“Ana keeps moaning about school. I’ve told her she should try and join the School Council like I did. I couldn’t believe it when we actually started to change things like the new uniform. It took a while but we did it!!!”

Katy, 10

What is a school council

A school council is run by children in the school and has been formed to make the school a better place for the pupils.

Some school councils have done really cool stuff like:

• Re-designed the school cafeteria and lunch menu
• Reduced bullying by introducing a telephone helpline
• Changed the school uniform from blazer and tie to sweatshirts

If you want to get involved and make a difference to your school speak to a teacher and tell them what you want to do.

Write a list of why you think it might help the school to have a school council.

Want to make your school council work…try these tips

Setting the school council up

• Make sure the council isn’t too big
• Set up class/form councils and choose someone to be part of the main school council
• Make sure the member on the main school council talks to their class about what is discussed in meetings and takes forward their ideas
• Always have a list of what you need to talk about, for each meeting
• Try and have a teacher at the meetings to help you organise the meeting
• Have someone to take notes in the meetings
• School council members could wear badges around school so that other young people know who they are and can give them ideas for improving the school

Hull Youth Council offers opportunities to schools through training programmes.  If you would like help in setting up a school council or to just make your school council more efficient they can help!   

Contact Hull Youth Council on (01482) 585 297 and ask for Mark or Jo.