Each term, a team of Year 8 pupils takes on the role of Prefects, helping to support daily life at WUS and guide younger pupils through example – an important part of how the school nurtures leadership in action across the community. One pupil is also given the opportunity to take on the role of Head Pupil, a position that rotates each term to give different pupils the chance to lead and grow through the experience.

Prefects play an important part in the daily life of the school. Their responsibilities include supporting and presenting in assemblies, welcoming visitors, helping to coordinate events, and assisting younger pupils across the day. They are also entrusted with modelling the school’s twenty values through their actions – showing how leadership is lived through kindness, responsibility and care in everyday moments.

As Razi, this term’s Head Pupil, explained: “True leadership isn’t about power or titles — it’s about being less of a manager and more of a person that serves others. A good leader listens, supports, and helps people achieve their best. As Head Pupil of Westminster Under School, I see leadership as putting others first: helping peers and younger pupils feel included, encouraging them to take part in school life, and setting the right example through actions, not just words. When you serve your community, you earn respect naturally — and that’s what, in my opinion, real leadership is.

Being Head Pupil has not only allowed me to help others but has also helped me grow. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about being the loudest or most outspoken person in the room, but about listening, valuing others’ ideas and working together. It’s built my confidence – I feel I can now speak to anyone, and anyone can speak to me. And most importantly, it’s given me the opportunity to use my voice to make a positive difference to our school and the world around us.”

As Alex reflected, leadership at WUS is defined by the values that shape everyday life at school: “Leadership, to me, is defined by all of the school’s values. As a prefect, I have tried to embody these values in my daily interactions – whether through supporting younger pupils, contributing to assemblies, or simply setting the right example through my behaviour. I’ve realised that leadership is not about titles or authority, but about community and service.”

For Zixiu, being a prefect has been both “an honour and a responsibility” –  a chance to contribute to the school and give back to the community. “One of my favourite parts of the role has been helping with assemblies, which has given me a new appreciation for the teamwork that goes into activities I once took for granted. Seeing how the school operates behind the scenes has deepened my respect for the effort that keeps everything running so smoothly.”

Gavin shared his thoughts on how the experience has helped him put the school’s twenty values into practice: “Working as a prefect has given me the chance to put our values into action. Leadership, to me, is about influence – on younger pupils who look up to us, on our fellow prefects as we work together, and on the wider school community.”
So far this Play Term, the team has taken on a wide range of responsibilities – from presenting in assemblies and helping coordinate events to offering a friendly word or helping hand when it’s needed. Leadership at WUS, as the prefects have shown, often begins in small moments of care and consideration that together make a lasting difference to the life of the school.

Johnny highlighted the teamwork that defines the role: “Leadership this half term has been heavily team-based, with every prefect taking their part in assemblies and activities. We meet, remind each other about events, and share information to stay up to date – that teamwork has helped us deliver assemblies smoothly.”

Prefect life also brings practical lessons in time management, collaboration and empathy. Balancing duties with schoolwork requires organisation and commitment, while supporting younger pupils calls for patience and understanding.

For Brandon, leadership often happens quietly: “Being a prefect has shown me that leadership is really about setting an example through small, everyday actions. It’s reminded me that leadership often happens quietly – through teamwork, problem-solving and care for others.”

Together, the Prefect team, Alex, Razi, Ollie, Cedric, Hugo, Zixiu, Brandon, Johnny and Gavin, have demonstrated what leadership looks like in practice: responsibility, humility, teamwork and a commitment to their school community and the wider world.

As the Play Term continues, the team will keep finding new ways to support others, contribute to school life and uphold the values that define our community.