For many students at North Hertfordshire College (NHC), their time is spent focusing on practical work, assignments, exams, and preparing for their future careers. However, for some, there’s an added layer of responsibility: representing their peers as a student rep.
Student reps are elected by their classmates at the beginning of each academic year, giving them the opportunity to create a feedback channel between students and staff. Reps voice concerns, suggest improvements, and help enhance the overall student experience. To understand their role further, we followed a few of our students throughout their rep journey.
Challenges and triumphs
One of the biggest challenges of being a student rep is ensuring all students feel heard. Whether it’s issues with facilities, coursework concerns, or extracurricular opportunities, the role requires strong communication skills and patience.
Jack, one of our Motor Vehicle students, has seen his role grow and change over the 2024/25 academic year. He volunteered to step into another student’s role after their circumstances changed, increasing his responsibilities and helping develop his collaboration and leadership skills.
He told us “I wanted to help my classmates get through their course and improve things for myself and colleagues and make college life better”.
Exciting Experiences
Being a student rep also comes with unique opportunities. This year, student and curriculum reps had the chance to visit the Houses of Parliament, gaining insight into how government decisions impact education. The experience was eye-opening, reinforcing the importance of student voices in shaping policies. Jack shared “We were so lucky to do that trip, we had such a good day and saw so much that helps us put it all into context!”
Additionally, the annual Student Conference in January was a major highlight. With guest speakers from Mind discussing mental health awareness, and representatives from Toastmasters covering presentation and interview skills, the event emphasized the importance of effective communication
Creating Connections
Each term, curriculum reps also meet with heads of curriculum to discuss course-related concerns and suggestions for improvement. These meetings ensure that student feedback directly informs teaching practices, helping create a more supportive and responsive learning environment. In addition, these collaborations provide opportunities to develop valuable skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.
“I’ve developed my communication and leadership skills,” Jack says. “Being a curriculum rep meant I have been advocating for all students at our campus. I collect the feedback from students and analyse it all, with Claire and Jan (student services staff) at my side and then meet with the head of curriculum. I talk over whatever we have to talk about, and I go away and feed it back to other people.”
Chris, one of NHC’s Creative Industries students and our LGBTQIA+ Student Rep, discusses the various changes she has implemented while serving in this role. “So far, I have worked on practical improvements such as submitting requests to fix sinks and water stations and ensuring a menu was displayed in the kitchen to help students see what food was available. In the future, I’d like to continue identifying and resolving student concerns while also helping to plan engaging events for the LGBTQIA+ society.”
Being a rep also means forming new friendships and working closely with a diverse range of people from across the College. An example of this is Digital Ambassador Tom, who has been running a VR club which allows students to explore new technologies and develop digital skills. His work was so impactful that he even had the opportunity to present the VR club to the Governors, showcasing the innovation and creativity taking place at NHC.
He has also coordinated an amazing collaboration with Letchworth Garden Shed, which has seen refurbished laptops be donated to NHC students, creating greater access to digital technology.
Katie, who is studying Level 3 Art & Design, serves as the Charity and Volunteering Ambassador and has been instrumental in enhancing student wellbeing. She has set up monthly therapy dog sessions visits across all three college campuses, providing a calming and stress-relieving experience for students. This initiative has been widely praised and has contributed to an even more positive and supportive campus environment.
Another standout example of student representation is Grace, Level 3 Forensic Science learner and one of NHC’s dedicated student reps. Throughout the year, as well as supporting Tom with the VR club and other rep input, she has attended school careers events alongside college staff, sharing her experiences with prospective students. Her insights have provided valuable guidance to those considering joining NHC, offering a firsthand perspective on student life and opportunities at the college.
Grace told us: “One of the reasons I wanted to become a rep was so that I could go to careers fairs and talk to future college students and advise them in the best possible way I can, as I didn’t have someone to talk to about college.”
Looking Ahead
As the academic year comes to an end, Chris reflects on their time as a student rep: “Through this role, I have developed strong communication and leadership skills. I have also gained experience in problem-solving, teamwork, and event planning, all of which have helped me grow both personally and professionally.
“I will be attending Salford university for a three-year Film Production course. I received an unconditional offer, and this was directly correlated to my personal statement in which I talked about my experiences as a rep and my growth in the role. When attending university, I’ll be joining a speakers’ group that I was introduced to through rep meetings. I’ll also try and join many similar groups as I’ve been a part of here to help ground myself within a community which through experiences at college I’ve found is vital.”
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For students thinking about stepping up as a rep next year, Jack has some advice: “I would say go for it, it helps you with your CV and builds up your confidence and gives you great training and allows you to do your bit to help other students out.”
As North Hertfordshire College prepares for another academic year, the legacy of student reps like Chris, Grace, Katie, Tom and Jack will continue to shape the student experience for years to come.
To keep up to date with our student reps’ activities, be sure to follow North Hertfordshire College on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!