Schools back child mediators thanks to Quaker work
More than 10,000 children can now benefit from peer mediation thanks to the expansion of a Quaker-supported programme in schools across Britain.
Over the past three years, Quaker-supported work has helped establish 75 peer mediation schemes, giving pupils new ways to resolve disagreements, strengthen relationships and build a more peaceful school culture.
During that time, more than 1,000 children were trained as peer mediators, equipping them to help classmates work through conflicts.
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It has been transformative for our culture of belonging and connection
- London headteacher
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The programme, supported by the Sir James Reckitt Charity, has gathered momentum as schools pass on skills and experience to new pupils and staff.
In the past year alone, 52 teachers and other school staff were trained to introduce peer mediation, bringing the total trained to more than 200.
This has already led to 13 new schemes being set up in schools.
Many schools say the impact of peer mediation reaches far beyond dealing with playground disputes.
One London headteacher said the training prompted a rethink of how people interact across the whole school.
“Participating in the peer mediation training inspired us to embed circle practices across our school. It has been transformative for our culture of belonging and connection," they said,
The school introduced circle-based meetings for staff, created dedicated classroom discussion spaces and replaced long dining tables with round ones to encourage conversation between pupils.
Quakers also organised peer mediation conferences in Manchester and Cardiff, bringing children together to celebrate their achievements and learn from one another.
The project is also breaking new ground in secondary schools. Two pilot schools have trained young people in conflict resolution, with pupils helping younger children work through disputes.
Alongside the work in schools, Quakers are encouraging wider use of peer mediation through teacher training, national guidance and engagement with policymakers.
Quakers in Britain and the Civil Mediation Council launched a joint report in November 2025 showing the benefits of peer mediation.
It found children trained as peer mediators reported greater confidence, empathy and understanding of others.
Quakers now hope to create a national network of schools offering peer mediation and help more young people discover mediation as a life skill.