The Education System

• How can schools meet the needs of young people?

Overwhelmingly the conversations felt that schools were not meeting the needs of young people. Participants felt that there was an over emphasis on academic results over pupil wellbeing. There were specific themes in that including bullying, food, mental health and the general atmosphere in schools.

Bullying in schools was the most significant issue. Participants felt that although schools have policies, but they aren't acted on consistently. Young People generally felt that bully is not dealt with, and the victim often gets put in isolation.

‘Actually, doing something about reports of bullying and cyberbullying.’

Create systems were young people can report issues and act on young people’s concerns’

‘Does anyone speak to bullies to find out what they are going through’

‘Schools aren’t safe!’

Food, and school dinners was also a significant issue for may participants. Pupils said they often can't get anything in the allotted time due to everyone going to the dinner hall at the same time. Food is of poor quality and very limited if on free school meals. The value of free school meal vouchers has not increased with the price of food. Comments include:

‘Feed Us!’, ‘We don’t have time to get food because of the volume of people’ ‘Prison Food’

Participants felt that there was a lack of mutual respect between teachers and pupils. Some felt that teachers demand respect but don't show any respect. Others pointed out behaviour problems in both pupils and teachers. School toilets are not open when needed. Participant asked, ‘Why should you have to ask to get a key to unlock a door to use the toilet?’ ‘Be reasonable, especially about toilet breaks.’

Young People felt that class sizes are too big and young people find them very disrupted. They also felt that the exam system is often adding to stress for both pupils and teachers. ‘Tests are not the only way to show ability’.

Young People felt they needed more support around their mental health. Suggestions included ‘Trauma Informed Training for teachers’ and ‘Get people to speak to young people about their experience’.

Young People also felt there needed to be more support for LGBTQ young people and dealing with Transphobia as well as more support for SEN pupils.

Other general comments include:

‘What we were doesn’t make a difference to what we are able to learn.’

• How can young people get involved in making changes in the education?

Young People felt that school councils are overseen by teachers so if your face doesn't fit or you're not going to say the right thing you're not in. This does not allow young people's voices to be heard or for them to have any impact.

‘Let people get involved in conversations with change makers.’

Young people want to have more say and would welcome open conversations with leaders of academies and local authorities.

Participants also felt that the Ofsted system was broken. They feel that the results are faked as school regularly ask poorly behaved pupils not to attend during inspections.

‘We get told how to act on Ofsted days.’

In general, the conversation can be summed up by the following quote: ‘Make a nice kind, friendly environment for young people.’