Citizenship is a complex and contested concept at a societal and educational level. Most people would agree, however, that ‘everyone needs to get involved in matters that concern life in society and to act throughout their lives as active and responsible citizens respectful of the rights of others’ (Council of Europe, 2004:3). Education clearly has a key role to play and all European countries have introduced opportunities for training in citizenship (Eurydice, 2006: 1). It is recognised in the same document that:” School plays an important part in educating young people for citizenship. It may contribute to their grounding as active citizens through the content of its teaching, but also in encouraging pupils to assume responsibilities in the mini‐societies that schools and their local communities represent.” This paper draws on recent research conducted in secondary schools in England and examines some of the challenges that this poses. A brief description of the UK context will be followed by a definition of active citizenship and the perspectives of both staff and pupils. The task of getting everyone involved and everyone valuing active citizenship is the principal focus.