This case study records the voices of a group of young people from an isolated rural community as they reflect on their experiences of secondary school. The study was driven by a desire to develop an understanding of the human connections young people make (or not) at school, to help develop understandings of how schools can be better places for their students. The data reveal that the students report their school experience almost entirely as a social activity. In the context of this study it is argued that the emotional support and "protection" that peer relationships seem to offer young people may be a key element in motivating them to attend school and supporting their well-being. With the focus of schools directed by inspection, standards and marketisation agenda, the importance of these peer relationships to young people may not be fully recognised by school leaders. Acknowledgement of the importance of these interactions to the students and accommodation of these needs physically and pedagogically in school may well be a key to developing positive relations between all members of the school community. (Contains 1 table.)