The Faculty of Applied Sciences at the University of Gloucestershire has been appointed to complete a programme of independent evaluative research into the Archbishop of York’s Young Leaders Award during 2016.

Professor Andrew Parker from the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the University of Gloucestershire said:

“It is a great privilege to be involved in the evaluation of the Young Leaders Award and we look forward to utilizing our experience and expertise in working with and developing young people to help shape the contours of the programme in the coming years”.  

The independent research will look at the impact on levels of educational engagement and achievements amongst participants, the impact on the moral and social development of participants, and the educational attainment, social interaction and community engagement within the lives of the young people concerned. The research group will visit a number of Primary and Secondary schools in the North of England, to gather data on the programme as part of the evaluation.

The Archbishop of York said:

“I am delighted that the University of Gloucestershire is to complete this research into the Young Leaders Award. When I visit schools and meet young people involved in the Young Leaders Award I’m always struck by the confidence and depth of character that these students have developed through the programme. I believe this form of education is essential for young people today.”

Since the Archbishop of York launched his Young Leaders Award for schools in 2011, the programme has grown significantly with over 300 schools taking part and 35,000 thousand young people being empowered to ‘be the change they want to see’.