Plan may see pupils take seat on boards

Upcoming legislation for a parent and student charter in every school is generating lively conversations about rights and responsibilities

Planning ahead: Students from Stratford College Secondary School, including Katie Webb (left) and Cormac Kelly. Photo: Damien Eagers

Katherine Donnelly

Some may take the view that democracy has gone mad, but among the proposals for a parent and student charter to govern the entire family of school relationships is that pupils have a seat on the board of management.

The charter is envisaged in legislation currently making its way through the parliamentary system, aimed at putting relationships between schools, students and parents on a new footing, including a requirement for all schools to publish and operate a parent and student charter.