A SCHOOL has done away with the “outdated notion” of head boy and head girl and introduced gender neutral titles to promote “a welcoming atmosphere for all”.

Bolton St Catherine’s Academy has changed the traditional leadership titles to “head’s ambassadors”.

The change came about as the academy has a desire to continue to be known as an inclusive community and is one of a number of new initiatives it has introduced.

There is currently an LGBTQ+ group running for students to ask questions, and support friends who may wish to find out more.

It has become a safe space for many students to express their thoughts openly.

Headteacher, Rachael Lucas, said: ‘At Bolton St Catherine’s Academy we recognise and celebrate diversity and inclusion.

“We are delighted to be able to showcase our commitment to this by thinking about how we address our lead student ambassadors - moving away from the outdated notion of a head girl and boy.

“Small gestures can have big impacts, and with many other initiatives around school, we are signalling our resolution to be an institution that is welcoming to all.”

More than 20 students applied for the positions, completing an application form and giving a speech, outlining the reasons they wished to take on the roles.

Three students were chosen as the head’s ambassadors – Ted Hodson-Fitton, Sophia Hughes and Jemima Alasoudura.

Ted said: “I am grateful for the opportunity to be a head’s ambassador because I am able to represent my school in a positive way, showing our community how amazing we are.”

Sophia added: ‘‘Our community is a place to thrive from and not a place to impose limitations.”

Jemima said: “Being someone from a multi-heritage background within an English school, has helped me to understand the importance of celebrating culture and diversity within school life, and as a head’s ambassador it’s essential to me that as a school that we celebrate those differences that make us all unique.”

The other students who applied, were selected to be Year 11 ambassadors, and are identified in the academy with a special silver tie. So far, they have assisted with open evenings, Year Seven transition meetings, tours for visitors around the academy, and they will be hand delivering Christmas cards to the local area in December.

Becky Bainbridge from the Reclaim Project who works with the academy said: “We have been really impressed with how proactive and visibly supportive BSCA are of their LGBT+ community.”

We certainly see how it translates into pupils feeling comfortable in speaking about and exploring gender and sexuality, and how the school is working to build an inclusive environment.”