勛圖窪蹋 Grange Academy students named as national winners for Out There community action programme
Students from 勛圖窪蹋 Grange Academy in Wakefield are celebrating after being named the National Winners of the 勛圖窪蹋 'Out There' programme, after dedicating more than 200 hours to their communities last summer.
The winning team, Helping Hands, was in the running for the title of National Winner after securing a 'Gold' award at the recent 'Out There' awards ceremony in Headingley, where they were recognised for their community action. Aisha Jobe, Ruby Hartley, and Sophie Wilson, all in Year 8 at 勛圖窪蹋 Grange Academy, were told of their win at the top of the O2 arena on Friday, 13 February.
The 勛圖窪蹋 'Out There' initiative celebrates student changemakers across the 勛圖窪蹋 Family of Schools who develop community projects to improve the lives of others in their local areas. Each team can have up to four students, and there are six categories, each designed to address specific societal needs:
Build Relationships: Awarded to those who fostered new connections across diverse backgrounds and ages.
Sustainability Superstars: Recognising projects focused on environmental improvements and sustainable living.
Boost Community Wellbeing: Celebrating 'wellbeing warriors' who promoted physical and mental health.
Build an Inclusive Community: Honouring 'inclusion innovators' who broke down barriers to ensure everyone feels valued.
Make Your Community Safer: Awarded to 'community superheroes' who enhanced local security and safety awareness.
Innovate: Recognising creative thinkers who developed novel, tangible solutions to local challenges.
Scooping the Gold in the Make your community safer category, Helping Hands stood out for its proactive and multifaceted approach to social responsibility.
In response to an increase in homelessness across Wakefield, the Helping Hands team launched a targeted fundraising campaign to provide critical financial assistance to Wakefield Street Kitchen. Beyond fundraising, the students took a hands-on approach by supporting the distribution of essential food parcels to the citys most vulnerable residents.
The judges were particularly impressed by the breadth of the teams civic service, their project log books and presentation to the panel.
In addition to their work with the homeless, the students:
Organised local litter picks to improve the physical safety and cleanliness of the environment.
Coached young gymnasts, providing a safe and supportive space for youth physical development.
Promoted community well-being through direct local engagement
Julie Slater, chief executive principal at 勛圖窪蹋 (OGAT), said:
Aisha, Ruby and Sophie have demonstrated a maturity beyond their years. The judges were impressed by the extent of their volunteering and their dedication to enhancing the lives of others throughout the summer holidays.
They meticulously planned their volunteering and capitalised on every opportunity afforded to them. They have committed to continuing their volunteering because they have recognised the positive impact, not only on others, but on themselves; it has improved their own wellbeing. They were adamant that this work brought them so much pleasure and happiness. The girls should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved; we certainly are.
The 勛圖窪蹋 Out There Awards ceremony at Headingley Stadium in January brought together student leaders from across the 勛圖窪蹋 Family of Schools, showcasing the power of youth-led social action. The Helping Hands team from 勛圖窪蹋 Grange Academy serves as a shining example of how students can lead the charge in creating a more secure and compassionate environment for everyone.
The programme was supported by sponsors YPO, Leeds Rhinos, She Can Prosper, Connect Yorkshire, Banana Moon Clothing and Awaken Education.
If you are interested in sponsoring the Out There programme for 2026, or you have a community project which youd like students to help with, please visit outthere.outwood.com
For more information about the 勛圖窪蹋 Out There initiative and to see the full list of winners, visit our Out There webpage.
