Pupil voice: guidance, resources and examples

See how you can develop pupil voice in your school, including principles, strategies and resources. Plus, see examples of how schools have encouraged pupils to engage in school decision-making.

Last reviewed on 9 March 2023
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 1017
Contents
  1. Keep these principles in mind to get the most out of pupil voice
  2. Consider these approaches to make your pupils heard
  3. See examples of how other schools collect and use pupil voice
  4. Use these resources to help you get started

Keep these principles in mind to get the most out of pupil voice

Have a clear commitment to pupil participation 

For example:

  • Make a public commitment about how you'll involve pupils' views and encourage pupil participation across your school
  • Communicate the benefits to make sure everyone in the school understands why involving pupils is important

Many schools follow the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) to embed pupil voice. See a summary and the full convention for more detail. 

You can also work towards accreditation to become a Rights Respecting School.

Support pupil participation

Provide the time, space and resources for pupil participation For example, organise circle time to discuss issues important to pupils or gather their views through questionnaires Provide training for staff so they can support pupil participation For example, train them in asking open questions instead of leading questions  Make sure any information you share with pupils is easy for them to

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