This good practice supports schools in strengthening student participation through the School Council and the wider school community. It helps schools reflect on how students participate in formal decision-making structures, in everyday school life and in links with the local community. Through a practical self-assessment process, the school can identify what already works, where participation is still weak, and which two or three realistic priorities should be addressed. The practice promotes democratic decision-making, student voice and inclusive school development.
School Councils Promoting Student Participation
A concrete response to a school-development need
In many schools, student participation may remain formal, symbolic or limited to a small number of representatives. Students may be asked for their opinion, but not always involved in meaningful reflection, shared decision-making or follow-up. Schools may also lack simple tools to identify where participation is working and where it needs to improve. This practice addresses the need for more democratic, inclusive and structured participation across school life.
Where this practice supports school development
Use this example when assessment results show development needs in the following areas. Adapt the scale and responsibilities to the context of your school.
School Values & Communication
Make shared values visible in school communication, dialogue and everyday routines.
School Leadership & Commitment
Give the practice a clear mandate, responsibility and reliable support from school leadership.
Teaching & Learning
Connect democratic values with concrete learning experiences, reflection and classroom practice.
School Community & Participation
Create meaningful opportunities for learners and other groups to participate in school life.
Networks & Partnerships
Strengthen cooperation with families, community organisations and external partners.
How it works
The Spanish guide Consejos escolares que fomentan la participación del alumnado provides schools with a practical framework to analyse and improve student participation. It is not limited to the formal presence of students in representative bodies, but looks at participation as part of the whole life of the school. The guide focuses on three connected ecosystems: the formal school ecosystem, including classrooms and official school bodies; the informal school ecosystem, including playgrounds, corridors, extracurricular activities and everyday interactions; and the community ecosystem, including families, the neighbourhood, associations and public services. The guide is organised by ecosystems and dimensions, and for each section it explains why participation matters, what the school should aim to achieve, and which concrete actions can be implemented. It uses accessible language and a simple scale to help schools assess whether actions have not yet started, are in progress, have already been implemented, or are embedded in the school culture. The process can be led by the School Council, together with school leadership, teachers, students and families. It encourages the school community to move from general reflection to realistic shared decisions and concrete improvement steps.
What your school can do
- Present the guide to the School Council and agree to use it as a self-assessment and improvement tool.
- Review student participation in the three main ecosystems: formal school structures, everyday informal school life and links with the community.
- Score each item using the proposed scale, from “not started” to “evaluated and maintained over time”, or mark it as not applicable where needed.
- Analyse the results by ecosystem and dimension, paying particular attention to weak areas.
- Select only two or three realistic priorities, including one quick improvement and one more structural action.
- Agree on concrete steps, responsibilities and a timeline.
- Review progress during the school year, for example once per term or semester. The short version of the guide proposes that the School Council applies the tool, scores each item, selects two priorities and reviews the process periodically.
From a pilot to an established school practice
Start small
- Present the guide to the School Council and agree to use it as a self-assessment and improvement tool.
- Review student participation in the three main ecosystems: formal school structures, everyday informal school life and links with the community.
- Score each item using the proposed scale, from “not started” to “evaluated and maintained over time”, or mark it as not applicable where needed.
Build on the practice
- Repeat the practice beyond a single class or one-off event.
- Give learners and other target groups an active role in planning and review.
- Assign clear responsibility and connect the practice to the school’s action plan.
- Review the effects and adjust the practice using feedback from the school community.
Expected or observed impact
Transferability
The practice is highly transferable because it is based on a simple self-assessment and action-planning process. Schools in other countries can adapt the questions, structures and terminology to their own governance systems. Even where School Councils have a different legal role, the same approach can be used by school leadership teams, student councils or mixed school-community groups to review and strengthen participation.
Sources
Consejo Escolar del Estado / Ministerio de Educación, Formación Profesional y Deportes: Guía de Consejos Escolares que fomentan la participación del alumnado.
https://www.libreria.educacion.gob.es/ca/libro/guia-de-consejos-escolares-que-fomentan-la-participacion-del-alumnado_186808/