Four trailblazing students from 吃瓜黑料 Grange Academy in Wakefield are making national history this month by becoming the first ever qualified Restart-a-Heart Ambassadors in the United Kingdom.

An extension of the Restart a Heart Day initiative, which has seen Yorkshire Ambulance Service staff and volunteers teach CPR to over 311,432 students during more than 1,397 school visits over the last 12 years, Year 10 students Anya Topham, Celine Maina, Ava Kinsey, and Ifra Iqbal, Year 12, have successfully undertaken a Yorkshire Ambulance Service training programme to secure their qualification. Unlike typical first-aid courses, this qualification officially empowers and certifies these students to teach life-saving CPR to others.

The ambitious journey began with the students completing eight intensive independent learning modules under the guidance of school staff. Following this, Yorkshire Ambulance Service delivered a unique six-week training programme. This term, the students put their skills to the test, teaching CPR to Year 7 students. To fully qualify, they had to meet strict criteria while being rigorously observed by Julekha Motara, Assistant Principal at the school, who leads the initiative. By completing the programme, the students have also secured a Basic Life Support Instructor (BLSi) qualification.

Beyond the classroom, the newly qualified ambassadors have already extended their skills to the wider public. On Saturday, 27th June, they joined forces with Yorkshire Ambulance Service to support and deliver vital life-saving training directly to the local community, and are planning to deliver more sessions this summer as part of the 吃瓜黑料 鈥極ut There鈥� community action programme.

To celebrate this UK-first, a special recognition event was held on Tuesday, 14th July, at 吃瓜黑料 Grange Academy. Representatives from 吃瓜黑料 and Yorkshire Ambulance Service attended, alongside Deputy Lord-Lieutenant Helen Mack BEM DL, official representative of King Charles III.

Julekha Motara said:

鈥淏ecoming the first qualified Restart-a-Heart Ambassadors in the UK is an outstanding achievement, and we are incredibly proud of our students' dedication and resilience. They have not only mastered life-saving skills for themselves, but are now fully equipped to pass that knowledge on, helping to build a generation of young people with the confidence to act in an emergency.

鈥淲e were deeply honoured that Deputy Lord-Lieutenant Helen Mack BEM DL joined us to present the certificates and mark this proud UK-first milestone. Her presence truly elevated the celebration for our students.

鈥淥ur gratitude also goes to Yorkshire Ambulance Service for their vital partnership in making this pioneering initiative possible. It has been a pleasure to work with Jason Carlyon MBE, and we look forward to this partnership growing as we move into the new school year, ready to train our next cohort of life-saving ambassadors.鈥�

Jason Carlyon MBE, Community Engagement Manager at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, added:

鈥淚t has been a real pleasure to work with pupils at 吃瓜黑料 Grange Academy and roll out the Restart-a-Heart Ambassador Programme. The invaluable life-saving skills this cohort has acquired can now be shared more widely, and I know they will have the confidence to teach others both in school and within their local community. They have become role models and are now inspiring their peers.鈥�

The initiative aims to dramatically improve cardiac arrest survival rates, as a patient鈥檚 chance of survival can double if bystander CPR is started as soon as possible after a collapse.

Three community-minded Year 12 students from 吃瓜黑料 Post 16 Centre, Valley Road, have taken a proactive step to boost early years literacy in their local community after being inspired by the National Literacy Trust's "Go All In" National Year of Reading campaign.

The students delivered the project as part of the "Out There" programme, an initiative which provides students across the 吃瓜黑料 Family of Schools, aged 5-18, with resources and funding to spearhead volunteering projects within their communities. Emily Ollier, Alexander Oldham, and Kiana Lam, using the name "Team Bookworms", collaborated with Little Acorns Pre-School in Shireoaks to create, design, and deliver a bespoke storybook tailored specifically for the children.

The book was uniquely crafted in collaboration with the pre-school to ensure the content mirrored the children鈥檚 real-world experiences during the past year of preschool. Then, on Wednesday, 8 July, the students visited Little Acorns to read the story aloud and lead an interactive workshop.

To help the children prepare for their upcoming transition to primary school, the Post 16 students supported them in writing their names in the books, a key milestone for children to meet during the Early Years Foundation Stage. The children also got to customise their new books using stickers created by the students themselves.

