Cambridge Student Advisory Council Frequently Asked Questions - for registered Cambridge International Schools

Oct 23, 2026

Cambridge Student Advisory Council FAQ explains what the global, online student community is and how it operates for registered Cambridge International Schools. It details who runs the council, eligibility criteria for students aged 16+, and the recruitment process via online forms and potential invitations to research activities. The FAQ covers activity types (surveys, focus groups, expert panels), scheduling flexibility, voluntary participation, safeguarding and wellbeing support, data handling, recording practices, recognition options, and how schools can contact the Cambridge team.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cambridge Student Advisory Council?

Who runs the council?

Which students are eligible to take part?

How are students recruited?

What types of activities are students invited to take part in?

How often do activities take place?

Is participation compulsory?

How are sessions delivered and moderated?

How is student wellbeing and safeguarding supported?

How will student input be used?

Will students or schools be identified publicly?

Are sessions recorded?

How is student data managed?

Do students receive recognition for taking part?

Who should schools contact with questions?

Cambridge Student Advisory Council Frequently Asked Questions (for registered Cambridge International Schools) What is the Cambridge Student Advisory Council? The Cambridge Student Advisory Council is a global, online community that brings together students from registered Cambridge schools to share their perspectives on education, learning and global issues. Through structured research activities (such as surveys, focus groups, panels and discussions), students provide insight that informs Cambridge’s thinking, strategy and product development, ensuring student voice plays a meaningful role in shaping the future of education. Who runs the council? The council is run by the International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment. We are part of the University of Cambridge. Activities are organised and facilitated by experienced Cambridge colleagues, sometimes alongside external subject experts, and are delivered in line with Cambridge’s safeguarding and privacy & data protection policies. Which students are eligible to take part? The council is currently open to students aged 16 and over, with plans to extend participation to younger age groups over time. Participation is global and inclusive, with students recruited across regions to ensure a broad range of perspectives. All participating students require parent or guardian consent and must be part of an approved Cambridge International School. How are students recruited? Students join the council by completing an online form, where they indicate the topics they are most interested in as well as the qualifications and subjects they’re studying. Schools may share the opportunity with eligible students or nominate students to participate. Students who apply to join maybe invited to relevant research activities, with smaller groups selected for specific sessions depending on the topic and format. What types of activities are students invited to take part in? Activities may include: • online surveys and market research activities (open to all interested students) • small, online focus groups or discussion panels with students from different regions • expert-led Q&A or panel sessions on specific themes. Sessions are designed to be age-appropriate, inclusive and supportive. Students do not need prior experience to contribute. How often do activities take place? Participation opportunities vary across the academic year. Some activities are open invitation; others involve selected small groups. Participation is flexible, and students can choose which activities they wish to take part in. There is no expectation that students participate in every activity or attend every session; they can choose which ones to join depending on their availability. Is participation compulsory? No. Participation is entirely voluntary. Students may decline individual invitations, choose not to answer any question, or withdraw from an activity or from the Council at any time. How are sessions delivered and moderated? Most activities take place online, typically using Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Sessions are facilitated by trained Cambridge colleagues and follow clear ground rules to ensure discussions are respectful, inclusive and emotionally safe. There are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers; students are encouraged to share their views only if they feel comfortable doing so. How is student wellbeing and safeguarding supported? Student wellbeing and safeguarding are central to the Council’s design. Sessions are carefully moderated, participation is optional, and discussions are structured to be balanced and supportive. Cambridge’s safeguarding and privacy & data protection policies apply to all activities. How will student input be used? Student insights are used to: • inform the development and improvement of teaching, learning and assessment resources • support research, thought leadership and advocacy activity • strengthen Cambridge’s under

FAQs

What is the Cambridge Student Advisory Council and what is its purpose?

It is a global, online community for students from registered Cambridge schools to share perspectives on education, learning, and global issues through structured research activities. Insights are used to inform Cambridge’s thinking, strategy, and development.

Who can take part, and how are students recruited?

The council is open to students aged 16 and over, and requires parent or guardian consent and membership in an approved Cambridge International School. Students join by completing an online form, and may be invited to relevant research activities with smaller groups selected for specific sessions.

Is participation voluntary, and how are safeguarding and wellbeing handled?

Participation is entirely voluntary; students can decline invitations, choose not to answer questions, or withdraw at any time. Sessions are moderated with clear ground rules, participation is optional, discussions are structured to be supportive, and Cambridge safeguarding plus privacy & data protection policies apply.

Oct 23, 2026

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