What makes a school special? Sometimes, the best people to ask are the children who call it home. And sometimes, listening to them means giving them a say in how school life works. At Windlesham House, our prep school in West Sussex, pupil voice is part of everyday life.
This morning, our Year 5 – 6 pupils shared what they are most thankful for about life at Windlesham House. Their answers ranged from the acres of beautiful grounds and fun in the woods to school plays, musical instruments, learning Latin, critical thinking lessons and the kind matrons who make boarding special.
There were mentions of sport, languages, art, textiles, maths and DT, as well as the Smoothie Bike and the exciting transformation of our Pre-Prep playground. One pupil described school plays as “like opening a present!”
It was a wonderful snapshot of school life, full of different interests, experiences and small details that make a big difference to individual children.
But it also highlighted something fundamental to an education at Windlesham: the importance of listening to our pupils and making sure their voices have a place in shaping their school experience.
Seeing school through pupils’ eyes
Adults often talk about what makes a school distinctive: its curriculum, facilities, opportunities and pastoral care. These things matter, of course. But children experience school in their own way, and their perspectives can tell us something that a prospectus never could.
For one child, it might be the challenge of a lesson that helps them discover what they are capable of. For another, it might be the freedom to explore the woods, the excitement of performing on stage or the encouragement of a member of staff who knows them well.
Our pupils’ answers reflect the breadth of life at Windlesham, but they also remind us that there is no single way to experience school. What matters to one child may be quite different from what matters to another.
Listening helps us understand those differences, celebrate what children value and recognise the experiences that help them feel happy, engaged and part of the community.
What is pupil voice?
Pupil voice is about more than asking children for their opinions. It is about creating opportunities for them to express their views, take responsibility and contribute meaningfully to school life.
Pupil leadership roles and school councils
At Windlesham, pupils can take on representative roles as heads of school, house captains, sports captains and boarding prefects. Our school and boarding council also meets regularly, giving boarding pupils an opportunity to share their ideas and help shape their experience of life at a boarding prep school.
Sometimes, pupil voice is wonderfully practical. The councils help shape what pupils would like to eat, particularly in the evenings and at weekends. Pupils can also share their ideas about activities and how they would like to spend their time. And we must not forget the Christmas party and end of year party!
Of course, not every suggestion can be adopted. Ideas need to be considered within the practicalities of running a school and the needs of the wider community. But the important thing is that pupils have an opportunity to contribute, knowing their perspectives will be listened to and considered.
These everyday examples show children that having a voice comes with both opportunity and responsibility. They learn to express their ideas, think about what works for others and understand how a community makes decisions.
How pupil voice builds confidence and responsibility
When children are encouraged to speak up, they develop more than the confidence to share an opinion. They practise articulating their thoughts, listening to different perspectives and recognising that their contributions can have value.
Taking on a representative role can also help them understand responsibility. They are not simply speaking for themselves but helping to communicate the views and experiences of others.
These are valuable skills for life beyond the classroom. The ability to communicate clearly, consider other people and contribute constructively to a group matters wherever life takes a child.
Just as importantly, being listened to supports children’s wellbeing and helps them feel that they belong. It sends a clear message that their experiences matter and that they are active members of the community around them.
An award for developing student voice
Pupil voice is an important part of life at Windlesham, and our commitment to this area has been recognised through an Education Choices 2026 award for Developing Student Voice.
For us, this reflects the value of creating meaningful opportunities for children to contribute to school life. From our heads of school, house captains and boarding prefects to the school and boarding councils, pupils have opportunities to share their views, take responsibility and help shape aspects of their experience.
Whether contributing ideas about evening and weekend meals, suggesting activities or sharing what they value most about school, pupils are encouraged to understand that their perspectives matter.
The aim is not simply to give children a platform but to help them develop the confidence and skills to use their voices thoughtfully: listening to others, considering different perspectives and playing an active part in their community.
Every voice matters
There was no single answer to what makes life at Windlesham special, and that was precisely the point.
The variety of responses reflected the individuality of our pupils. Some were drawn to learning, others to creativity, sport, adventure or the people who support them. Each answer offered a different window into what helps a child feel happy, engaged and part of the community.
From sharing favourite school experiences to contributing ideas through pupil leadership roles and councils, there are different ways for children to make themselves heard. Because a school is about more than what children learn or the opportunities available to them. It is also about how they feel: whether they belong and whether they have the confidence to express themselves.
Sometimes, the best reminder of what makes a school special comes from asking the children themselves. And when we listen carefully, we learn not only what they value today, but how we can continue to make school life meaningful for them.
At Windlesham House, pupil voice is about helping children feel heard, valued and involved in the community they help to make.
Pupil voice at Windlesham: frequently asked questions
How do pupils at Windlesham have a say in school life?
Pupils share their views through the school and boarding councils, which meet regularly, and through representative roles. Their ideas help shape things such as evening and weekend meals, activities and end of term celebrations.
What leadership roles can pupils take on?
Pupils can become heads of school, house captains, sports captains and boarding prefects, helping to represent the views and experiences of other pupils.
Has Windlesham been recognised for pupil voice?
Yes. Windlesham House received an Education Choices 2026 award for Developing Student Voice.
If you would like to see pupil voice in action, we would love to welcome you for a visit.