of two representatives from each class, a councillor and a vice councillor. The council meets frequently to discuss issues raised in class or year group meetings and to express views and make decisions.

The election of the School Council members reflects our British electoral system and demonstrates democracy in action. During September, pupils decide whether or not they wish to stand for election. Then the candidates make their speeches, while the rest of the pupils consider which characteristics they feel are important for an elected representative and who will best represent them. They then vote in secret, using ballot boxes and polling booths.

The council has its own budget and is able to make changes within the school; in the past, the School Council has raised money and bought new trim trail equipment, organized ‘Wheelie Wednesdays’ and ‘Freewheel Fridays’, interviewed prospective teachers and organised themed weeks.

Our School Council works closely with the community, attending Parent Discussion Groups and liaising with our governing body. They are a productive, innovative group who are genuinely able to affect change within the school.

Last year 2024-2025 the School Council successfully: 

• Brought everyone together with a celebration of winter through decorating classroom doors. These reflected celebration, community and togetherness in our school and community. 

• Fitted additional cloakroom storage in year 1 & 2 to enhance the learning environment and support our “calm corridors” ethos. 

• Requested changes to the school menus to improve choice for all pupils. 

• Purchased small world dolls, houses and furniture which reflect the diversity of our school and wider community. 

• Organised opportunities for KS1 and KS2 pupils to mix for social and learning activities to foster a “family” feel at Elmbridge, with both older and younger pupils learning from each other. 

• Provided a Reading/ Homework Club for KS1 and KS 2 after pupils raised the issue of needing a space to complete these activities at school.  

School Council Trip to Gloucester Council Chambers

On Monday 31^st March, Elmbridge School Council took a visit to Gloucester Council Chambers.  We met the Right Worshipful the Mayor of Gloucester, Lorraine Campbell and The Sheriff and Deputy Mayor, Pam Tracey. 

They talked to us about their roles as Mayor and Sheriff and we found out some interesting facts about being Mayor.  The Marshall also plays an important role in helping the Mayor and the Sheriff in their duties. 

We discovered how they have meetings, discuss issues affecting people and how they solve these problems to make the community a better place to live - all the things Elmbridge School Council do for our school. 

Thank you to our parent helpers and Councillor Anne Radley who supported the coach travel and of course to all our present School Council members who conducted themselves well, and asked some very interesting questions!