I submit the results of the first research carried out in Spain aimed at knowing what the students of the Secondary Compulsory Education (ESO) think about the education they receive. Through surveys, we have collected the ideas of 1 800 students, from 14 to 16 years old, who belong to all social groups and who receive formal education in 31 schools (private and public schools; country and in urban contexts). It is very important to listen to them because it is the first time, in the history of Spain, that all the population with this age is receiving formal education in a comprehensive school. They tell us that: ¤ They give too much importance to their education; for most of them this importance is an instrumental one; but 12% of them think that the ESO has an intrinsic value: it gives them the possibility to access to culture. ¤ They have a clear view of their future - a 70% want to go to University. ¤ They appreciate the possibilities that the extension of compulsory education offers them, although they would prefer education were not compulsory but optional. ¤ They appreciate the scientific training of their teachers but not their pedagogical qualities. They would also like to have a closer relationship with them. ¤ In almost all the aspects assessed, there are important differences between boys and girls in relation to the way the live and assess education.