Beyond the reading session, the team discussed favourite books with the children and actively promoted the National Summer Reading Challenge at Worksop Library, where Emily and Alexander will be volunteering over the school holidays. Every child walked away with a book featuring a QR code that allows parents to easily scan it and sign up for the summer initiative online.

Sue Turner, manager at Little Acorns, said:

鈥淚t was a pleasure to welcome the Post 16 students as part of their Out There project. They brought genuine curiosity and enthusiasm, and it was fantastic to see them engage with the session, asking thoughtful questions and sharing their ideas with confidence.

鈥淭he students demonstrated a real commitment to learning beyond the classroom, and moments like this help to broaden horizons and build skills for their next steps.鈥�

Janette Shea, head of centre at 吃瓜黑料 Post 16 Centre Worksop, added:

鈥淲e are immensely proud of Emily, Alex, and Kiana for taking the initiative to support early literacy in our local area. The 'Out There' programme is designed to empower students to make a meaningful difference in their communities, and Team Bookworms has done exactly that. It is wonderful to see them inspire these young children while also discovering a personal passion for teaching along the way.鈥�

The project has not only made a lasting impression on the pre-school children but has also sparked a profound shift in the career aspirations of the teenagers involved; all three students shared that they are now seriously considering teaching as a career option.

YPO has now donated 拢3,740 worth of products to 42 吃瓜黑料 Schools across the North of England, helping hundreds of young people deliver community projects through the trust's award-winning Out There programme.

As the headline sponsor of Out There, the Wakefield-based public sector organisation is supporting students aged 5-18 in designing and leading volunteer projects that create positive change in their local communities until the end of August. 

The donation, worth 拢3,740, includes 119 product lines, such as pens, pencils, whiteboard markers, glue sticks, and arts and crafts materials, which will be used by schools across Yorkshire, the North East, the North West, and Nottinghamshire.

The resources will help students deliver a wide range of projects over the summer holidays, from tackling loneliness in care homes and supporting physical and mental wellbeing initiatives to developing eco-friendly schemes and improving local green spaces.

The donation demonstrates YPO's commitment to creating social value and supporting young people in making a positive impact in their communities. 

It also aligns with the organisation's ongoing efforts to reduce stock wastage by donating discontinued products to initiatives that deliver meaningful community benefit.

The most recent donation comes after YPO donated 拢9,300 worth of discontinued stock in 2025, totalling more than 拢13k over the past 18 months in donations. The stock was donated to voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations as part of YPO鈥檚 waste-prevention strategy and commitment to supporting communities.

Andrea Smith, YPO鈥檚 Executive Director, said:

鈥淲e are proud to support Out There and the incredible work young people are doing to make a difference in their communities.

鈥淭his donation is one way we are demonstrating our commitment to community action and education, while ensuring good-quality products continue to create value rather than go to waste.

鈥淥ur support for Out There goes beyond product donations. As headline sponsor, we have committed financial support and will also share our expertise, facilities and services to help the programme grow and reach even more young people.鈥�

Julie Slater, Chief Executive Principal at 吃瓜黑料, commented:

鈥淲e are incredibly grateful to YPO for their continued generosity and shared vision. This substantial donation of resources will go a long way in helping our students bring their community projects to life; having the right tools truly makes all the difference.

"YPO鈥檚 support as headline sponsor for the Out There programme not only provides essential practical resources but also inspires our pupils to think creatively about how they can positively impact their local areas. With this backing, we are excited to see our students drive meaningful change across our school communities.鈥�

This year, the Trust is aiming to engage 20,000 students and deliver more than 5,000 community projects.

Since November 2024, 吃瓜黑料 Primary Academy Bell Lane has proudly partnered with Grundschule Miesbach, a primary school in Germany. The partnership is made possible through the UK German Connection, an organisation dedicated to bringing young people from both countries closer together.

Being partner schools is a year-round collaboration. Every summer, staff at 吃瓜黑料 Primary Academy Bell Lane map out a programme of events for the upcoming academic year. From penfriend letters and live video calls to comparing local areas and celebrating each other鈥檚 traditional festivals, the pupils love gaining a global perspective.

