Four Year 11 students at a Flintshire high school are delighted to have been elected as head and deputy head students and are looking forward to getting started in their new roles.

Ysgol Treffynnon's James Baker and Chloe Hughes have been appointed as head students and will be supported by deputies, Eleri Davies and Jessica Hall. Each student has their own ideas for how they can help younger students in day to day school life.

James said: "As a student with ASD and ADHD I want to support students in all year groups to better understand and be more accepting of all students, whatever issues they might be dealing with."

Chloe wants to focus on students' wellbeing. She said: "I want to have a big impact on our school and support students' wellbeing. I have already listened to many students and am looking forward to incorporating their ideas into our school.

"I am planning on coordinating all Year 7s to write to the Year 6s who will be transitioning from primary school to Ysgol Treffynnon in September to help alleviate any worries they may have."

Eleri and Jessica have similar aims and are also keen to look at eco issues, as Eleri explains: "I hope to improve our school's recycling system, provide a comfortable space for Year 11 students to revise and also ensure that the younger students feel supported."

Jessica added: "I am planning on encouraging more eco-friendly activities, supporting any students who are struggling with stress and helping others to compile revision timetables."

The students were elected via a democratic process organised by the school council who opened up applications for the roles to all Year 11 students.

Initially, students were invited to write a letter expressing their interest. A week later they submitted their manifestoes, which were sent to all students and staff to review and consider.

The council then created an online form to enable all students and staff to cast their votes, giving a week to consider and make their decisions. They chose to do this online because it saved paper and still had the opportunity to be anonymous.

All the votes were automatically calculated by the online programme and the successful candidates were informed soon afterwards.

School council members were very clear from the outset that they wanted to ensure any LGBTQ+ students could apply without having to declare a gender; therefore, the titles of head and deputy head students were decided upon instead of head and deputy head boy and girl.

Rebekah Rae, ALN teacher and student voice lead said: "As the student voice lead, I am very proud of how the council ensured that all eligible students had the opportunity to apply, and their determination to have a fair and eco-friendly voting system.

"The successful candidates have demonstrated that they want to support the students and staff in our school in a range of different areas, and I am excited to work with them to see their dreams come to fruition.

"We have a lot of lessons to learn together, and I am confident these students will raise awareness of the issues that are close to their hearts. I wish each of them every success in their new roles."