School PARLIAMENT

The School Parliament enables pupils to have real agency in the way their school is run. In keeping with both our school values and our British values, the School Parliament benefits the whole school because it provides opportunities for pupils to communicate their feelings as well as influence decisions that are made.

At St Mary's Church of England Primary School and Nursery, we believe that every child has the right to be heard and the opportunity to make a positive difference to our school community. Our School Parliament provides a meaningful way for pupils to share their ideas, represent their classmates and help shape school life.

Cabinet Committees

We aim for our School Parliament to reflect how the national parliaments function. So, our School Parliament Representatives (SPRs) are elected democratically after a hustings by their classmates at the beginning of each academic year. Once elected, each representative serves on one of our four cabinet committees:

Health Cabinet

The Health Cabinet promotes physical, mental and emotional wellbeing across the school. Members help to develop initiatives that encourage healthy lifestyles, positive relationships and good mental health.

Learning Cabinet

The Learning Cabinet focuses on improving teaching and learning. Members gather feedback from pupils about their learning experiences and help identify ways to make learning even more engaging and effective.

Technology Cabinet

The Technology Cabinet supports the school's use of technology and digital learning. Members help promote online safety, explore new technologies and gather pupil views on how technology can enhance learning.

Environment Cabinet

The Environment Cabinet is passionate about sustainability and caring for God's creation. Members help lead environmental projects, encourage responsible use of resources and support initiatives that improve our school environment.

Democracy in Action

All SPRs act as the voice of their classmates, bringing ideas, suggestions and concerns to School Parliament meetings. With the support of their Cabinet Ministers (assigned teachers), through discussion, collaboration and decision-making, pupils learn about democracy, leadership and responsible citizenship.

Our School Parliament plays an important role in helping us live out our vision of "Faith in Everyone, Faith in Myself" by empowering children to make a real difference within our school and the wider community.

Connecting with the Wider World

We are proud to provide our pupils with opportunities to experience democracy beyond the classroom. Wherever possible, we endeavour to take our St Mary's School Parliament to visit the UK Parliament each year. These visits give pupils a valuable insight into how democracy operates at a national level and inspire them to become active, informed citizens.

In September 2025, our School Parliament was also delighted to welcome Roz Savage MP to St Mary's. During her visit, she presented Parliament badges to our elected representatives, praised the children's exemplary behaviour and commitment to our school values, and discussed the important role young people play in shaping the future of their communities.