“SPEAK softly, be calm and caring and don't overrule others' opinions,” is the modern vision of leadership championed by St. Antony's Catholic School's new student leadership team.

After writing their own applications and facing a series of interviews from the senior teachers, the Urmston school has appointed a new head girl and head boy with deputies to set an example to the whole school and far from wanting to assert authority the young men and women want to listen.

Head girl Caitlin Rigney 15, who wants to work in the travel industry, said: “I remember my first days at big school and I think the most important element of the role is to make the youngest members of the community feel welcome, safe and secure and know they can come to us at any time.”

Head boy Christopher Younis-John, 15, from Old Trafford, who wants to become a doctor, said: “Cooperation is the key to good leadership. Setting a good example and listening to everyone's opinions. It's certainly not about shouting the loudest.”

Sophie McCall, 15, from Stretford, who wants to be a lawyer, continued: “As one of St. Antony's team of peer mentors, I have already had some experience of helping others to get the most out of school and now I want to use those skills in this role.”

Corey Cochrane, 15, from Stretford, who wants to be a biologist, added: “I am looking forward to helping to organise events such as open days and the school Prom Party and representing the views of the student body to the teachers so we can improve school life for one and all.”

St. Antony's headteacher Fiona Wright said: “We want to involve our students much more in the day to day running of St. Antony's.

"Our student leaders will be looking after a large team of prefects all with specific duties to manage day to day life, help at events, care for everyone in our community and help us improve the school. We believe the more responsibility you can give a young person, the more responsible they will become.”