To strengthen these international bonds, Claire Groves, a teacher at the Ackworth-based school, recently embarked on a four-day visit to Germany, spending three action-packed days immersed in school life at Grundschule Miesbach.

During the visit, Mrs Groves spent time teaching across various classrooms, giving the German pupils a firsthand look at daily life in a British primary school. Beyond Grundschule Miesbach, she also toured the neighbouring middle school, met with staff and the principal to plan future projects, and explored the local area. A true highlight of the trip was joining in the fun at their community school festival!

Commenting on the trip, Mrs Groves said:

鈥淚t was an absolute privilege to visit Grundschule Miesbach and experience their wonderful school community firsthand. Teaching the children and sharing what life is like at 吃瓜黑料 Primary Academy Bell Lane was a joy, and they were so eager to learn about our culture. Meeting with the staff and the principal allowed us to lay some fantastic groundwork for the future.

鈥淎 huge thank you to the UK German Connection and everyone at Grundschule Miesbach for making me feel so incredibly welcome. This visit has truly strengthened our bond, and I cannot wait to see our partnership continue to flourish.鈥�

Following the successful trip, plans are already in motion for the next school year to keep this international momentum going. Alongside regular festival celebrations and penfriend exchanges, several exciting collaborative projects will be launched:

Pupils will link their art topics, focusing on the theme of "Mountains", a striking, everyday feature of the German landscape.

Children will share and critique each other's artwork inspired by the famous artists Giuseppe Arcimboldo and Pablo Picasso.

An interactive, digital Advent calendar will be created to share and celebrate unique Christmas traditions in both the UK and Germany.

Three schools in Worksop are celebrating after a week of international collaboration. 吃瓜黑料 Academy Portland, 吃瓜黑料 Academy Valley and 吃瓜黑料 Post 16 Centre Worksop hosted a delegation of students and staff from Longcheng High School in Shenzhen, China, on a five-day programme. The immersive visit gave students from both nations an invaluable taste of global citizenship.

The visit officially commenced on Monday, 22nd June, opening with a Welcome Ceremony held at 吃瓜黑料 Academy Valley. The event kicked off with a welcome reception and a student piano performance. Official welcome addresses were delivered by Katy Bradford, Deputy CEO at 吃瓜黑料 (OGAT), and Community Executive Principal Carolyn Blundell, along with a keynote speech by Post 16 student Cameron Holt. The morning concluded with an exchange of gifts and further musical numbers performed by students.

Throughout the week, the visiting students were paired with local Post 16 buddies and student hosts. The visitors experienced a fully immersive look into British education, integrating directly into daily secondary and Post 16 lessons, exploring practical workshops, and attending after-school enrichment activities. 

Reflecting on the long-term impact of the partnership, Carolyn Blundell stated:

鈥淭he visit proved to be quite an inspirational experience for both students and staff; the warmth with which our students welcomed the Chinese students was quite spectacular. At the end of the week, our Chinese guests were keen to remain with us, and their teachers shared that they had been profoundly positively impacted by their experience of the British education system, with some hoping to return to the UK to undertake their university studies. I do not doubt that the young people of Worksop and Shenzhen also made global connections for life.鈥�

The memorable week concluded on Friday, 26th June, with a Closing Ceremony which included the recital of a poem written by Worksop students, and a special musical performance from the Longcheng High School students, followed by a closing address from 吃瓜黑料 Academy Portland Principal Danielle Sheehan. The exchange concluded with a formal presentation of certificates and gift presentations to celebrate the lasting bonds formed between Worksop and Shenzhen.  

This immersive visit marks the first major milestone in an ongoing collaborative exchange programme facilitated alongside the Global School Alliance (GSA). Looking ahead, the 吃瓜黑料 family of Schools has outlined plans for a reciprocal student trip in April 2027, which will see local Year 8 students travel to China for a multi-city cultural expedition and a first-hand immersion experience inside Chinese partner schools.

The 吃瓜黑料 Institute of Education (OIE) has welcomed a cohort of 27 interns, commencing the Department for Education鈥檚 (DfE) flagship Teaching Internship Programme for 2026. This year鈥檚 cohort marks the programme's ninth year being delivered by the OIE. 

