All courses / Prefects

Selected or appointed prefects

Learn to lead other students fairly and confidently.

Prefects · A Greatness Project short course

A practical leadership course for students selected or appointed as prefects. They practise applying rules fairly, handling difficult conversations and knowing when to involve an adult.

What participants learn

  • Apply rules fairly, including when friends are involved.
  • Handle disagreement without aggression or humiliation.
  • Recognise concerns that need an authorised adult.

WHY THIS COURSE

Practise before
the pressure rises.

Being appointed does not make correcting a friend easy. Prefects need to uphold rules without humiliating other students, cope with criticism and recognise the limits of their authority. This course rehearses those situations before they become daily problems.

SITUATIONS PARTICIPANTS WORK THROUGH

01Applying a rule fairly when a friend is involved.

02Distinguishing confidentiality from secrecy and knowing when to involve staff.

03Recovering credibility after a public mistake.

PREFECTS / COURSE CONTENT

What is taught.

Six areas of learning, using examples relevant to this group. A facilitator guides discussion and practice.

01

Know your responsibilities

Anchor leadership in values and service. Distinguish the person from the badge and the role from popularity.

A PRACTICAL EXERCISE

Build a values compass and a personal leadership intention.

02

Apply rules fairly

Connect students and school authority through trust. Use influence without humiliation, favouritism or coercion.

A PRACTICAL EXERCISE

Rehearse applying a rule when a close friend expects an exception.

03

Stay calm under pressure

Practise Pause–Name–Choose. Recognise pressure, regulate reactions and recover perspective after criticism.

A PRACTICAL EXERCISE

Choose a response when your own mistake becomes public.

04

Have difficult conversations

Listen, speak clearly and act fairly when gossip, harmful conduct or peer pressure tests your principles.

A PRACTICAL EXERCISE

Prepare a conversation that challenges conduct while protecting dignity.

05

Know when to involve staff

Understand the limits of student authority and when a concern must reach an adult.

A PRACTICAL EXERCISE

Map the school’s approved routes. Practise noticing, listening and connecting to the designated adult.

06

Plan your work and handover

Sustain effort alongside study and rest. Turn the role into a useful contribution and handover.

A PRACTICAL EXERCISE

Create a leadership action plan and select a non-sensitive lesson for the next team.

WHAT PARTICIPANTS TAKE AWAY

Tools and actions
to use afterwards.

  • A written statement of values and leadership goals.
  • A private reflection workbook and a pause-and-decide practice.
  • Words to use in a difficult conversation.
  • A list of school-approved adults to contact for support.
  • A leadership action plan; continuity work according to tier.

The course develops these skills through practice. Lasting change also depends on support and the conditions participants return to.

FOR THE SCHOOL OR ORGANISATION

How this supports
your people.

  • Prepare the transition into office deliberately.
  • Support fair authority, trust and appropriate escalation.
  • Create continuity between student leadership teams.
See how progress can be reviewed

DURATION & SUPPORT

Choose how much
follow-up you need.

Every option begins with a guided workshop. Workshop length, group size, dates and fees are agreed before booking.

Ignition

Workshop and next steps

Practise realistic situations, receive a private reflection workbook and leave with initial actions.

No ongoing 90-day or 180-day support.

Ask about this option

Stewardship

Workshop + 180-day support

Allow more time for practice, feedback and planning how useful lessons will support future groups.

180 days in total. The support is agreed for your group.

Ask about this option

Unsure which option fits? Tell us who the course is for and what you want them to learn. We will explain the suitable options before preparing a proposal.

HOW TO ARRANGE THIS COURSE

Tell us about
your group.

The school confirms the appointed participant group, names its safeguarding owner and Staff Champion or liaison, and approves delivery.

  1. Send an enquiry with the group and training need.
  2. Discuss the course, format and follow-up.
  3. Review the proposal with dates, fees and responsibilities before booking.
Ask about this course

Practical details

What are the entry requirements?

Formally selected or appointed prefects, preparing to assume duties or already serving. Schools commission and govern the cohort.

What is included in the proposal?

Workshop length, group size, facilitator, delivery setting, materials, follow-up, dates and fees. These are confirmed before any booking.

How is privacy protected?

This complements school discipline, pastoral care and safeguarding. It replaces none of them. Earlier-form students before selection belong in Leadership Foundations. Private journals are not collected for selection, employment or sponsor reporting.

Is this for students not yet selected?

Earlier development belongs in Leadership Foundations. Prefects addresses the specific duties and boundaries of an appointed school role.

Want to understand the workshop first? See how a course works or try a free exercise .