Welcome to The Democracy in Schools website
The Democracy in Schools Standard is an opportunity for schools to be recognised for the way they are preparing their pupils to be active and responsible citizens.
Achieving the Democracy in Schools Standard proves a school must be doing a lot right in preparing their pupils to participate in and contribute to their school and wider community.
Giving young people a voice
Giving young people a voice – and listening to it – are clearly ways forward to building a more inclusive, participative and cohesive society. Much publicity is given to responses to dealing with antisocial behaviour of young people but less is given to successful efforts made by schools and colleges to promote active and responsible citizenship.
National Curriculum Specifications
Over recent years several reports have indicated the need better to prepare children and young people to participate in democratic processes. Increasingly, schools and colleges are expected to play their part in responding to these reports. Revised National Curriculum specifications and guidelines, along with new inspection requirements reflect this expectation.
The Democracy in Schools Standard provides an easy-to-use framework built around providing and recording a number of practical experiences for children and young people.
We have found the Democracy in Schools Standard really helpful in focusing our work on developing active citizens. A participating Head Teacher