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New voice for Secondary students

The launch of the English Secondary Students’ Association (ESSA) at the TUC in London was welcomed as a new voice for students aged 11 to 19.

Run by students for students, the organisation aims to provide a national voice on education issues, as well as helping students take more ownership over their learning and school experience.

“School is the place where most young people spend a vast amount of their time,” said a spokesperson for the organisation. “It is perhaps the most important community, other than our homes, in which we – as young people – participate. For many it is a positive experience, but for others it is something to be endured rather than enjoyed.

“ESSA will provide a range of services, including training, guidance and advice to empower students and equip them with vital skills needed in becoming actively involved in the decision-making processes in their own school communities.

“This support is particularly necessary for ensuring the participation of the less vocal and most disenfranchised members of the school community. ESSA will demonstrate to students that their views on education are important and that, as stated in Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, they have the ‘right to express views freely in all matters affecting’ them."

ESSA will also work in partnership with other organisations to bring the views of school students to the attention of local and national policy-makers in relation to educational issues.

Further information can be found on the ESSA website: www.studentvoice.co.uk or by writing to: The English Secondary Students’ Association, c/o Phoenix Education Trust, 60 Aubrey Road, London E17 4SL.