Students as Partners in Improvement

Students as Partners in Improvement is based on the Learning Commission model, developed over the last ten years in the Northern Territory. It gives students a meaningful role in identifying what’s working in their school, where improvements are needed, and how change should happen. Through a structured process, students consult with their peers, explore challenges, and work with teachers to co-design recommendations that are grounded in real experiences. 

Sustained change through genuine partnership

Partnership is central in making this model effective. It connects the recommendations from schools directly with education authorities and policymakers. Doing this ensures that insights are shared across all levels of the education landscape, that proposed changes really do reflect student experience in schools, and that improvement efforts are better aligned, truly measurable and sustained across time. 

This approach marks a shift in how student voice is harnessed to improve education outcomes. In a Learning Commission students are co-leaders in shaping the recommendations that drive improvement and stay involved as that change is put into action.

Evidence and insights supporting this approach

The Students as Partners in Improvement model is grounded in a decade of work and supported by leading research and expert commentary.

• On the move in the NT to be the most improving education system in Australia – An ACER‑published account of how the Northern Territory’s Learning Commission is helping reshape school improvement as part of a broader system reform.

• Beyond student voice to leading school improvement in partnership – A Teacher Magazine feature by John Cleary on how student–educator partnerships are moving beyond token expressions of student voice to actively re‑shape school improvement.

• NT School Improvement Hub – Evidence for Learning’s profiles of implementation in Northern Territory schools.

• Leading Education Series – A CSE paper in a national series showing how student‑led initiatives at system level are influencing broader education improvement, including case studies from NT schools.

Improvement that builds on existing structures

Students as Partners in Improvement is agile and moulds itself to the locality it seeks to serve. It is designed to complement and align with the fundamental structures or practices of a specific education system. It draws on what already exists to help drive improved outcomes, deepening the role that students play in their own improvement journeys.

ESA is your partner in student-led school improvement

At Education Services Australia (ESA), we’re supporting the expansion of Students as Partners in Improvement. We’re working with jurisdictions, and the education sector more broadly, to grow meaningful partnerships where students help lead school improvement alongside educators. With our active involvement, the model is now being adopted in Tasmanian schools, and explored in the ACT with interest growing in other states and territories. 

We’re focused on ensuring approaches are practical, inclusive, and designed to work in real classrooms and school communities. That includes a strong focus on reaching students whose experiences and views are most often excluded from decision-making, particularly those experiencing disadvantage. 

Partner with us to put student insight into action

We’re working to build a more equitable and responsive education system, one that respects student experience, prioritises collaboration, and delivers practical solutions grounded in the realities of school life. By supporting partnerships where students genuinely co-lead change with educators and school leaders, we’re helping turn insight into action.  

Want to be part of the change? Get in touch to learn more or express your interest.