My day started by watching an eight-year-old confidently run the daily meeting with all the young people present. Imagine a young child with the confidence and skill to hold an agenda and steer a group discussion—yet this felt totally natural here. The meeting was held democratically; everyone got a vote, regardless of age or experience, and together, they decided on a number of proposals put forward by the community. For example, community members wanted to relocate the quiet room and turn the current quiet room into a space for gaming and computers. A vote was taken and the majority ruled so it was decided. Observing this level of self-governance and mutual respect left a deep impression on me. I couldn’t help but marvel at the level of trust East Kent Sudbury places in its young people, empowering them to actively shape their learning environment and daily activities.
The learning community has designated rooms for music, crafts, art, and more—a variety of spaces dedicated to sparking creativity. The main area acts as a central hub where students can simply hang out, mingle, and enjoy each other’s company. 7 students of different ages were all learning German together, while others were engaged in beautiful art projects.
One of the most striking experiences came when I stepped outside and saw a group of about 10 young people ranging from what looked like 12-year-old girls to 16 and 17 year old boys, all playing together in an impromptu game they had created. They were climbing trees, building a jump with a pile of leaves and a mattress, and taking turns launching themselves off the branches onto this makeshift landing pad. The joy and engagement in this group were infectious. It’s rare to see teenagers and younger kids truly at ease, creating and playing together, without the typical divides you’d see in most other settings. Here, the students’ ages and genders were irrelevant; the only thing that mattered was the sense of adventure and fun. East Kent Sudbury fosters a culture where relationships transcend age, allowing kids and teens to build community connections that are just as vital as the learning itself.
The Community Meal: A Masterpiece of Collective Effort
A true highlight of the day was the community meal put on by the student-led PepperPot Cafe. Every other Thursday, they prepare a two-course meal together, which they then serve to their community for a small fee. They prepare food for between 30-40 meals as a team.
This week, the menu offered a choice of vegan or meat spaghetti bolognese, cheese panini, and for dessert, tiramisu or homemade jam tart with custard. There were about 15 students aged 7-16 involved and it all was organised so fluidly. Watching the young people orchestrate this was remarkable—they organized themselves into teams for cooking, setting tables, serving, and washing up. A single staff member was present in the kitchen, mainly to oversee health and safety, while the kids handled the rest with remarkable independence.
As my heart has been captured by the CanTeam project, it was so beautiful to see exactly what we at CanTeam know, eating and thriving together! The entire process of a community meal is a beautiful model of responsibility, teamwork, and pride. From food preparation to cleanup, each young person plays a role, whether it’s washing dishes, serving tables, or planning next week’s menu. The conversation I had with them about food sourcing and budget only underscored their commitment to this process. It’s hard not to be inspired by the self-sufficiency, cooperation, and respect they bring to every part of the meal.
Another part of East Kent Sudbury’s unique culture is its Judicial Committee (JC). The JC operates on a system of laws created by the community, and anyone can bring up an issue if they feel someone has broken these agreed-upon rules. I sat in on a session, and it was eye-opening. The committee, typically made up of one staff member, a student, and a witness, reviews the issues with a sense of seriousness and fairness. I watched as a 14-year-old openly acknowledged a mistake he made—a door handle he accidentally broke while fooling around. Not only did he admit responsibility, but he also offered to raise funds and replace it himself. This level of honesty and accountability is rare and speaks volumes about the trust and values instilled in this learning environment.
As the day wound down, I observed one final community tradition that encapsulates the spirit of East Kent Sudbury: the clean-up ritual. A bell rang, and everyone went to their designated areas for a quick cleanup. I saw a seven-year-old leading a team of older students, directing them with ease and purpose as they tidied up their shared space. Watching this routine, it was evident that each member of this community has a role to play in caring for their environment, making it ready for the next day of exploration and learning.
Throughout the day, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kate Coleman, a visionary in self-directed learning. Her dedication and joy in creating this community were palpable. Our conversation was illuminating—Kate shared her philosophy that true self-directed learning demands an all-or-nothing approach. There’s no halfway. She explained that any attempt to impose external control, like restricting screen time, would undermine the fundamental principle of self-direction. Only by wholeheartedly embracing this freedom can students truly experience growth without judgment or limitation.
Leaving East Kent Sudbury, I felt a mix of inspiration, awe, and gratitude for the experience. Witnessing the beauty of a community where young people have genuine freedom, real responsibilities, and boundless opportunities for growth was unforgettable. It’s a rare model, but one that works powerfully when trust, respect, and full commitment are at the core. The way these young people approach their day—from democratically deciding activities to taking responsibility for every aspect of their environment—paints a hopeful picture of what learning communities can be.
I walked away profoundly moved, with a renewed sense of what education can look like when it’s truly student-driven, compassionate, and community-centered.
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