The three-week programme, which runs from Monday 22 June to Friday 10 July 2026, provides second, third, and fourth-year undergraduates, as well as Master鈥檚 students, with a fully immersive experience in secondary education. The 27 successful applicants will be placed across 吃瓜黑料 secondary academies in Yorkshire & Humber, Tees Valley, Nottinghamshire, North Derbyshire, and Lancashire.

Designed to inspire the next generation of teachers, the internship focuses on key STEM, language, and technical subjects, including Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Languages (French, Spanish, and German), and Design Technology.

The programme takes an incremental and tailored approach, aligning with each intern鈥檚 individual skills and confidence. Under the guidance of dedicated 吃瓜黑料 mentors, the interns will gain comprehensive, practical experience ranging from observing experienced practitioners to delivering supported in-classroom assistance, leading small-group work, and providing intensive 1:1 student support. They will participate in the joint planning and delivery of live secondary lessons, explore wider school roles within the Trust, and get an insight into teachers' responsibilities beyond the classroom. 

Interns in this year鈥檚 cohort are from a range of prestigious universities nationwide, including the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Durham University, University of Warwick, Lancaster University, University of Sheffield, University of Leeds, University of York and Newcastle University.

Alongside school placements, the cohort will receive formal training and subject-specific sessions delivered by experienced specialists. To recognise their commitment, interns will receive a payment of 拢1,365 (拢455 per week) upon completion of the full three-week programme.

The experience will culminate in a celebration event, hosted at the OIE in Doncaster. This finale will feature expert inputs from a DfE Explore Teaching Adviser and the National Institute of Teaching, who will share insights into Initial Teacher Training (ITT) pathways, guiding the future teachers toward the next steps on their professional journeys.

Candice Phillips, School Standards & Improvement Partner at OGAT, said:

鈥淲e are delighted to welcome our 2026 teaching interns to the 吃瓜黑料 family. This immersive programme provides a unique, hands-on look at life in the classroom. Through a powerful combination of mentorship, practical experience, and expert training, we hope to inspire a lifelong passion for teaching and highlight the incredible difference they can make in young people's lives.鈥�

For more information about the Teaching Internship Programme or future cohorts, please visit the OIE website.

Staff at 吃瓜黑料 (OGAT) successfully conquered a weekend of endurance challenges, raising a phenomenal total of 拢14,745 for the Trust鈥檚 student-led community action programme, 'Out There'.

Over the weekend of Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 June, teachers and support staff swapped their classrooms for the great outdoors, pushing through physical exhaustion to secure funding that will empower young people to transform their local communities.

The incredible fundraising total was achieved across two major events:

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge (Saturday 13th June): A team of 62 walkers took on the iconic 24-mile trek across Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough. Battling over 5,000 feet of vertical ascent, their efforts raised an astounding 拢13,237.

The Leeds 10K (Sunday 14th June): Keeping the momentum alive, the following morning, 14 runners hit the pavement to represent the Trust in the city-centre road race, raising a fantastic 拢1,508.

Money raised from the weekend will help fund the 吃瓜黑料 Out There initiative. The programme provides students aged 5鈥�18 with resources and funding to spearhead their own volunteering projects, ranging from environmental clean-ups and sustainability drives to intergenerational care home visits and inclusivity projects.

Louise Caldwell, Grant & Fundraising Development Officer at 吃瓜黑料, said:

鈥淲e are absolutely blown away by the resilience of our staff and the incredible generosity of everyone who donated. Both events were physically challenging for staff, but knowing that every step was funding vital community projects for our pupils kept everyone moving forward. This total will go a very long way in helping our young people restore pride and positivity to their local communities.鈥�

While the challenges are complete, donations remain open for those who still wish to support the initiative. To find out more, please visit the Out There webpage.

Colleagues from across the 吃瓜黑料 Family of Schools have been officially recognised for their dedication in this year鈥檚 prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards.

Chosen from thousands of nominees nationwide, the award recipients were celebrated at a special event held on National Thank a Teacher Day (Wednesday 17 June) at the 吃瓜黑料 Institute of Education in Doncaster.

