School Leadership

At Thorpe, we believe that every child should have opportunities to develop as a leader, serve others and make a positive contribution to our school community. From representing their classmates to supporting younger children, our pupil leadership roles help children grow in confidence, responsibility and independence as they flourish during their time at Thorpe.

Lead Learners

At the start of each school year, children in Year 6 are invited to apply to become Lead Learners at Thorpe. As part of the process, children write to the Headteacher, Joe Blaney, explaining why they would make positive role models and how their experiences at Thorpe have helped them to flourish.

Our Lead Learners are ambassadors for the school and are trusted to represent Thorpe at important moments in school life. They work closely with the Headteacher, particularly in supporting and leading Collective Worship, welcoming visitors and representing the school community.

House Captains

Each September, Year 6 pupils have the opportunity to stand for election as House Captains for Mars, Saturn, Neptune and Jupiter. Children prepare and deliver a speech explaining why they would make a good captain before their fellow pupils vote to choose their representatives.

House Captains take on a range of leadership responsibilities throughout the school year. One of the highlights is representing and encouraging their houses at our annual Sports Day in the summer term.

School Council

Each class elects two children annually to represent them on our School Council. Supported by Mrs Orriss, the council provides an important opportunity for children to have their voices heard and to contribute to positive change at Thorpe.

The School Council meets at least once every half term to discuss ideas, suggestions and issues that matter to pupils. This year, an early focus has been communicating children's views about our school meals, which are provided by Olive Dining.

Worship Committee

Our Worship Committee includes two representatives from each year group from Years 1 to 6. During the spring term, we also welcome two children from Reception, giving our youngest pupils the opportunity to contribute.

Supported by Miss Wallage and Fr Stephen, the committee plays an important part in developing and celebrating the Christian distinctiveness of Thorpe as a Church of England school.

The children contribute ideas for Collective Worship and help plan and write services held at St Mary's Church, including our Harvest, Remembrance, Christmas and Easter services. Through this role, children have a genuine voice in the worshipping life of our school.

OPAL Play Leaders

Children in Year 5 can volunteer to become OPAL Play Leaders, supporting the successful delivery of OPAL play at Thorpe.

Our Play Leaders help younger children enjoy the opportunities available at lunchtime and take particular responsibility for helping children look after and pack away the resources used each day. This encourages responsibility, teamwork and service to others.

Year 5 Buddies

Every child in Year 5 takes on the very special responsibility of becoming a buddy to a child in Reception.

This relationship begins with our Welcome Reception Bible Service, when each Year 5 child presents a Bible to their Reception buddy as we formally welcome our youngest children into the Thorpe family.

As the year progresses, Year 5 buddies provide friendship, encouragement and reassurance. They play an especially important role when Reception children are ready to join the main playground at lunchtime, usually towards the end of October or beginning of November.

We are very proud of the care, kindness and leadership shown by our Year 5 children as they support the youngest members of our school community.

Pupil Voice and Responsibility

These are just some of the ways children can take responsibility and contribute to life at Thorpe. Wherever possible, leadership positions are chosen democratically, helping children understand the importance of listening to others, representing their peers and using their voice to make a positive difference.

Courageous Advocacy and Supporting Charities Locally and Nationally

At Thorpe, courageous advocacy is about encouraging our children to recognise injustice, show compassion and understand that they can make a positive difference in the world around them.

Throughout the year, we carefully choose local and national charities that have meaningful connections to our children, families and wider community. Through fundraising, raising awareness and practical acts of service, children are encouraged to put our Christian vision and values into action, serving their neighbours and helping others to flourish.

Supporting Runnymede Foodbank

Every year, our school community supports Runnymede Foodbank as part of our Harvest celebrations. In October 2026, we introduced a new focus by inviting families to take part in our Cereal Domino Challenge.

The idea was simple: one small act of kindness can lead to another. By donating a box of cereal, families could help someone experiencing hardship begin their day with breakfast. Our community generously donated over 100 boxes of cereal, and we hope to build on this initiative in future years as we continue to support those most in need within our local community.

Ready, Kind and Safe Week

Each November, we take part in Odd Socks Day as part of national Anti-Bullying Week. At Thorpe, this sits within our own Ready, Kind and Safe Week, where we focus on what our school rules mean in practice.

Odd Socks Day celebrates difference and individuality while providing an opportunity for children to think about kindness, respect and how their words and actions affect others. It helps children understand the role they can play in ensuring everyone feels valued, included and safe at Thorpe.

Supporting Marie Curie

Each March, our school community comes together to support Marie Curie through our annual Daffodil Dash. This charity has particular significance for Thorpe because families and members of our wider community have experienced bereavement following cancer.

Our children learn why the charity's work is important before taking action themselves through fundraising. In March 2026, Thorpe families raised over £2,000 through the Daffodil Dash.

Our staff also joined the fundraising effort by completing their own Daffodil Dash, walking around Virginia Water Lake.

Through opportunities such as these, we want our children to understand that courageous advocacy is not simply about raising money. It is about recognising the needs of others, understanding why action is needed and having the courage and compassion to make a difference.

Supporting St Mary’s Church

Our Year 6 children have the opportunity to serve our local church and give something back to an important part of the Thorpe community. Children undertake practical tasks at St Mary’s Church, including carefully cleaning and polishing artefacts and helping with the ongoing care of the church.

These opportunities help children understand that service is not always about fundraising. Giving their time and helping others are equally important ways of putting our Christian values into action. Through their service, our children strengthen the special relationship between our school, church and the wider community.