Student leadership

At Co-op Academy Manchester, we're passionate about equipping students with the skills, confidence, and values to lead and inspire others. We provide a variety of opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills and to ensure our academy is a GREAT place to learn.

Tutor Captains

At the start of the academic year, each form group elects two students to be Tutor Captain and Tutor Vice Captain. These students support their form tutor during form time, in particular in delivering the student voice elements.

They also form a year-group team, which meets once a half-term to discuss key issues raised by students and staff.

Student Council

Two students from each year group (Years 7-10) make up the Student Council. They are elected from the year-group teams of Tutor Captains and Vice Captains.

Student Council discusses any issues raised by the year-group teams as well as following an agenda set by staff.

The Student Council is led by the Year 11 Senior Prefects, who report back to the academy senior leadership team.

Prefects

Prefects are students from Years 9–11. They are students who reflect our mantra of GREAT on a daily basis through their attendance, punctuality, smart uniform and attitudes to learning. We expect Prefects to be exemplary role models both during the academy day and in supporting academy events.

Senior Prefects

At the end of Year 10, prefects are invited to apply for the positions of Head Prefect and Senior Prefect. They complete an application form and are interviewed by a member of the senior leadership team.

Head Prefects (2026/27):

Benjamin (events)

Sokaina (student voice)

I wanted to become Head Prefect for many reasons. My experience as Vice Tutor Captain also encouraged me to apply, as this role taught me leadership, communication, responsibility, and how to support other students through the duties that came along with it. Ultimately, I wanted to take on a role where I could use my voice to give others a voice and make a positive impact on the academy.

Senior Prefects (2026/27):

Evie (student voice)

Alex (student voice)

Ethan (events)

Aamanee (events)

Co-op Young Leaders

Students in Year 8 and above can apply to be a Co-op Young Leader. This is part of a trust-wide programme of Student Leadership and encourages students to take part in community activities and to support academy events.

Student Librarians

Students who show a commitment to reading and using the Library are invited to become a Student Librarian. This opportunity is available to students in all year groups.

Students are allocated duties before and after school, at break and lunchtime, on a rota basis. Duties include:

Staffing the Library counter
Issuing and returning books and chromebooks
Tidying the Library
Helping students choose books
Labelling new stock
Helping with displays
Assisting students with logging on