The British School of Brussels (BSB) has appointed four new Secondary School Presidents for the coming year: two Ninas, and two Sophies, a team that embodies BSB’s commitment to student agency, leadership and international mindedness.
Following a rigorous selection process in Secondary, these four Year 12 students were chosen for their strong commitment to student advocacy, inclusion and service to the wider school community.
“We are delighted to announce our four Student Presidents for the coming year, Nina, Sophie, Nina and Sophie,” said James Penstone, Principal and CEO at BSB. “Their individual talents and perspectives combine to form a dynamic team, united by a shared vision of strengthening our international community, amplifying student voice, building confidence, and fostering meaningful dialogue between students and the wider community so that all learners feel heard, valued, and empowered to contribute.”
As Student Presidents, they will work closely as a team, each contributing their own perspective while modelling collaborative leadership for younger students. Their work builds on the legacy of previous BSB Presidents, who have helped to shape initiatives in areas such as student voice, enrichment, wellbeing and social responsibility.
The new Presidents have already set out clear priorities for the year ahead, firmly anchored in BSB’s ethos of inclusion, respect and shared responsibility.
“I’m really looking forward to raising awareness of students with additional needs and to helping make our school community even more inclusive,” said Nina K. “I want every student to have equitable access to opportunities here and to feel a real sense of belonging.”
“As Student President, I want to help bridge the gap between students and teachers by encouraging open, constructive dialogue,” added Nina B. “I’m especially keen to make it easier for students to share ideas that can genuinely shape our everyday school life.”
Sophie VH’s future aspirations in the role are focused on amplifying student voices. “I’m most excited about empowering students to find the courage to make their voices heard,” she said. “In such a vibrant multicultural community, I want to help ensure that all identities and experiences are represented and that everyone feels valued.”
“In the year ahead, I’m looking forward to guiding and encouraging students to grow in confidence,” added Sophie B. “I want to make sure every perspective is seen and respected, and I’m particularly keen to support my peers in stepping into leadership roles of their own.”
Together, their priorities align closely with BSB’s values of empathy, responsibility and active engagement beyond the classroom. They will serve as visible role models to their peers, demonstrating that student leadership is about listening carefully, building consensus and turning ideas into positive action.
At BSB, leadership is not just a title – it is a transformative journey of personal growth, responsibility and community impact. Our school firmly believes that leadership potential resides in every student, and we are committed to providing diverse opportunities that nurture this potential from Primary through Secondary years.
The landscape of student leadership at BSB is rich and multifaceted, with roles that extend far beyond traditional expectations. At the forefront are our Student Presidents, who embody the spirit of student representation and collaborative governance. These remarkable individuals do much more than simply hold a prestigious position; they are the bridge between the student body and the school administration, helping to translate student experiences and ideas into concrete improvements.
Our Student Presidents play a crucial role in shaping the school’s culture and daily experience. They facilitate meaningful discussions and initiatives that reflect the student perspective, whether that relates to learning, wellbeing, sustainability or community events. By working closely with their Primary school counterparts, they help ensure that the voice of every student is heard, regardless of age, and that leadership feels accessible to younger pupils as well.
On ceremonial occasions, these student leaders step forward to represent BSB, demonstrating the eloquence, confidence and poise that we strive to develop in all our students. Whether welcoming visitors, speaking at whole-school events or contributing to external partnerships, they embody the values and aspirations of the school community.
House Captains add another vital dimension to our leadership ecosystem. They are the pulse of our inter-house activities, motivating their peers, organising events and fostering a sense of community and healthy competition. Through these roles, students learn to inspire others, coordinate teams and lead by example – skills that will serve them well beyond their school years.
The Student Council representatives, in both Primary and Secondary, provide a structured platform for student engagement and agency. They bring forward ideas, address concerns and work collaboratively with staff to continuously improve the school environment. This process teaches students important principles of democratic participation, negotiation and constructive problem-solving.
Leadership at BSB extends far beyond these formal positions. Through multiple initiatives, we offer multiple pathways for students to develop leadership skills. These opportunities encourage students to step out of their comfort zones, cultivate curiosity, build confidence and discover their own authentic leadership style.
Our approach to leadership is fundamentally about empowerment. We do not just assign titles; we provide the support, guidance and opportunities for students to truly grow into their leadership potential. By embracing ethical leadership principles, our students learn that true leadership is about service, empathy and making a positive difference to others.
Within this broader leadership landscape, the Student President role is a powerful expression of student agency – the idea that young people are active partners in their education rather than passive recipients. By design, the Presidents’ work centres on listening to their peers, identifying what matters most to students and working with staff to co-create solutions.
In practice, this means leading and chairing student forums, contributing to discussions about wellbeing and school life, supporting student-led initiatives and championing inclusion across the Secondary school. It also means modelling the kind of reflective, values-driven leadership that encourages others to step forward, speak up and take responsibility.
As Nina, Nina, Sophie and Sophie begin their year in office, they do so within a community that trusts its young people to have a voice, to take initiative and to lead. Their work in the months ahead will help to strengthen the culture of agency at BSB – ensuring that students are not only heard, but also actively involved in shaping the school they are proud to call their own.
Read more about Student Leadership at BSB.
