Exeter students visit Devon County Hall to question council leaders

Student leaders from Isca Academy have been given a first-hand look at how local government operates after visiting Devon County Hall to meet senior council figures and quiz decision-makers about leadership and youth involvement.

The group travelled from their Exeter school to County Hall to tour the historic building, including the council chamber where key decisions affecting communities across Devon are made. 

The visit offered pupils the chance to see the mechanics of local democracy up close and understand how policies impacting young people are shaped.

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During their time at County Hall, students met Donna Manson, Chief Executive of Devon County Council, who spoke about her career journey and shared advice on ambition, leadership and professional development. 

She discussed the challenges and responsibilities that come with leading a large local authority and encouraged students to think broadly about their future pathways.

The visit also saw pupils step into the role of interviewers. Students were filmed putting prepared questions to Jack Newton, Deputy Director of Inclusion and Learning, and Councillor Richard Jefferies, the council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services. 

Topics included how young people can play a more active role in shaping local initiatives and improving services for children and families.

As well as questioning senior officers and elected members, the students shared ideas with the council’s media team on how best to communicate with younger audiences - a theme that reflects growing efforts across Devon to ensure youth voices are heard in public consultation and service design.

The County Hall trip builds on recent student-led activity within Exeter’s communities. 

Last month, members of Isca’s Student Council presented findings from a youth voice consultation at Wynstream Primary School to Wonford COGS (Community Organisations and Groups), highlighting younger pupils’ views on local youth provision. 

The presentation formed part of ongoing work to strengthen links between schools and community organisations in the Wonford area.

Isca Academy, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, has placed increasing emphasis on student leadership and participation in recent years, with initiatives designed to give pupils meaningful opportunities to influence decisions both within school and beyond.

Headteacher Mrs Vicki Joyce said she was proud of how the students conducted themselves during the visit.

“I am incredibly proud of our student leaders for the maturity and confidence they showed during the visit,” she said. 

“Being at County Hall was a fantastic opportunity to engage with local decision-makers, learn about civic leadership, and see how their voices can make a real difference.”

Year 9 student Reem described the experience as inspiring.

“The opportunity to visit County Hall was inspiring. I was able to share my experiences, and I felt like my opinion was really listened to,” she said. 

“I also liked hearing about Mr Newton’s and Mrs Manson’s goals, and their aspirations for the future of education. I’m really excited to be part of the student voice, as I want to represent young people from across Devon and help improve opportunities for all of us.”

For the students involved, the visit provided more than just a tour of a civic building. It offered a practical lesson in how local government functions in Exeter and across Devon - and a reminder that youth voices can play a role in shaping the decisions that affect their futures.