Children's physical and emotional health are key determinants of their ability to learn. Since the launch of the government's Healthy Schools Programme, promoting health in schools has become a national priority; but how this translates in practice varies enormously from school to school. This research summary pulls together the findings of a survey of secondary school students across London, supported by the King's Fund, which asked young people what they thought the priorities should be in creating healthier schools for the future. It analyses their concerns under four broad headings: healthy living, emotional well-being, school environment and 'having a voice'. It concludes that the starting point for healthier schools should be to ensure that all students have a genuine say in the development of the school environment which, ultimately, will have a asting impact on their lives. [Abstract]