At Upperby, we value pupil voice and believe that children should play an active role in shaping school life. Our School Council gives pupils the opportunity to share their ideas, represent their classmates and help make decisions that improve our school community.

Each Key Stage 2 class elects a School Councillor to represent their views and opinions. School Councillors attend regular meetings, gather ideas from their classmates and work together to make positive changes within school.

What is Smart School Councils?

We are proud to be part of Smart School Councils, an award-winning charity that helps schools strengthen pupil voice through democracy.

This exciting initiative ensures that every child in school has a voice. Through regular class meetings, pupils discuss important issues, share their ideas and vote on matters that affect school life. The views of every class are then represented through our School Council, helping all children contribute to decision-making.

What Have We Achieved?

During 2025-2026, our School Council has been involved in a number of exciting projects and events, including:

• Welcoming a visit from Julie Minns MP, who spoke to pupils about her role, democracy and how Parliament works.
• Raising funds at our Christmas & Summer Fairs.
• Welcoming a representative from Jigsaw Children's Hospice into school to explain the valuable work they do.
• Raising money to support Jigsaw Hospice and visiting them to present a cheque.
• Sharing pupils' ideas with school leaders, helping to improve school life.

Why is School Council Important?

School Council helps children to:

• Develop leadership skills
• Build confidence and communication skills
• Learn about democracy and decision-making
• Work collaboratively with others
• Represent the views of their classmates
• Become active and responsible citizens

We believe that giving children meaningful opportunities to contribute to school life helps them develop valuable skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

British Values

Through our School Council and wider curriculum, pupils learn about and actively experience the fundamental British Values.

Democracy

Children have many opportunities to have their voices heard. Through class meetings, voting and School Council discussions, pupils learn how democratic processes work and how they can influence change.

The Rule of Law

Children learn why rules and laws are important and how they help to keep people safe. School rules are consistently reinforced in classrooms, during playtimes and in assemblies.

Individual Liberty

Pupils are encouraged to make choices and take responsibility for their actions in a safe and supportive environment. Through our curriculum, children learn about their rights and freedoms and how to exercise them responsibly.

Mutual Respect

Respect is at the heart of our school values. Children learn to treat others with kindness, consideration and understanding.

Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

We celebrate diversity and encourage pupils to learn about and appreciate different cultures, faiths and beliefs. Through our curriculum and assemblies, children develop understanding, acceptance and respect for others.

 

We are incredibly proud of our School Council and the positive contribution it makes to our school community. Through their work, pupils learn that every voice matters and that together we can make a difference.