Once a week in Academic Mentoring, students engage with the national Votes for Schools programme. These sessions allow students to impartially discuss challenging current affairs and topical issues and they are fully mapped against SMSC development and Modern British Values. Students vote on the weekly topic and these votes are recorded, ensuring their voices are heard and have an impact.

At Kingswood Academy, students have taken this programme to another level. All Votes for Schools lessons are 100% delivered by students, while teachers step back and allow them to take the lead in facilitating discussion, debate and voting. All students in Academic Mentoring groups are expected to have delivered at least one session by the end of the year, ensuring they develop confidence and skills in public speaking, presentation and leadership.