Report on the School Councils Inquiry

Abstract

School Councils are increasingly a feature of school life all across Northern Ireland and play a key role in many young people's early experience of democratic participation. Research from elsewhere has shown that vibrant, representative and well-resourced School Councils can deliver positive educational and social outcomes to pupils, schools and communities, but that School Councils require support if they are to thrive. The aim of the Committee's inquiry was to examine the experience, operation and contribution of School Councils in Northern Ireland, with a view to identifying ways to support and enhance their work. The Committee also sought to identify other methods of pupil participation currently in use, as part of this inquiry, with an open mind, as one method may not fit all schools. The Committee sought to establish a sound evidence base for its scrutiny by taking the views of a representative group of stakeholders and also contacted all schools in Northern Ireland. The report includes pictures drawn by pupils who participated in the focus groups, to describe the work and aims of their School Councils. A number of key conclusions and recommendations have been identified for consideration by the Minister of Education and schools across Northern Ireland.