Young people's participation in school design: exploring diversity and power in a UK governmental policy case-study

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to lay out some critical implications for young people's participation – relevant across political and national boundaries – drawing on the former UK government's Building Schools for the Future programme (BSF) to (re)build all secondary schools in England and Wales through a strategic consultation and engagement approach. In exploring relevant BSF documents and wider policies, the rhetoric for inclusion and diversity in young people's involvement emerges strongly. By juxtaposing this with participants' perceptions of their experiences involvement however, it is argued that uneven distribution of decision making power impinges on the development of an inclusive and meaningful context for young people's participation.