Speaking to students and Head teachers, the Archbishop said:

“I’m always glad to hear of the work that schools are doing to help young people to grow in both heart and mind.  Often education can be viewed as just about the academic, but it is so much more than that!  These Young Leaders who are completing the Award are putting Lent into practise, living out this season by their words and actions. They are amazing”.

Simon Barber Head teacher at Holy Trinity Barnsley said:

“We have found our students have grown massively in confidence and leadership by completing the Young Leaders Award. They have learned how to fundraise, time-management skills, the importance of volunteering and how this makes a difference in the local community. They take with them enhanced interpersonal skills that will help them throughout adult life”.

The Young Leaders Awards, at Key Stages 2, 3 and 4, are an active citizenship resource for schools and there are over 22,000 young people now signed up across the north of England.  The aim of the Awards is to encourage leadership in young people which will continue throughout their adult life.