This article explores the developing role of mediation as a conflict resolution process in schools. It gives an accepted definition and clarifies the purposes of mediation, outlining the range of contexts in and beyond schools in which mediation is already offered as a formal intervention. The typical process of mediation itself is described. The article goes on to describe how mediation has been introduced in aspects of school life over the past 20 years. How mediation can and might be used to address school disaffection is outlined, along with some potential pitfalls. Finally, a vision is offered for the embedding of mediation in the practice of staff and in the experience of children in schools and in the wider community. (Contains 2 tables.)