With primary pupils in Years 5 and 6 invited to take part in the former and secondary students in the latter, the programmes challenge pupils to devise and deliver social action projects for the benefit of their local and regional communities.

Following on from the success of both projects in previous years, this year over 50 schools across the Group have signed up to the initiatives which culminate in special Celebration Days at St Anne’s College, University of Oxford, in March 2025. At these, pupils will present their projects to their peers and get to experience firsthand a day at university.

Over the coming months, pupil teams at each school will be working together to devise and implement their own unique project with the support of United Learning’s Communities Team and Carbon Neutral Team. The initiatives are designed to give pupils the opportunity to learn more about social issues such as climate change, homelessness and mental health and provide them with the tools to help tackle some of these issues at a local level.

This year’s programmes were kicked off with virtual webinars which gave pupils the opportunity to find out more about the initiatives as well as the confidence to bring their ideas to life.

As part of the Student Leadership Programme, primary pupils at Tranby plan to deliver a social action project on raising awareness of the decline of hedgehogs and other garden wildlife animals, whilst at High Hazels Academy pupils have pledged to reduce single-use plastic in their community. Similarly, pupils at Longshaw Primary Academy also have an environmental focus and have committed to planting more trees on the school grounds.

Beatrix, a Year 6 pupil at Tranby, said:

“This year we wanted to focus on an animal project and chose to raise awareness of hedgehogs. Did you know that hedgehogs are protected by law and are on the red list of vulnerable British wild mammals? We have a stall at the Christmas fair for bird feeders and wreaths. We spent all weekend making them.”

Meanwhile, as part of the Social Action Programme, secondary students have been carrying out a range of brilliant projects of their own. These include the creation of a fishing programme at The Hyndburn Academy, as well as setting up a school food bank at The Lowry Academy.

Chris Clyne, Regional Director at United Learning, said:

“We are excited to be rolling out our Social Action and Student Leadership programmes for another year and very much look forward to seeing pupils implement their brilliant initiatives. Each year, pupils deliver a whole host of projects which have a real impact on their local communities, and which equip them with a range of important skills. I wish everyone taking part the very best of luck and hope that, come the Celebration Days in March, they will feel proud of all they have achieved through their excellent efforts.”