How was James Head Boy without being a Prefect?

[bluesqueak]

No: HPFGUIDX 76973

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "feetmadeofclay" 
<feetmadeofclay at y...> wrote:
> --- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "ghinghapuss" 
<rredordead at a...> 
>> Mandy wrote:
>  If James showed a remarkable change 
> > in year 6, perhaps he just grew up, but it seemed to have 
> > convinced Lily as well as the faculty he could have been given 
> the Headboyship.

> Golly wrote:
> So is Head Boy anyone they choose?  Or does he have to be a 
prefect.  
<Snip>> 

Pip!Squeak replies:

Honestly, there are so many different ways of selecting Head 
Boy/Head Girl in British schools, that JKR can select practically 
any system she likes. James could be appointed without having been a 
prefect, James could become an 'extra' prefect in year six, James 
could be elected by the students ...

Take your pick, there'll be a school that does it that way.

Pip!Squeak