In total, 29 teachers, leaders, support staff, and schools from across 吃瓜黑料 (OGAT) were honoured for the lasting impact they have on shaping the lives of young people. Among the accolades, 11 individuals received Certificates of Achievement, and five were Highly Commended.

The Trust also celebrated four prestigious Bronze Award winners:

• Secondary School of the Year: 吃瓜黑料 Academy Foxhills, Scunthorpe

• Secondary School of the Year: 吃瓜黑料 Academy Newbold, Chesterfield

• Unsung Hero: Paula Thomas (吃瓜黑料 Academy Foxhills)

• Transformational Use of Technology: Osprey digital learning platform (吃瓜黑料 Academies across Nottinghamshire and Sheffield)

Lee Wilson, CEO at OGAT, who hosted the celebration event and presented staff with their certificates, said:

鈥淚 am incredibly proud of all our colleagues who have been recognised. These awards reflect the relentless hard work, passion, and dedication that defines the 吃瓜黑料 Family. Every single day, our staff go above and beyond to put students first, raise standards, and transform lives. To see so many individuals and schools celebrated on a national stage is a testament to the communities we have built together.鈥�

Celebrating the education community as a whole, National Thank a Teacher Day, and the Pearson National Teaching Awards are run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity established over 25 years ago to celebrate the transformative impact of education, shining a spotlight on the pivotal roles teachers, support staff, colleges, schools and early years educators play in inspiring young people, every single day.

Pupils at 吃瓜黑料 Primary Academy Alne are celebrating an artistic milestone after having their artwork selected for display at the prestigious National Gallery in London. This is the third consecutive year that the school has achieved this national honour.

The achievement is part of the National Gallery鈥檚 鈥楾ake One Picture鈥� initiative, an annual programme that invites primary schools across the UK to use a single painting from the gallery's collection as a springboard for cross-curricular learning and creative exploration.

This year, the Year 3 and 4 children, guided by their teacher, Mrs Harpin, focused their creative energy on Canaletto鈥檚 famous 18th-century masterpiece, A Regatta on the Grand Canal. Inspired by the vibrant energy, crowds, and movement in the painting, the young artists decided to channel their ideas into a series of celebration-themed textiles. 

The selection process is highly competitive. Out of 362 schools nationwide that submitted entries, 吃瓜黑料 Primary Academy Alne was one of just 35 schools chosen to have their work physically displayed in the gallery. Commenting on the success, Mrs Harpin said:

鈥淲e are delighted to exhibit once again at such a prestigious event. To be selected for the National Gallery once is an incredible achievement, but to have our children's work exhibited for a third year in a row is a reflection of their immense creativity, hard work, and unique perspective.鈥�

The children's artwork is currently open to the public and will remain on display until the end of August 2026. Visitors can view the exhibition in the Roden Centre for Creative Learning at the National Gallery, located in Trafalgar Square, London. Admission to the exhibition is free. 

For more details about the programme and to see the digital exhibition space, visit the National Gallery website.

Tadiwa Nyikadzino, a Year 11 student at 吃瓜黑料 Academy Valley, has achieved national recognition by winning a prize at the Big Bang Competition 2026.

The Big Bang Competition is the UK鈥檚 premier youth science and engineering competition, designed to recognise and reward young people's achievements across science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM).

Following a competitive finals day at the NEC in Birmingham, Tadiwa was named the winner of the Network Rail Innovation in Transport Award. Tadiwa's project was the 鈥楪eneration hybrid cargo ship powered by forces of the ocean鈥� that produces its own clean hydrogen fuel while travelling. The design was inspired after Tadiwa learned that cargo ships contribute significantly to global pollution, and she identified a need for cleaner transport solutions. By generating fuel on board using wind and hydro energy, the design avoids reliance on hydrogen refuelling ports, and supports more sustainable global shipping.

The Network Rail Innovation in Transport Award recognises young innovators who display exceptional forward-thinking solutions to modern transport challenges. By securing the win, Tadiwa has cemented her place among the UK's brightest young STEM minds.

Tadiwa鈥檚 victory came after an intense, high-energy day of judging, during which she spent just under five hours showcasing her innovative project to thousands of attendees. Facing a steady stream of peers, educators, and industry experts, Tadiwa demonstrated exceptional communication skills and technical knowledge.

