Parents across Britain are being encouraged to check with their children’s schools ahead of a planned international student walkout on Friday 20 November 2026, with organisers calling on pupils to leave lessons and take part in political demonstrations.
The campaign, promoted in Britain by Socialist Students, is part of an international movement involving youth and student organisations across Europe.
Operating under the slogan “Fight for our future, not their wars”, organisers are encouraging school pupils, college students and university students to participate in demonstrations opposing war, militarisation and government spending priorities.
Socialist Students, which has links to the Socialist Party, has published detailed guidance explaining how young people can organise walkouts at their schools and colleges.
The material includes advice for pupils who believe teachers may attempt to prevent them from leaving school.
Campaign guidance encourages pupils to stay away from school
The Socialist Students campaign pack contains instructions for organising demonstrations, including recruiting fellow students, arranging meeting points and publicising planned protests.
One section addresses pupils concerned that teachers might prevent them from leaving school on the day.
The guidance advises them not to attend school in the first place and instead to meet fellow protesters outside or travel directly to the demonstration.
This advice raises practical questions for parents and schools about attendance, safeguarding and supervision, particularly where younger pupils may leave school premises during the normal school day.
There is no evidence in the published material that every school involved has approved the walkouts, and arrangements may differ between institutions.
Who is behind the November 20 demonstrations?
Socialist Students describes itself as a nationwide socialist campaigning organisation with groups in schools, colleges and universities.
The organisation works closely with the Socialist Party, which has publicly promoted the planned international youth strike.
The campaign opposes increasing military expenditure and militarisation, while also campaigning on education funding, the cost of living, climate change and wider socialist political objectives.
Organisers argue that more resources should be directed towards education, housing, jobs and public services rather than military spending.
The planned protests are therefore openly political, although individual participants may support different parts of the campaign.
Demonstrations planned across Britain
Organisers have published details of demonstrations in cities and towns across the UK.
Among the advertised events are:
- London: Parliament Square, 12pm.
- Manchester: Whitworth Arch, 12pm, followed by a march.
- Birmingham: University of Birmingham at 12pm, with a city-centre demonstration at 2.30pm.
- Brighton: St Peter’s Square, 12.30pm.
- Bristol: College Green, 1pm.
- Reading: Forbury Gardens, 12pm.
- Southampton: Guildhall Square, 12pm.
- Leeds: Parkinson Steps, 1.30pm.
- Cardiff: Cardiff University Students’ Union, 11am.
- Worcester: Sabrina Bridge, 3pm.
The organisers say more than 25 youth and student organisations across 12 countries are involved in preparations for the international action.
These are advertised plans, and arrangements could change before the event.
Can children legally leave school to attend political protests?
Children and young people have rights to express political opinions and participate in peaceful assemblies, subject to applicable laws and restrictions.
However, those rights do not automatically authorise absence from school during compulsory education.
Government guidance in England states that parents are responsible for ensuring children of compulsory school age receive a suitable education.
Schools normally decide whether an absence is authorised, and parents can face attendance enforcement measures where legal requirements are not met.
A single unauthorised absence does not automatically result in a fine. Attendance enforcement depends on the circumstances and applicable rules.
Requirements differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Parents should contact their child’s school if they are uncertain about its attendance arrangements or how it intends to respond to the planned demonstrations.
What should parents know before November 20?
Parents may wish to discuss the campaign with their children before the planned walkout.
Important considerations include whether their child intends to participate, whether they would be leaving school without permission, how they would travel to and from any demonstration, and what supervision would be available.
Parents should also consider whether the child understands the aims of the organisations promoting the event.
There is no suggestion that expressing support for the campaign is itself unlawful.
However, parents and schools have legitimate safeguarding responsibilities, particularly where younger pupils are involved.
Organisers say protests are about young people’s futures
Socialist Students says the demonstrations are intended to give young people a voice over political decisions they believe will affect their futures.
The organisation has highlighted concerns about military spending, education costs, housing affordability and employment prospects.
It argues that coordinated international action can draw attention to these issues and build support for political change.
The planned walkout forms part of the organisation’s broader campaign for socialist policies.
Schools and families encouraged to communicate
With demonstrations scheduled for Friday 20 November, families have several weeks to establish whether their children intend to participate.
Schools may also need to consider how to communicate with parents about attendance, pupil safety and any planned student activity.
The event is being openly advertised through the organisers’ websites and social media accounts.
Parents seeking further information can review the published campaign material and contact their child’s school directly.
