Democracy Friendly Schools
Helping young people understand, experience and shape local democracy
Our programme helps children and young people understand how local democracy works, explore the issues that matter to them, and discover how they can make a difference in their communities.
Our free, fun and flexible programme is designed to fit around the needs of your school. We'll work alongside you to provide support, resources and community connections that help young people understand, experience and shape local democracy.
About Democracy Friendly Schools
Democracy Friendly Schools is a pioneering programme developed in Kirklees and shaped by the voices of local children and young people.The programme helps pupils learn about local democracy through real-life experiences. From understanding how decisions are made, to meeting councillors and taking action on issues that matter to them, young people are encouraged to see themselves as active participants in their communities.
It starts with their local place, because that's where democracy happens every day.
Get involved
By taking part, you'll help pupils to:
- Understand how local democracy works
- Develop confidence in using their voice
- Build a sense of belonging in their community
- Learn how to influence change on issues that matter to them
- Connect with local councillors and community leaders
- Gain real-life experiences of participation and decision-making
The programme can support existing curriculum activity, enrich school council work and create meaningful opportunities for pupil voice.
How it works
There is no set route through the programme.
You decide what works best for your school, your pupils and your timetable.
You might choose to:
- Use our Everyday Democracy activities
- Strengthen your school council
- Connect with local councillors
- Explore local issues with pupils
- Take part in community projects
- Build on activities you're already delivering
Many schools are already doing activities that support democratic learning. We can help you identify what's already happening and suggest ideas for what could come next.
Support for your school
We're here to support you every step of the way.
Schools can access:
- Introductory staff sessions
- Everyday Democracy resources and activities
- Councillor engagement opportunities
- Youth Councillor training for secondary schools
- Advice, guidance and ongoing support
- Opportunities to celebrate and share success
Our aim is simple: to make participation easy, achievable and rewarding for every school.
Become a Democracy Friendly School
Schools can work towards Democracy Friendly School status at a pace that suits them.
There are no deadlines and no pressure. When you're ready, you'll be invited to complete a simple self-assessment and share examples of how pupils have learned about, experienced and participated in local democracy.
You may already be closer to achieving your award than you think.
Shaped by young people
Democracy Friendly Schools was inspired by what more than 1,700 children and young people told us about the support they need to become active citizens.
They told us they want opportunities to be heard, get involved and make a difference.
Everything we do is designed to help make that happen.
Voices from our Democracy Friendly Schools
"They know they are being listened to, and they know they can make a difference." - Primary School Teacher
"I learned that local democracy isn't something that happens somewhere else. It happens here, and children can be part of it." - Year 6 Pupil
"The programme helped us turn pupil voice into meaningful participation." - Secondary School Teacher
"I've become more confident speaking up and sharing my ideas." - Youth Councillor
Getting started
We'd love to work with you. Get in touch to find out how Democracy Friendly Schools could support your school community and help your pupils understand, experience and shape local democracy.