A student is one who studies, not necessarily under the direction of a teacher. This is the common term for someone in secondary school or college. A pupil is one who is under the supervision of a teacher. Children in elementary school are usually called pupils. Hope this helps

Pupil is very formal and proper way saying it, whereas student is informal, so most people prefer to use student

Same meaning, but "pupil" is a bit outdated.

In British English, a 'student' goes to college or university. A 'pupil' goes to school (and is up to 16 years old).

The term "pupil" generally applies to a student under the direct supervision of a tutor or private instructor