PUPILS at Teesdale School have elected their first ever head boy and girl.

More than 500 staff and students cast their votes for the new positions on Friday, October 17, and year 13 pupils, Matthew Littlefair and Lizzie Knight, were crowned the winners of the election.

Both students have strong academic plans for next year, with Matthew planning on studying Physics at Durham University and Lizzie gearing up to study Natural Sciences at Cambridge.

Talking about their new roles, Matthew said: “I’m really pleased, running for this position tested my skills and I found it a real challenge to speak in front of the whole school assemblies, I am looking forward to the role and hope that I live up the expectations of all who voted for me."

Lizzie added: “I’m excited to explore the possible changes which can be implemented and being the link between the student body and the leadership team.”

Teesdale School Co-Principal, John Southeran said "I am delighted with the appointments to these new positions within the school.

“Lizzie and Matthew will chair our student leadership team which is made up from a selection of prefects, main school and sixth form councils.

“They will also attend leadership team meetings giving student voice a real presence in the strategic decision making of the school.

“Both candidates gave impressive campaign speeches in house assemblies and the student response in terms of votes cast shows how seriously democracy was taken by our students."