Training and Resources

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Local Authority Days

These are managed by the local authority. They organise the day and invite schools to participate – the content can be tailored to local needs and priorities.

School Councils UK can provide training on behalf of a local authority, cluster or group of schools.

These days are an excellent forum for co-operation and joint development. They enable schools to share ideas, network and disseminate good practice.

Our trainers can work with staff and students together and separately to impart the skills, knowledge and enthusiasm required to make school councils work.

Our programmes can be tailored to your local needs. Participants would normally include 1 teacher and 2 students from each school, with up to 25 schools attending on one day. This proves cost effective to both schools and the LA.

The existing programme enables participants to assess the level of pupil participation in their school, while looking at how to build on existing structures and introduce new initiatives.

The training for teachers will:

  • Provide a whole school vision for student participation
  • Show how active participation can support teachers
  • Identify the necessary foundation stones for student participation
  • Clarify what a school council could be and how it is integrated into school decision-making systems

The training for students will:

  • Show that effective school councils can make a difference
  • Provide opportunities for pupils to develop skills of participation for active citizenship
  • Develop an understanding of peer leadership

At the end of the training, all participants will have a plan as to how to follow up issues back at school. Teachers will be provided with materials to help them to organise this and build on all that has been learned during the training.


Sample Primary Programmes


Sample Secondary Programmes


Local training days - 2007/08

  • Aberdeenshire
  • Wolverhampton
  • North Ayrshire
  • Gloucester
  • Penwith Disrict Council
  • Lewisham
  • Walsall
  • Brighton and Hove
  • Greenwich
  • Warwickshire
  • Perth and Kinross
  • Luton
  • Essex
  • Isle of Wight


For information about organising a training event in your area, please call us on 020 8482 8912 or email training@schoolcouncils.org

For the past five years, Essex County Council and School Councils UK have organised conferences for pupils from all primary and secondary schools in Essex. Taking place in the grand surroundings of County Hall, pupils are able to engage in debate with their teachers and each other, while gaining key skills and ideas with which to take back and improve their school councils.

"School Councils UK have consistently provided good quality sessions geared to the particular needs of the participants. The sessions are based on active participatory learning, which ensures that the students feel that their views are valued and contribute to the learning process"

Jan Plummer, Education Advisor for Citizenship and Local Democracy Essex County Council