Amplifying pupil voice in secondary schools through the PTA
Image: Teenagers walking down a school corridor.
By working alongside pupils, PTAs can help shape a school culture where young people feel heard, respected and inspired to lead. As pupils are developing independence, forming opinions and discovering their passions. It’s the perfect time to empower them and raise some vital funds too!
Teenagers care deeply about issues like mental health, climate change, diversity and inclusion. When PTAs support pupil-led initiatives, they’re not just helping with logistics, they’re validating pupils’ perspectives and encouraging active citizenship. This is especially important in secondary schools, where pupils are preparing for life beyond the classroom. Leadership opportunities, decision-making experience and community involvement all contribute to personal growth and future success.
How PTAs can get involved
Partner with pupil councils and leadership groups
Inviting the Head Girl/Boy or Pupil President to present at each meeting updates from the pupil council and proposed joint projects can shared, like a ‘Pupil Wellbeing Week’ co-organised with PTA volunteers.
Create a sub-committee made from pupils
Secondary PTAs have the hardest task making their events appealing to teenagers – so what’s better than getting it directly from the horse’s mouth? Consider creating a ‘mini-PTA’ made up of pupils and led by committee members to help plan exciting and engaging events.
Support pupil-led campaigns
We’ve heard of a Year 10 group passionate about sustainability who wanted to install recycling stations around the school. The PTA helped fund the bins and promoted the campaign through their channels. The result? A greener school and empowered pupils.
Allow pupils to apply for funding
Perhaps your PTA could launch a ‘Pupil Innovation Fund’ where pupils could apply for funds or projects they are passionate about that also support the school. Some examples could be:
- A peer-led revision club, complete with snacks and printed resources
- Period dignity, spare trousers, pants and sanitary products
- Additional books for the library that pupils would like to read
This can boost both morale and grades while making pupils feel heard!
Celebrate pupil achievements
PTAs can spotlight pupils that support their Association. One school’s PTA hosted an annual ‘Pupil Changemakers’ evening, celebrating pupils who made a difference — whether through volunteering, activism, or creative projects.
Secondary school PTAs have a powerful role to play — not just in raising funds, but in raising voices. By supporting pupil leadership, you’re helping shape confident, capable young people who know they can make a difference. And that’s a legacy worth building.
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