A student's moving account of how sport transformed his confidence was one of the highlights of a celebration evening marking the launch of an ambitious new leadership programme at Prince William School.
Parents, governors, community partners and invited guests gathered at the school in Oundle as students were officially welcomed into the new Leadership Legacy Project – an initiative designed to give young people genuine responsibility to lead projects that will leave a lasting impact on both the school and the wider community.
The project has seen students compete for places on one of four leadership boards: Student Ambition, Community Social Action, Culture and Arts, and Sporting Leaders. Following a rigorous application process, successful candidates will now work alongside staff, local organisations and business partners to develop projects that promote opportunity, strengthen community links and improve school life.
One of the evening's most memorable moments came from Zach Hutchison, a member of the Sporting Leaders Board, who spoke candidly about the personal journey that had led him to the stage.
He said: “Being chosen for this role means a lot to me because I remember not too long ago when I felt like my voice wasn't being heard. A couple of years ago I didn't enjoy PE or sport, but today I can honestly say that being involved in sport has changed me. It has given me confidence, helped me grow as a person and shown me that everyone deserves the opportunity to find something they can be proud of.”
His speech reflected one of the central aims of the Leadership Legacy Project – to give young people the confidence, opportunity and support to become leaders who make a genuine difference.
Unlike traditional student leadership roles, the project focuses on creating tangible change rather than simply representing student opinion. Each leadership board has been tasked with developing initiatives that will continue to benefit the school long after its current members have left.
Projects will include mentoring younger pupils, expanding sporting participation, strengthening community partnerships, celebrating culture and the arts, and leading charitable and environmental initiatives.
Deputy Headteacher Laura Stewart said: "We want our students to understand that leadership is about service, responsibility and having the courage to improve the world around you. The Leadership Legacy Project gives them the opportunity to do exactly that.
“The quality of applications was exceptional. What impressed us most wasn't simply the students' ideas, but their willingness to step forward, challenge themselves and commit to making a positive difference. We are incredibly proud of every student who applied.”
The Leadership Legacy Project is built around Prince William School's values of respect, ambition and resilience.
Prince William School is part of East Midlands Academy Trust.