Student Voice is the set of systems through which young people are enabled to give their opinions and suggestions on Academy life in an open, honest, secure yet constructive way.

At Bedford Academy we believe that all students are entitled to contribute actively in shaping the educational experience they and their fellow students receive. Effective delivery of this policy will give them the opportunity to do so. As well as assisting in young people’s learning and social development, such student involvement is also of active benefit to the Academy’s performance. Bedford Academy is committed to placing Student Voice at the centre of lesson planning and design of the wider curriculum.

Academy Council:

- Meet once a half term with Principal or Vice Principal,
- Contribute to main strategic decisions of the Academy,
- Chairs meet with Governors as appropriate,
- Head Girl & Head Boy and Deputies are put through selection process and are year 12 students
- Clerk and Finance Director are through selection process
- Term of Office is one year

Learning Village Council:

- Each tutor group holds an election for members (any age group) overseen by tutors and Learning Village Leaders
- Learning Village Leaders facilitate/oversee the Learning Village Council
- Council elects a chair, vice chair and clerk (and other posts as required by individual councils)
- Each Council will eventually have between 12 & 16 members
- Each council member has a term of office of one year, unless re-elected by their form
- Learning Village Council meets at least once a month and always before Academy Council meetings are scheduled.

Academy Prefects

- Organised by the Deputy Head Girl & Boy
- Overseen by the Assistant Principal: Pathways and Post 16
- Supporting the day to day ethos and running of the Academy and Learning Village
- Positions of responsibility, leadership and maturity
- Selected following domination and selection process
- Students usually in KS4 or 5
- Year 7 Prefect Mentors support transition and year 7 activities within the year 7 Learning Village

Other Student Voice Groups – Made up of any Academy student

Other Student Leadership Roles within the Academy:

- Tour Guides
- Receptionists
- Librarians
- Tutor mentors
- Reading Support Mentors
- Sports Captains