Raising Voices: Pipers Protest Day 2026

On Friday 17 April 2026, we invited our students to look out at the world and think deeply about who and what matters to them, what they want to stand up for, and what they might want to challenge on our Protest Day.

In the weeks leading up to Protest Day, students explored and researched the rich and influential history of protest itself. They considered how protest music has shaped social change, examined the role of free speech in the UK, and tackled an important and nuanced question: how can society protect free speech while also recognising that words can harm individuals and, in some cases, become illegal as hate speech? These are challenging, valuable conversations, and exactly the kind young people benefit from having in a supportive environment.

Each student was encouraged to research an issue, cause, or person that matters to them, and to create a banner or poster to bring along on the day with support from their Tutors. Some students also chose to contribute in other ways, either through music, speeches, artwork, or by helping to guide and support younger students. In assemblies throughout the year so far, students have already been encouraged to think widely about what they might speak up for (or against) from world events and environmental concerns to animal welfare, charities, International Women’s Day issues, Amnesty International, personal causes, inspiring public figures, poetry and song lyrics.

On the day itself, the Arts Centre forecourt transformed into Pipers’ very own Trafalgar Square. At lunchtime, students gathered with posters and banners in hand. Together, they shared music, speeches, and voices from students and special guest speaker Toni Brodelle (a powerful advocate of youth voice, youth engagement, parliament, and music) all led from the balcony.

Above all, Pipers Protest Day is a chance for leadership at every level. At Pipers, we want our students to be curious about the world, open to listening even when they disagree, and confident enough to step forward and speak. This day offers a small but meaningful opportunity to practise those skills and to begin to understand the power of protest, voice, and collective action.

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