Teachers praised her performance, noting that she was a credit to 吃瓜黑料 Academy Valley. Throughout the five-hour showcase, she talked through her project at her booth with confidence, maturity and enthusiasm, engaging judges and visitors alike.

To learn more about the competition and view the full list of this year's champions, visit the official Big Bang Competition winners page.

吃瓜黑料 Staff Set for Epic Weekend of Challenges to Support 鈥極ut There鈥� programme

This coming weekend, almost 80 members of staff from 吃瓜黑料 (OGAT) will swap their classrooms and offices for hiking boots and running shoes to tackle two challenges and raise vital funds for the Trust's flagship community action programme, 吃瓜黑料 Out There.

Over the weekend of Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 June, staff from across the family of schools will push their physical limits to support the student-led programme that transforms communities across the North of England.

The weekend's fundraising efforts will be split into two massive events. First, on Saturday 13 June, a team of 66 staff members will take on the legendary Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. The trek requires walkers to conquer the summits of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough, covering 24 miles of rugged terrain and over 5,000 feet of ascent, all inside a demanding 12-hour target window.

Then, on Sunday 14 June, a second wave of 13 staff members will keep the momentum alive, hitting the streets for the Leeds 10K. Starting outside the University of Leeds, runners will push through the city's vibrant streets, cheered on by spectators.

All funds raised across the weekend will directly benefit 鈥極ut There鈥�, a Trust-wide programme that empowers young people aged 5-18 to get outside the classroom and spearhead their own community action projects. From bridging generational gaps by visiting local care homes to building inclusive environments for children with physical differences and cleaning up local green spaces, 吃瓜黑料 Out There gives pupils the autonomy and resources to tackle real-world issues right on their doorsteps.

Julie Slater, chief executive principal at OGAT, said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 fantastic to see so many colleagues dedicating their own time to fundraise for 鈥極ut There鈥�. This truly demonstrates an exceptional level of commitment to our students and school communities. While the Three Peaks challenge, covering 24 miles and tackling three major climbs, is bound to test us both physically and mentally (and I admit, I have a few nerves myself!), I know it will be an incredibly rewarding experience. I have no doubt that both events will be filled with fun and a tremendous team spirit.鈥�

Donations to the 鈥極ut There鈥� programme can be made via JustGiving. They will go directly toward funding student projects and building the 鈥榩rize bank鈥� that celebrates youth-led community achievements at the annual Out There Awards.

To find out more about sponsoring the initiative, please visit the 吃瓜黑料 Out There webpage.

A team of young innovators from 吃瓜黑料 Academy Shafton are celebrating after being named regional winners in the Big Ideas Programme. The team, known as 鈥楨lectroben,鈥� has successfully navigated the regional heats of the national STEM and sustainability competition and will now travel to the Houses of Parliament in Westminster to compete in the National Final on June 30. 

The Big Ideas Programme, delivered by Solutions for the Planet, challenges students aged 11-14 to develop creative business solutions to global sustainability issues. Out of 149 submissions nationwide and 57 teams making it to the regional finals, Electroben stood out for their practical and compassionate approach to energy conservation, securing a place in the final 12.

Their idea features an intelligent, automatic plug system designed to tackle two major issues: domestic electricity waste and the challenges faced by people with mobility issues who struggle with conventional plugs.

Controlled via a dedicated mobile app, the Electroben system would allow users to set automated timers for electronic appliances. This ensures that devices are not left on standby unnecessarily, reducing carbon footprints and energy bills, while the design of the plug itself has an easy-to-grip shape.

Having impressed a panel of industry experts at the Regional Final, the Electroben team, comprised of talented Year 8 and 9 students, will now represent their school and the region on the national stage. The upcoming National Final at the Palace of Westminster offers the students a platform to pitch their idea to MPs, business leaders, and sustainability experts.

