More than 50 children applied to become prefects at the new Ebbsfleet Academy in Swanscombe.

The initiative has seen 30 Year 11 pupils appointed to the position.

Their role is to be an ambassador for the school, whether it be showing guests around the Southfleet Road building, attending events, or ensuring the school dinner queue remains orderly.

Among those chosen and awarded the rectangular blue badge of command were Zoe Prestidge, 15, Evan Whiting, 15, Ayla Taylor, 16, Chloe Godfrey, 15, and Jake Tinsley, 16.

Zoe said: “We’re here to act as ambassadors and show the younger children how to act, and we’re trusted by the school to do that.”

In September we reported how new rules and a uniform change had forced some children to be sent home, angering parents.

Each of the applicants needed a perfect attendance record and a clean detention record in order to be considered.

Their first day on the job was Monday. Jake said: “It wasn’t too bad. Some of the pupils tried their luck but there’s been a pretty good response so far. It’s all very well having teachers lead by example but I think it really helps when the students are doing it too.”

Principal Alison Colwell said she was overwhelmed with the response.

She said: “It’s quite interesting to see that when we opened with this fanfare of extreme rules and regulations, the kids said they really love it.

“We had over 50 applications and it was a really rigorous process. They had to write a letter, be interviewed and perform tasks such as showing visitors around to see how they handled it.

“They really want to be part of this academy and I think that’s one in the eye for people saying it’s too strict.”