How our Sheffield school gets pupils to say thank you and why we need to make room for gratitude in schools - Joanna Crewe

We rightly want young people to become confident communicators. We want them to speak up, express themselves and build strong relationships. But how often do we give them the opportunity to stand in front of their peers and say something genuinely positive about another person?

At Mercia Northridge School in Sheffield, our daily ‘appreciations’ do just that. Pupils and staff can stand up after lunch to thank someone for something positive they have done. It’s a simple practice, but one that brings together two things every young person needs: the ability to recognise the good in others and the confidence to express it aloud.

Appreciations are voluntary, although strongly encouraged. We support pupils who may find it daunting, giving them the opportunity to take part when they feel ready and planning it with them. The aim isn’t to put anyone on the spot, but to create a culture where expressing gratitude feels natural rather than embarrassing.

For some teenagers, public appreciation can feel uncomfortable. Fitting in with friends matters, and saying something heartfelt in front of a crowd can take courage. Our pupils are polite and routinely thank people for everyday acts of kindness. Appreciations take that everyday action a step further, encouraging them to recognise the impact others have on their lives.

The results have been wonderful to see. Pupils have thanked friends who walk home with them every day, and teachers whose belief in them has helped them feel capable of succeeding. One of my favourite moments was a pupil expressing appreciation for a sibling who had always been by their side. Another was seeing a long-serving member of our associate staff thanked for the quiet support she has given pupils when they are upset.

These are not grand gestures. They are everyday acts of care that can easily go unnoticed. Giving them a voice reminds us that everyone has something valuable to contribute, whatever their role in our school community.

There is a wider lesson here about oracy too, which rightly has a growing place in education. We want young people to communicate clearly, articulate their thoughts and speak with confidence. Those skills cannot be developed through lessons alone; they need to be practised in real situations.

Standing up in a busy dining hall is very different from answering a question in class. Appreciations give pupils a quick, low-pressure opportunity to address an audience, manage their nerves and find the words to express themselves. The response from the room is positive, and pupils can build confidence through experience rather than feeling they are being judged.

Gratitude also helps strengthen relationships and a sense of belonging. In a world where so much of the news and information young people encounter can feel negative, taking time to notice kindness, effort and support matters. Being thanked can help someone feel seen and valued, and learning to appreciate others encourages pupils to look beyond themselves.

Importantly, appreciation is not simply about thanking teachers. Pupils can recognise friends, family, members of their community, support staff and anyone who has made a difference to them. At their heart, they are about noticing the good around us and understanding the impact our actions can have on others.

Joanna Crewe is a headteacher at Mercia Northridge School.