Student Voice
Student Voice is a flagship initiative of The Phoenix Education Trust, dedicated to amplifying student perspectives within the education system. The programme aims to empower secondary students across England and Wales by fostering a culture of collaboration, democratic engagement, and rights-based education. By placing students at the heart of educational dialogue, Student Voice promotes meaningful change and ensures the voices of young people are heard and valued.
The Student Voice programme serves as a powerful antidote to the escalating crisis of absenteeism and mental health challenges among students in the UK, which now ranks among the worst in Europe. By amplifying young people's perspectives and empowering them to shape their educational experiences, Student Voice addresses the root causes of disengagement and fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. Through initiatives like the Changemakers Lab, peer mentoring, and advocacy training, the programme provides students with the tools and platforms to connect, contribute, and thrive, directly tackling the isolation and disempowerment that often underpin poor mental health and absenteeism. In doing so, Student Voice not only enhances student wellbeing but also strengthens the fabric of school communities, creating a more inclusive and supportive educational environment.
Student Voice is guided by five primary aims: To represent the diversity of secondary students in England as key stakeholders in education. To create spaces for students to discuss and share ideas about their education. To advocate for students’ interests in policy-making processes. To equip students with skills to impact their educational communities. To operate as a student-led, student-accountable organisation.
The Changemakers Lab (CML)
The Changemakers Lab (CML) is a pivotal element of Student Voice, empowering young activists aged 12-18 to lead campaigns addressing critical societal issues that they deem are important to them such as anti-racism, climate justice, refugee rights, and mental wellbeing.
Through fellowships, workshops, and digital platforms, CML fosters solidarity and leadership. The programme’s multifaceted approach includes the following.
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The Changemakers Lab Fellowship Programme
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Alumni Networks
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Train-the-trainer workshops for educators
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Partnerships with like-minded organisations
CML’s campaigns have catalysed sustainable, independent movements and positioned students as influential agents of change in mainstream education.
Training and Capacity Building
Student Voice offers training to enhance students’ confidence, communication, and campaigning skills. Programmes for youth councils and peer trainers help embed student voice sincerely into school culture. Additionally, training for teachers and governors fosters agency and inclusivity in classrooms, supported by resources like our core agency workbook developed in collaboration with the Edge Foundation.
The 'Peer Effect Project' was successfully implemented over two academic years, and engaged 7 hub schools nationwide. Students at these schools received training in confidence, communication, campaigning, and peer mentoring skills. Equipped with these competencies, they collaborated with peers within their schools and extended their impact to neighbouring schools, fostering a culture of empowerment and skill-sharing.