Earlier this week, year 6 students from Oakfield Junior School in Gateshead celebrated their success when they received their Young Leaders Award badges and certificate from Sir John Hall.  

As a part of the Young Leaders Award, Oakfield engaged in a number of activities that saw them grow in leadership skills through serving others and making a real difference in their local community. They successfully planned and delivered a big community car wash which fundraised over £100 for charity in less than 2 hours.

The Archbishop of York said,

“I continue to be inspired by a growing number of young people who are setting the example through their servant-hearted leadership. My Young Leaders Awards are helping thousands of students across the north of England to engage with their local area and recognise the importance of putting others first and valuing our schools and local communities. Huge congratulations to the pupils at Oakfield Junior.”

Sir John Hall said,

“It was wonderful to meet the year 6 students, the staff and parents at Oakfield Junior School, and to share in their Awards success.  I hope they keep up their good work in this region.”

Oakfield Junior School works closely with The Joseph Swan Academy, who have been running the Young Leaders Award and building key transition links with the year 6 pupils. Year 6 is a very important time for children. Attaining the Young Leaders Award forms part of helping prepare the students for the next stage in their school career. Working alongside Joseph Swan Academy makes this transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Janet Jacques, Executive Head Teacher Oakfield Junior School said,

“Our Year 6 children have thoroughly enjoyed working closely with staff from The Joseph Swan Academy on the Young Leaders Award. The growth in their leadership skills and qualities has been evident for all to see. The project has also provided an ideal opportunity to extend and enhance the already strong links that exist between Oakfield and Joseph Swan. We would be very keen to repeat the project in future years.”

The Young Leaders Awards, developed by the Archbishop of York’s Youth Trust, continues to grow in schools across the north of England. At present 165 schools have signed up to the programme will some 17,000 young people taking part and ‘being the change they want to see’ in their schools and communities.