Every child deserves an education; it shouldn't be only if you can afford it.
Young person, St Joseph's Primary School, Argyll and Bute
These are the calls that young people want all parties to commit to in their manifestos for the 2026 Scottish elections, and the next government to take action on:
1. End child poverty. Make sure our families have what they need so we can come to school ready to learn.
2. Fund every school to fully remove cost pressures from our families and help us overcome poverty-related barriers to learning.
3. Help us with the basics we need to learn, take part and feel included at school – free school meals, uniform support, devices and resources for all and continued funding for curriculum costs
4. Opportunities for all. Help all of us benefit from life changing school trips and from activities in our communities
5. Involve us! We can help make our schools and Scotland better
Read more about what children and young people said about each call in the manifesto.
Young people at the Cost of the School Day young people summit helping to build the manifesto
The calls in this manifesto and the quotations used throughout are based on views shared by:
Thank you to all the children and young people who contributed their thoughts and ideas, and also to the teachers and school staff who supported them to do so.
If your school isn't already part of the Cost of the School Day Voice network you can join here to have your voices heard and take action on poverty.
