Our school houses were established in 2018 with four houses taking their inspiration from the works of our namesake, George Eliot.
The aim of the Houses is to develop a system for rewards, competition, leadership development and community across the school. The house leaderboard is updated each week on the screens and shared in the bulletin.
The Junior Leadership Team gives pupils a strong voice in shaping school life. Members work closely with staff to share ideas, lead projects, and drive positive changes that benefit the whole school community. Through their role, pupils develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills, while making a real and lasting impact on the school.
JLT 2025-2026 Team Vision
“Our vision is to strengthen pupils’ ability to be confident individuals, positive role models, and active contributors to school life and the local community. We aim to represent all pupils, work together with staff, and create opportunities that keep our school a safe, inclusive, and an inspiring place to learn and grow.”
The School Council at GEA is made up of elected Form Representatives who give a voice to their classmates and ensure every pupil is heard. Council members work together to discuss ideas, tackle challenges, and propose improvements that make the school a safer, happier, and more inspiring place. Through their work, pupils play an active role in shaping school life, developing leadership, teamwork, and communication skills, and making a real, positive difference to the whole school community.
Pupils who want to join the School Council start by preparing a manifesto to explain their ideas and goals. They then present their manifesto to their form, sharing why they would be a strong representative. Finally, their peers vote in a secret ballot, ensuring that the elected representatives truly reflect the voice of the students.
There are lots of opportunities for pupils to develop leadership skills at George Eliot Academy. All core groups will elect a Form Representative who will meet for the Year Council. The Year Council elect Year Representatives who will meet for the School Council. These groups meet to discuss issues and ideas for improvement we can make to make our school a place where everyone can be safe, happy and successful. This year we will be using virtual surveys using Microsoft Teams.
In Year 7 pupils can apply for the Buddy Programme. Buddies support the Year 6 pupils during Transition week and then as they move into Year 7. Buddies continue their role into Year 8 where they become Senior Buddies. The role of the Senior Buddy is to support and guide the Year 7 Buddies who are new to the role.
In June each year our Year 10 pupils are invited to apply for a position on the Year 11 Pupil Leadership Team. They complete an application form with references before being invited to interview with the Principal, Vice Principal and their Pastoral Lead. As part of the interview process all candidates are asked to present their ideas for school improvements and how they would implement these ideas over the coming year. This year we had ideas for the careers programme, a recycling scheme and a mentoring programme for the leadership team to help younger pupils.
Buddies – The Buddy Programme at GEA is an initiative for Year 7 pupils. They can apply to become buddies who support Year 6 pupils during their initial Transition Week and as they begin their journey at GEA in Year 7. The programme is designed to help younger students feel welcome and supported as they settle into their new school environment.
School Council – The School Council at GEA consists of Form Representatives who are elected to represent their class. These groups meet to discuss issues and ideas for improvement to help make the school a place where everyone can feel safe, happy, and successful.
School Council - The School Council at GEA consists of Form Representatives who are elected to represent their class. These groups meet to discuss issues and ideas for improvement to help make the school a place where everyone can feel safe, happy, and successful.
Career Council - The Careers Council at GEA is made up of pupils from all year groups who have chosen to support and promote careers. They assist with visits, trips, and hosting external visitors to the school. Members play an important role in running sessions and discussing career-related topics with other pupils.
Literacy - A Pupil Literacy Ambassador is a student who promotes reading and writing within their school community. They help inspire their peers by sharing book recommendations, organizing literacy events, and encouraging a love for language and storytelling.
Music Leaders - Music Leaders at The George Eliot Academy are passionate pupils who take on leadership roles in music. They support lessons, mentor peers, lead extra-curricular activities, and help promote a vibrant and positive music culture across the school.
History Ambassadors - History Ambassadors at The George Eliot Academy help promote a love of history across the school. They support events like Remembrance Day and Holocaust Memorial Day, assist with enrichment activities, and take part in assemblies, sharing their passion for the subject while building confidence and teamwork skills.
JLT - The Junior Leadership Team is a group of pupils who represent the student voice and help shape school decisions. They work closely with staff to share ideas, suggest improvements, and lead projects that make the school a better place for everyone.
Health & Social Care Ambassadors - A Health and Social Care Ambassador is a student who promotes the subject across the school, sharing their passion and encouraging others to get involved. They support community events, help run enrichment activities, and act as a positive role model by showing enthusiasm and teamwork.
Anti-Bullying Ambassadors - The Anti-Bullying Ambassadors at GEA are pupils who work to prevent bullying and promote a positive school environment. They contribute by supporting family lunch and working to increase pupil confidence and improve relationships on the playground. Their role is vital in making the school a safer and more supportive place for everyone.
Sports Leadership - A Pupil Sports Leadership Champion is a student who helps promote sport and physical activity across the school. They lead by example, assist in organizing events, support younger pupils, and encourage everyone to stay active and enjoy sports.