We recognise that our students have a valuable contribution to make within our school and local community and encourage them to take an active role in our school.

We want our students to:

• Have a voice with regard to changes and development in the school
• Understand why the school takes the decisions that it does
• Contribute to the progress and welfare of the whole student population
• Develop skills as ‘student researchers’
• Vote on Jack Petchey nominations

Our student voice comprises a variety of elected bodies and forums.  In Years 7-12 students elect two representatives from their form to sit on the Year Council.  Year Councils meet once every half term to discuss issues affecting their community, whilst planning for improvements and discussing action.  Each Year Council also elects two members to the School Council where they create an agenda from year matters and discuss whole school issues which are fed directly to the School’s Leadership Team.  The School Council meets at least twice every half term.

In addition to the Year and School Councils there are a number of different forums that have been established for students to share their opinions and put into action their ideas.  These forums include; the Ashmolean Council, the Teaching and Learning Forum and the Eco Club.  Each year a number of Ashmole students stand in the Youth Parliament elections. All of our students then have the opportunity to cast a vote. In 2015/16 one of our Year 12 students was elected to the parliament.

The Sixth Form is led by an elected Head Boy and Girl and their deputies. They form the Senior Team, whose role includes attending Year and School Council meetings, representing the school at key events and planning for improvements.  The Head Boy and Girl meet regularly with members of the school leadership team and play a pivotal role in the School Community.

Our students also take part in the "Make Your Mark" ballot, whereby young people can express their views on current matters and make a difference to society.

These forums are very well received by our students.  Such opportunities develop their social skills, nurture their leadership abilities and enrich them as citizens that want to ‘make a difference’.