Synonyms student
student
These are all words for a child who attends school.
student a person who is studying in a school, especially an older child: Students are required to be in school by 8.30.
Any high school student could tell you the answer.
pupil (British English) a person who is being taught, especially a child in a school: The school has over 850 pupils.
Pupil is used only in British English and is starting to become old-fashioned. Student is often preferred, especially by teachers and other people involved in education, and especially when talking about older children.
Since she was a schoolgirl she had dreamed of going on the stage.
These words emphasize the age of the children or this period in their lives; they are less often used to talk about teaching and learning: an able schoolboy/schoolgirl/schoolchild
Patterns
a(n) good/bright/able/brilliant/star/outstanding student/pupil
a naughty schoolboy/schoolgirl/schoolchild
a disruptive student/pupil
a(n) ex-/former student/pupil
a school student/pupil
to teach students/pupils/schoolboys/schoolgirls/schoolchildren