Celebrating Our New Lead Learner Team 2025

We are delighted to announce the appointment of this year’s Lead Learner Team, who will play a vital role in representing the voices of our learners and leading initiatives across the school. Drawn from our Year 11 learners, the Lead Learners will work alongside the newly appointed Form Representatives, together ensuring that every learner in every year group has a platform for their ideas, concerns and ambitions.

The standard of applications was incredibly high this year, with each learner presenting thoughtful ideas and demonstrating real commitment to making a difference. Applicants were assessed against clear criteria, including the quality of their application letter, their previous experience, their vision for the role, and the personal qualities they would bring. The panel, made up of SLT and Miss Jenkins, Progress Lead, were hugely impressed by the dedication and maturity shown by all candidates.

The Lead Learner structure allows for both whole-school leadership and targeted focus on key areas of school life. This year’s appointments are:

• Lead Learners: Nmesoma Obioma & Sophie Speed
• Deputy Lead Learners: Tehila Goje & Lucas Parsons
• Head of Activate: Madison Bale (Deputy: Keeli Fletcher-Slocombe)
• Head of Advance: Emma Phillips (Deputy: Salmah Alabi)
• Head of Achieve: Divinesspencer Cyril-Ukachukwu (Deputy: Mubarak Arikewushola)
• Head of Creativity: Kira Woods
• Head of Innovation: Deagan Dragon-Shmylo
• Head of LiFE: Emilie Rees

Our learners impressed staff with their vision, confidence and commitment to making a difference. From improving community engagement, to supporting younger learners, to leading on issues such as attendance, wellbeing and school pride, this group has shown a real passion for strengthening school life at Ysgol Afon Wen.

Together with our Form Representatives, the Lead Learners will ensure that learner voice continues to shape our school development and that every learner feels heard, supported and inspired. This team truly embodies our belief in “A Voice For All.”