Pupil councils provide a basis for active learning of important life skills, such as speaking and listening skills, teamwork, emotional literacy, problem-solving, moral reasoning skills, self-esteem and self confidence.

Pupil council experiences provide a dynamic foundation for learning about citizenship.

Young people and children acquire skills which help them to become resilient to negative experiences.

School and class councils enable pupils to have a voice and to understand that their opinions count.

"School councils can be a most excellent training ground in responsibility for future citizens."
Professor Crick, 1998 Chair of the Advisory Group on Citizenship

Positive peer leadership develops and the responsibility for maintaining good behaviour is shifted away from teachers and towards members of the classroom and school community.

Pupils become able to resolve conflicts amongst their peers.

Disruptive behaviour, vandalism, truancy and exclusions reduce.

"The schools making sustained progress [in improving behaviour] sought feedback from the students about how well the new strategies were working. They ensured that the school council was strengthened and that the students knew that their voices would be heard."
Ofsted, Improving Behaviour

There is improved communication between pupils and teachers, senior management and governors.

The school develops into a community where pupils and teachers work in partnership towards shared goals.

"I had to work out if I could afford the time but the payback in the way attitudes have changed has been phenomenal ... a limited input of time has had such a big effect."
Teacher, Lipson College

Improvements in behaviour have a positive impact on teachers' stress levels, teacher-pupil relationships and the learning environment.

Peer mediation enables pupils to support vulnerable classmates, so promoting an inclusive and caring community where all pupils feel valued and safe.