Tuning into children’s voices: Exploring the perceptions of primary aged children about their education in one primary school in England

This small scale study examined children’s views about their education in one primary school in England. The research took place in a large primary school, situated in an area of relative social deprivation in a northern town. A focus group was used to elicit the views of children in Key Stage 2 (aged 7-11) about their teachers, the curriculum, assessment and school inspection. Although the findings cannot be generalised, pupils had mixed views about reading, writing and mathematics. However, they were unanimous in their dislike of science. The data also indicate that pupils felt that the processes of testing and school inspection both served important purposes and that external validation of the school’s performance was necessary. This study provides a springboard for further research into pupils’ perspectives of their primary education. 

This small scale study examined children’s views about their education in one primary school in England. The research took place in a large primary school, situated in an area of relative social deprivation in a northern town. A focus group was used to elicit the views of children in Key Stage 2 (aged 7-11) about their teachers, the curriculum, assessment and school inspection. Although the findings cannot be generalised, pupils had mixed views about reading, writing and mathematics. However, they were unanimous in their dislike of science. The data also indicate that pupils felt that the processes of testing and school inspection both served important purposes and that external validation of the school’s performance was necessary. This study provides a springboard for further research into pupils’ perspectives of their primary education.