The Archbishop of York Youth Trust is delighted to announce that 450 primary and secondary schools have engaged with its Young Leaders Award since the Trust was launched in 2011.

Over 50,000 young people across the North of England have signed up to the programme, learning about leadership and serving others by completing the Awards offered at Key Stages 2, 3 and 4.

This term, 245 KS4 students from Boroughbridge High School will begin their Awards. Steve Shaw, Headteacher said:

“We have heard lots of good stories from schools who have delivered the Youth Awards with their students.  We decided to join them as we can see that it helps to develop rounded and grounded individuals who are better able to make a positive contribution to society.  We are looking forward to our students being the change they want to see in the communities around them and beyond, and continuing this throughout their lives.”

Linton on Ouse Primary School and Lady Lumley School will also start their first cohort of Young Leaders Awards this term and the Archbishop recently visited these schools as part of his Deanery Missions across the Diocese of York.

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, said:

“It is a privilege to be able to visit schools as part of my Deanery missions and I have been encouraged by the very high standard of teaching and the levels of learning achieved.  The Youth Trust is focused on enabling young people to be the change that they want to see.  There are thousands of stories of transformed lives, in the lives of the young people who have completed their Awards and in those who they succeed to reach through the volunteering and community action projects completed. Congratulations to all Young Leaders and keep up the good work.”

Dan Finn, Director of the Youth Trust, said:

“It’s exciting to see so many young people taking part in the Young Leaders Award; growing in leadership and character and building community in the areas where they live. We believe young people can be the leaders of today, not just of the future, and our Awards are providing meaningful opportunities for students to put leadership and service into action and help to change our world for the better”.