Pupils at 17 schools in the Helston and Lizard area are being given a voice thanks to the formation of a student committee.

Representatives of all the schools that form the Southerly Point Co-operative Education Trust met at Wendron School last week for the half-termly meeting of the largest co-operative school council in Europe.

Known as SKIP (School Kids in Partnership), the co-operative council lets pupils influence decisions on issues that affect them, representing around 3,000 pupils of all ages.

Projects currently being developed include the organisation of a summer fete, working with Helston Town Council and Helston Museum to find ways to commemorate the centenary of World War I, and launching an annual pupil survey from which a report will be produced.

The also hope to run small-scale events for fundraising and raise awareness for a number of causes, plus ease the transition of primary school pupils joining secondary school – possibly by setting up a ‘buddy’ system between year six and seven pupils.

Council chairman Frazer Delves, from Helston Community College, said: “We want to make ‘pupil voice’ open to as many children and young people in the Trust as possible. So far, the attitude of co-operative council members has been excellent.”

He said there was now a “strong link” between SKIP and the Heads’ Group, involving the headteachers of all the Trust schools, and in particular thanks Paula Quinney from Boskenwyn and Germoe, Dr Pat McGovern from Helston Community College and Brett Dye from Parc Eglos.

“Through hard work and sustained commitment, 2014 could be a very special year indeed for ‘pupil voice’,” added Frazer.

To help promote the work of SKIP, students from Helston Community College plan to create a video explaining what the partnership is about.