When I was faced with the challenge of reinvigorating the role of our prefects, a series of questions streamed through my mind: what tasks could we scrape together to bestow upon them? What could we reasonably expect of them? And more importantly, was it even possible for prefects to make a significant difference to school life?

Student voice: Why it’s so important in learning

Engagement: How to make sure the student voice is heard

Behaviour: Are we putting the pupils’ needs first?

I soon realised I was falling prey to the misconception that “if you want something done right, then you have to do it yourself”. 

Simply trying to dream up tasks that looked important but didn’t have a fundamental benefit to them, while the teaching staff tried to handle everything else, would help no one.

We would have to let go of some control and trust the prefects to deliver.

Life skills

Ultimately, it is our responsibility, as educators, not only to teach a variety of academic subjects but to develop the students’ life skills as well.

Being a prefect offers a pupil the chance to demonstrate their ability to be a confident leader, to consciously act as a role model and be a bridge of communication between senior members of staff and their peers.

These are abilities that many employers seek. Yet our students may not even be aware that they possess these skills until they are given the opportunity to shine.

So, how can teachers bring out the best in their prefects and ensure that they have a positive impact on the school? Here are some top tips to make the most of your prefects:

1. Set clear expectations

What do you want them to accomplish? And what will the outcomes look like? If prefects are working towards a common goal, there is a drive for them to achieve it together.

2. Use them as mentors or coaches for younger students

Prefects are specialists in navigating school life. They’ve been there, done that and got the T-shirt much more recently than we have.

Consider a Year 7 student who is struggling with organisation or homework - who better to help them than the experts sitting right under our noses?

3. Trust them

Prefects are well on their way to becoming young adults who need to learn to manage responsibility.

There are lots of tasks that could be undertaken by prefects, such as guiding parents around the school site, organising assemblies or leading student voice meetings. It is their school too; let them take some control.

4. Hear their voices

Being a prefect allows students a chance to make a difference. Whether it is making sure the school is going green or raising awareness for mental health, ask your prefects what value they want to add to the school.

After all, it’s no surprise that individuals are more productive if they are passionate about the projects they are working on.

5. Recognise their efforts 

While prefect badges or ties establish their status, it is vital to remember that these students embody the values of the school and maintain high standards of behaviour.

As a result, they should be respected and appreciated. Acknowledging a job well done is a great motivator for prefects to continue to uphold the ideals we expect.

Faye Cargill is an English teacher in Dorset