Trust Parliament
At Crofty Education Trust, our Trust Parliament gives pupils a genuine opportunity to understand democracy, representation and the power of collective action. Bringing together two Year 6 representatives from each of our 18 schools, the Parliament enables children to discuss issues that matter to their peers, debate ideas and influence decisions that can have a real impact across the Trust.
Meeting every half term, Parliament members explore key topics affecting children and work collaboratively to identify opportunities for improvement. Through these discussions, pupils develop valuable skills in leadership, public speaking, teamwork, critical thinking and respectful debate, whilst learning how diverse viewpoints contribute to better decision-making.
The Trust Parliament follows a process closely modelled on the UK parliamentary system. Each year, members propose and develop a new Bill designed to improve opportunities, experiences or outcomes for children across the Trust. Once debated by Parliament representatives, the proposed Bill is presented to all pupils across Crofty’s schools for a democratic vote.
Every child is given the opportunity to participate through a formal ballot, using voting boxes and election processes similar to those used in national and local elections. Following a Trust-wide count, the winning proposal is presented to Trustees for consideration, giving pupils a meaningful insight into how democratic systems work and how ideas can progress from discussion to implementation.
The annual vote count has become a highlight of the parliamentary calendar, regularly welcoming local elected representatives to speak with pupils about democracy, public service and community leadership. These sessions provide children with a unique opportunity to engage directly with decision-makers and ask questions about their experiences of representing others.
Over the years, the Trust Parliament has demonstrated the positive impact that young people can achieve when they work together behind a common purpose. One notable success saw pupils raise £3,000 for Penhaligon’s Friends, supporting children and families affected by bereavement. This achievement reflected the Parliament’s commitment not only to improving school life but also to making a meaningful difference within the wider community.
Through the Trust Parliament, pupils learn that their voices matter, their ideas can influence change and that active participation in democracy can have a lasting and positive impact on the world around them.
Previous vote results:
2024/25 Supporting a Trust chosen charity vs Forming a Crofty Choir:
Charity: 2,122 votes
Choir: 695 votes
Spoilt votes: 67
Total votes: 2,884
2025/26 Planting a Crofty forest vs Creating a Crofty Art Gallery:
Forest: 1,492 votes
Crofty Art Gallery: 1,623 votes
Spoilt votes: 75
Total votes: 3,190