Student Voice – You Said, We Did

At EST Education, the views of our young people are central to how we develop our provision. We regularly give students opportunities to tell us what is working well, what they would like to change and what would help them to feel safe, supported and engaged in their education.

Our latest Student Voice meeting took place in October 2026.

What Our Young People Value

Young people told us that one of the things they value most about EST is that learning feels different from a traditional school environment.

“I like that it’s not in a school setting and not classroom based.”

For some of our young people, simply being able to leave the house and engage with their Mentor is a significant achievement.

“It’s literally me getting out of the house because usually I can’t.”

Students also spoke very positively about our animal-based and outdoor activities, particularly horse riding and visits to farms.

“I love the animal-based activities, particularly the farms.”

“Animal therapy – it makes me feel better.”

These comments reinforce the importance of our flexible, community-based approach and the role that meaningful activities can play in helping young people to build confidence, improve wellbeing and re-engage with learning.

You Said, We Did

You said: You would like more opportunities to take part in animal-based activities.

We did: We are exploring additional animal-based experiences, including the Donkey Sanctuary in Gorton, and looking at potential funding opportunities that could enable young people to access activities such as horse riding more frequently.

You said: You would like more opportunities to develop friendships and connect with other young people.

We did: We are continuing to develop carefully planned friendship and social opportunities, taking individual needs and readiness into account, so young people can build positive relationships in a safe and supported way.

You said: You would like different ways to give us feedback, including the option to do this anonymously.

We did: We are developing two online feedback options: one linked to young people's reports and another that will allow students to share their views anonymously.

You said: Mobile phones can be important for feeling safe, maintaining contact with professionals and supporting learning; we can’t hand our phones in during sessions due to complicating factors based on individual need(s). Decisions make should be on a case by case basis

We did: We listened to young people's concerns and agreed that our approach should recognise individual needs while promoting mutual respect and positive engagement. Student feedback is helping us develop our mobile phone agreement, including appropriate use during learning, safeguarding considerations and situations where phones can positively support education.

Listening and Responding

Student voice at EST is not simply about asking young people what they think. It is about showing them that their views matter.

Their feedback helps us review our activities, policies and practice and ensures that, wherever possible, decisions are made with young people rather than simply for them.

Our next Student Voice meeting will take place in December 2026.