Schools
We support schools to run democratic school councils.
We believe that students should be active in shaping our education and our lives.
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Members
260
Schools
12
Regions
The best way to improve student belonging.
By giving students a real say in how their school works we can strengthen and rebuild our school communities. Most school councils raise issues that have nowhere to go outside of the school gates; NUSS connects schools councils to a national network giving students a voice on national conversations and campaigns.
Students can grow into leaders.
By giving students the opportunity, support and structures to develop outside of the classroom NUSS helps shape student leaders and demonstrate democracy in practice from school-age.
It’s time for the UK too.
Unlike our European counterparts - like France, Norway or Finland for example - there is currently no national student body for school students in England, Scotland and Wales - NUSS fills that gap.
Frequently asked questions
Who is NUSS for?
NUSS is for all secondary school students, including sixth form students. When a school signs up with NUSS, all students at that school automatically become members.
Young people aged 13-18 can still volunteer with us whether or not your school is signed up with NUSS. This includes young people who are not in mainstream education. Young people don’t need any special experience or knowledge to get involved.
Under 13s, cannot volunteer with us directly due to laws prohibiting collection of data from under 13s. However, they can still get involved through their school if it is signed up with NUSS.
College and university students in the UK are represented by the National Union of Students (NUS).
Does it cost to join NUSS?
No. There is no cost for schools or sixth forms to affiliate with NUSS.
How do I know if my school is signed up to NUSS?
If you have a teacher that helps with your school /student council, ask them first. You or your teacher can also email us at hello@nuss.org.uk
In future, we will have a search function on our website so that you can check.
Is the NUSS associated with any political party?
No, we are not linked to any political party. The National Union of School Students (NUSS) represents the interests and voices of secondary school students across England, Wales and Scotland, regardless of their personal political affiliations or those of their families.
What safeguarding arrangements are in place?
NUSS is currently hosted by NUS Charity and supported by SOS UK. NUS brings over a century of experience in student representation and democratic structures, and SOS UK has a track record of supporting secondary-age students in campaigning and policy engagement. DBS checked staff from both charities are working alongside students to set up NUSS.
- Robust safeguarding procedures and risk assessments are in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all involved in NUSS activities.
- NUSS is not aligned with any political party. It will be student-led, with national activities determined by democratic student mandate, not by staff or partner organisations.
- Schools retain full control over whether and how their student council participates.
- We are working closely with ASCL, teaching staff unions and other school leadership bodies.
Read our info pack for teachers, parents and carers.
Below are our policies being implemented. For any further queries, please contact staff@nuss.org.uk
In what countries does NUSS operate?
We currently represent school students in England, Scotland and Wales. If you are a secondary school student in Northern Ireland, you can get involved with the Secondary Students’ Union of Northern Ireland (SSUNI).
Many other countries in Europe also have school students’ unions. You can find a list of these on the Organising Bureau of European School Student Unions’ (OBESSU) website.