“School Shouldn’t Cost”: young people demand politicians act on poverty in schools

• School students manifesto launched ahead of Scottish elections in call for more action on child poverty, support in schools and the cost of school meals, clothing, trips and devices.
• Audio clips of young people’s comments available.

School Shouldn’t Cost, The Young People’s Poverty and Education Manifesto 2026 published today, 9 December, sets out what thousands of young people across Scotland say should happen to further reduce the impact of poverty in their schools.

In a letter to Scottish party leaders the young people, members of the Cost of the School Day Voice network, say:

“There are great things happening in lots of our schools to help with costs and support us. But poverty is still affecting our education in so many ways. Poverty can affect how ready we feel to learn, what equipment we have for classes, basics like uniform and food and access to school trips that spark passion for subjects. Poverty can have a detrimental effect on our learning and can hold us back.

“The cost of the school day is such an important matter that we think it needs to be fixed everywhere for everyone as soon as possible. It’s important that you listen to the calls we are making because your decisions affect our lives. This can help us have equal opportunities and equal chances and a better future.”

The calls from young people

They say the next Scottish government must:

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 meal expansion, uniform support, devices for all and continued funding for curriculum costs”
4. Create opportunities for all. “Help us all benefit from life changing school trips and from activities in our communities”
5. “Involve us! We can help make our schools and Scotland better”

Why hearing from young people is important

Speaking ahead of the manifesto launch, Sierra (S6) from Levenmouth Academy in Fife describes why she thinks this manifesto is important:

“When we talk about child poverty, we’re not talking about numbers on a page. We’re talking about the child who pretends they’re not hungry because there’s no food left at home. We’re talking about the young person who avoids school trips because their family can’t afford it and they’re too embarrassed to say why. We’re talking about parents who go without meals so their children can eat and about the silent worry that sits in so many homes every single day. The cost of the school day should never cost a child their confidence, dignity or dreams.”

Sara Spencer, Cost of the School Day Project Manager at Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) in Scotland:

“There has been so much progress when it comes to reducing costs and poverty-related barriers at school, but there’s more we can do. Politicians across the political spectrum need to pay attention to the calls young people are making loud and clear because these are the things young people say will help support them to thrive and achieve at school, no matter how much money they have at home. Investment in equity has been making a difference to young people’s experiences at school but while young people are still experiencing poverty and while financial barriers to education remain, we can’t afford to lose focus.”

Young people will be sharing the School Shouldn’t Cost manifesto with politicians from all parties in the coming months.

Find the full manifesto here.

Cost of the School Day press contact: Alison Brown: 07984 054 352 / [email protected].
 

Audio clips

Cleared and edited for broadcast use

Anna and Rachel from St John Ogilvie High School in South Lanarkshire discussed what the manifesto is and why what it’s saying is important for raising attainment. [52”]

Anna and Rachel thought about the difference it would make at secondary schools if they were able to provide more equipment. [37”]

Bentley and Scarlet from Fintry Primary School in Dundee, talking about the difference it would make if young people could come to school and not worry about costs, and why the government should listen. [28”]