School Shouldn't Cost: Young People's Poverty and Education Manifesto 2026-31 is full of what children and young people have said should happen to remove barriers and make school better for people living on low incomes. We want to share this information with all politicians running in the Scottish elections, and you can help to make this happen.
Would young people from your school like to be part of the Manifesto Action Group? This exciting new group is getting together online to:
So far Voice network members met with the First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education to share the calls. There's still lots more to be done to let all politicians know what's in our manifesto, and this is why we need your help! If your group hasn't been involved in work like this before, now is a great time.
The Manifesto Action Group is open to both primary and secondary school pupils with online support provided to help young people take part. We are hosting an initial information meeting on Wednesday 14 January 9:30am - 10:30am to chat more about the Action Group and what you can get involved with. Everyone is welcome to join to find out more with no pressure to commit.
Please email Kirsty at [email protected] if you would like to register an interest and receive a link for the meeting on the 14 January.
Each term we run meetings for primary and secondary pupils and network leaders.
In the first term of 2026, there are going to be the following meetings:
You can take a look at notes from previous meetings, which include top tips from schools, advice from leaders and children and young people's ideas.
School Shouldn't Cost: Young People's Poverty and Education Manifesto 2026-31
School Shouldn't Cost: Young People's Poverty and Education Manifesto 2025-31 sets out what thousands of young people across Scotland say should happen to reduce the impact of poverty in their schools.
Voice network members at Bute House meeting the First Minister for Scotland
Young people from the Voice network met with the First Minister, John Swinney, and the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth to discuss how the government can help further reduce the impact of poverty in Scotland’s schools.
Find out what happened at the Cost of the School Day summit
Eighty young people from the Cost of the School Day Voice network gathered to share their experiences, learn new skills and meet with John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister. Find out what happened here.
Play Holly's interview with the Cabinet Secretary for Education
In March the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth, visited Boghall Primary School to meet Cost of the School Day pupil groups from several schools and answer questions on the findings of The Big Question.
Play this Big Question summary film, made by Voice network members
Voice network members shared their views in the Big Question, and collaborated on a film to promote the findings to the whole network.
Listen to children: Skye in the Big Question report film
Voice network members took part in three online sessions to help inform the future of the Scottish Attainment Challenge and the new Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan. You can find out what was said in this short report.
Comments from Voice network members who took part in guidance consultation
Voice members contributed to the Scottish government’s new school uniform guidance for young people - School uniform and clothing: a resource for pupils
Liam from Trinity High School at the pre-election event
Liam from Trinity High School took part in a pre-election event, and questioned politicians on what they would do to make tackling poverty at school more consistent.
Voice network members at the Universal Free School Meals roundtable with the Cabinet Secretary for Education
Young people attended and spoke at two round table discussions at the Scottish Parliament, one about the cost of school uniforms, and the other about free school meals.
First meeting of the Voice network primary schools
Lots of Voice network members have taken part in big meet ups during the year, where everyone had the chance to learn more from each other and take part in online activities and games
Voice network members have also: shared pupil-led Cost of the School Day work with the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills during Challenge Poverty Week; launched awareness campaigns; created cost calendars; taken on consultations with parents and carers; run social media campaigns; set up uniform banks and take-what-you-need trollies... and so many other really amazing things to make sure their schools are more equal for everyone.
We would really like to hear from you - email Kirsty at [email protected]
