Who said education must only be about transmitting knowledge? Or that a school must have grades, principals, and rigid curricula?
In a green corner of Devon, in the southwest of England, there is a school that chose to do things differently.
It’s called Sands School, and it's one of the very few democratic schools in Europe.

Founded in 1987 in Ashburton, it is an independent and profoundly human educational space that puts participation, freedom, and trust in young people at its core. Here, you don’t grow by obedience—but by choice. And that changes everything.

A Community for All Ages

Sands School welcomes around 70 students, aged 11 to 17, organised in mixed-age classes based on interests rather than fixed academic years.
The small size creates a familiar, intimate environment, where everyone knows each other and each individual is truly seen.

There is no rigid structure divided by academic year: students move freely among activities and projects, supported by a team of educators who work side by side, not as authorities, but as travel companions.

Shared and Horizontal Education

Imagine a 12-year-old proposing a change to the school rules—and being taken seriously by both adults and peers. Imagine a school where the rules are built together, and where power is not hierarchical, but shared.

At Sands School, there is no headteacher, and school decisions don’t come from above. Everything is discussed and voted on together, in weekly assemblies where each person—whether student or teacher—has an equal voice.

In a time when young people are often excluded from decision-making processes, Sands School stands as a revolutionary act. Here, active, critical and conscious citizens are nurtured.

A School of Choice, Not Obligation

At the heart of it all lies a simple yet powerful concept: self-determination.
Students choose what to study, how, and when. There are no mandatory programmes or imposed subjects: learning arises from curiosity, not obligation.

Those passionate about science can dive into maths and biology, while artistic souls find space for painting, theatre and music. And for those still unsure of what they love—there’s time to explore and listen to themselves.

This approach fuels intrinsic motivation, develops autonomy and critical thinking. Young people don’t learn to pass a test—they learn to discover themselves and the world.

The Benefits of Non-Hierarchical Education

This educational model, which may seem “chaotic” to those used to traditional schooling, has actually shown deep and lasting positive effects on both individual and collective development:

Autonomy and Critical Thinking

Students learn early on to make decisions, manage their time and reflect on the consequences of their actions.

Meaningful Learning

Without the pressure of grades or obligations, knowledge takes root more deeply and becomes part of real-life experience.

Relational Skills

Living in an environment of continuous and equal dialogue nurtures empathy, listening and communication.

Emotional Wellbeing

The absence of authoritarian pressure and the respect for individual rhythms help reduce stress, anxiety and emotional blocks.

Sense of Belonging

Every student feels seen, welcomed, and valued. This creates an authentic community that teaches coexistence and cooperation.

Free Self Expression in a Safe Space

One of the most touching aspects of Sands School is that it is a space that is inclusive, welcoming and authentic.
Here, diversity is not a problem to be fixed, but a richness to be embraced.

The school is designed to adapt to the emotional and relational needs of each student—especially those who have had difficult experiences in traditional schools, or have felt excluded.
It is a place where young people can feel safe, and express themselves authentically, even—and especially—if they are “outside the box”.

A Possible Model Elsewhere?

Many, when reading about places like Sands School, think: “Yes, but it wouldn’t work here.”
And yet, all over the world—including in Italy—similar projects already exist: homeschool communities, alternative education projects, small centres where learning becomes relationship and community.

The point is not to replicate this model identically, but to let it inspire us.
To imagine an education that is more human, more empathetic, more free.

The real question is not “Is it possible?”, but perhaps:

“Are we truly ready to trust our children?
Are we willing to change the way we guide them, not by projecting our needs onto them, but by putting their freedom and happiness first?”

In a Nutshell

Sands School shows us that another way of schooling is not only possible—it already exists.

It is a school that teaches self-affirmation, but also responsibility.
That teaches how to speak, how to listen, how to make decisions together.
A school that doesn’t just form students, but first and foremost unique and conscious human beings.

In a world that urgently needs individuals who can open both mind and heart, maybe this is where we must begin again:
From a school that is not afraid to put freedom at the centre.

By Valentina Bracciodieta