Give everyone in your school a voice, not just a small group
Let’s build a better way to run your school council
✅ Used by 600+ schools
What teachers say
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★★★★★
“It’s brilliant. A far better and simpler way to run student voice and build confidence”
Beth, Secondary Teacher
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★★★★★
“A great way to promote pupil voice. Children can air their views in a fun, engaging way”
Davinder, Primary Teacher
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★★★★★
“Great way to help young people build their voices and make change”
Phil, Asst Head in PRU
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★★★★★
“It’s fantastic. It develops lifelong skills of debate and speaking. So important for our pupils”
Damien, Dep Head, SEN
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★★★★★
“Easy, powerful and we went at our own pace to get more voices involved”
Rachel, Year 4 Teacher
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★★★★★
“Our visually impaired pupils love this. It’s learning how to debate but without the stuffiness”
Conor, Teacher, SEN
Why pupil voice matters
Speaking up is a foundation for a successful life and healthy democracy, yet only a few children develop this through school councils
Traditional Model Leaves Most Pupils Out
Most school councils rely on a small group to speak for everyone. Quieter pupils, SEN learners or those who struggle to speak up are often left out.
Every Child Deserves to Be Heard
We help schools make pupil voice something that every child can take part in - not just a small group. In 600 schools, we’re making this a reality.
What is Smart School Councils?
A simple way to get every pupil in your school speaking up and making change. It has three simple steps. You can just do the first or all three - you know what’s best for your students.
Be Heard
Short, pupil-led meetings include every voice
2. Take a Lead
Your school council picks questions and tracks results
3. Make Change
Ideas turn into pieces of change across school
👉 Trused by over 600 schools
Why do schools choose us?
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Our model includes every pupil, every class, and every voice. It’s been recognised by national education awards and hundreds of schools for doing democracy differently.
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Inspectors notice when pupil voice is done well. Smart School Councils has featured in lots of Ofsted reports as a strong example of inclusive, meaningful participation. Headteachers tell us it often becomes a real standout.
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We’re already working with over 600 schools across the globe - primaries, secondaries, SEN settings and PRUs. It’s flexible for your priorities.
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No printing. No planning. No prep for class teachers. Pupils lead the sessions. Questions are ready-made. The system handles voting and tracking.
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You’re won’t be left figuring it out alone. From setup videos to help guides, we’ll walk you through every step. And if you get stuck, our friendly team of teachers is only an email away.
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It adds structure to what you’re already doing. So if you already have a school council, this just helps to make it better. Or if you’re starting from scratch, that’s fine too - whatever fits.
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Pick your own questions. Use ours. Mix it up. Every school is different — we get that. Smart School Councils is designed to flex around you - your timetable, your pupils, and your priorities.
How we make it simple
At the heart of the programme is the Class Meeting Tool — a simple, interactive way for pupils in each class to run a meeting
You pick a question
Choose from 2,000 ready-made questions - or write your own to fit what’s happening in your school.
Every voice is heard
Pupils discuss in pairs or small groups, so everyone contributes — not just a minority.
Led by pupils, not teachers
Two pupils run the meeting using the tool - no teacher prep, printing or extra software needed.
Instant feedback, all in one place
Your school council can easily see votes and ideas from every class in one dashboard.
What do Class Meetings look like?
Here’s how a debate question about mental health comes alive in this primary school in Liverpool
Not sure what to ask?
We send you fresh questions, resource packs and videos every Friday - but there’s no pressure to use them.
Don’t want a big school council project each time? Our schools love to mix it up with a debate-style question on awareness days, current affairs or just for fun.
Use what works for you. Skip what doesn’t
This email lands in your inbox every Friday
Every week, we have a Big Debate Club question which features an amazing video
The Big Debate Club question also gives you a Debate Pack to go deeper
Ready to get started?
Start small, go at your own pace, and see the impact grow — we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Step 1: Join today 👋🏼
Sign up below & get your school’s login details
Step 2: Set up your school 🧱
Follow the manual to get your school set up
Step 3: Pick your first Class Meeting 🗳
Choose your first question and hear every voice
Join today
We are a small charity who wants to make a difference, and we do not make a profit. Our programme costs a single annual price for your whole school. No per pupil fees and no hidden extras.
✅ Unlimited usage
✅ Access to platform, 2,000 questions and five new weekly debates
✅ Step-by-step manual and videos
✅ Unlimited support
✅ Full refund if you don’t like it
📌 90% of our schools renew each year
📌 Registered Charity Number 1156110