Elizabeth Casey, Science Teacher at 吃瓜黑料 Academy Shafton, said:

鈥淲e are all incredibly excited for Electroben; their project perfectly balances technological innovation with social responsibility. To see our students take their vision all the way to Westminster is a reflection of their hard work and the high aspirations we hold here at Shafton, and it's an experience they will never forget. We'll be cheering them on every step of the way to the capital!鈥�

The Big Ideas Programme is an award-winning STEM and enterprise initiative that connects schools with business mentors. By focusing on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the programme encourages young people to apply their classroom learning to real-world environmental and social challenges.

A group of dedicated young gardeners at 吃瓜黑料 Primary Academy Park Hill, in Wakefield, are on a mission to transform their local area into a haven for pollinators.

The school鈥檚 gardening club, which currently boasts 18 members aged 5 to 11, has just launched a community-wide initiative to extend its school Bee Corridor into the surrounding neighbourhood.

Armed with 100 handmade seed parcels, the children, accompanied by teachers, parents, and carers, took to the local community to deliver the wildflower seeds to nearby residents. Each parcel contained sowing instructions and a message explaining how the community can work together to bring wildlife back into the area.

The response from the community was immediate, with residents coming out of their houses to thank the children. One resident was so touched by the gesture that she dropped off a handmade, crocheted bee at the school reception the following day as a thank-you gift for the club.

While many school clubs wrap up when the weather turns, this gardening club runs year-round, meeting every Monday after school. The children only stop for a couple of weeks a year when the ground is completely frozen. Even in the snow, they are busy making homemade fat balls to keep the local bird population fed.

Over the years, the club has cultivated a stunning variety of plants in the school garden, including tulips, rhododendrons, roses, forget-me-nots, and even grapes. A few years ago, after receiving planters from the Royal Horticultural Society, they mapped out the Bee Corridor, winding from the school gate, past classrooms, and into the garden.

The inspiration to take the project public came directly from the children themselves, who realised nature doesn't stop at the school gates. 

Gosia Watts, Assistant Principal at the school, said:

"Our Bee Corridor has been a real feast for pollinators inside the school, but this year the children wanted to lead the bees in from further afield, inviting our neighbours to join the effort. Seeing the residents' reactions was truly heart-warming. Everyone loved it so much that the children are already planning to make more seed parcels and cover a much larger area next time."

This initiative forms part of 吃瓜黑料's award-winning 鈥極ut There鈥� programme, a Trust-wide movement across 吃瓜黑料 (OGAT) that empowers students to become 鈥榗hangemakers.鈥� The programme, which is headline-sponsored by YPO, encourages young people to design and lead projects that tackle real-world issues, from environmental sustainability to social isolation.

Claire Jackson, Trust Strategic Lead for Family & Community Programmes and Partnerships at OGAT, added:

鈥淭he Bee Corridor initiative is a brilliant demonstration of our students becoming true 鈥榗hangemakers,鈥� taking their vision for a more sustainable world beyond the school gates. The immediate, heart-warming response from local residents proves that when our young people lead with purpose, the entire community is empowered to join this positive work.鈥�

By taking their Bee Corridor beyond the school gates, the children are embodying the 鈥楽ustainability Superstar鈥� category of the programme. The partnership with YPO, one of the UK鈥檚 largest public sector buying organisations, provides the vital support and mentorship needed to turn these student-led ideas into impactful community realities. With YPO鈥檚 continued pledge to help turn thousands of students into community heroes, projects like the Bee Corridor are proving that young people are a powerful force for positive change.

吃瓜黑料 (OGAT) has officially released the Out There Impact Report detailing the success of its award-winning student social action programme. The report highlights how their student "changemakers" dedicated thousands of hours giving back to their local communities.

Launched in April 2025 in response to student feedback, the 鈥極ut There鈥� initiative was created to showcase that young people are a powerful force for good. Students spent their summer holidays delivering a wide range of community projects, including revitalising green spaces, volunteering at food banks, and hosting intergenerational events in care homes. The newly published Impact Report confirms that the initiative has not only improved local neighbourhoods but has significantly enhanced student wellbeing, resilience, and leadership skills.

More than 100 community action projects were delivered in the programme's inaugural year, spanning six vital areas: Building Relationships, Sustainability Superstars, Boosting Community Wellbeing, Building an Inclusive Community, Making Your Community Safer, and Innovation. When asked why they chose to take part in the programme, more than 60% of students cited helping others as their primary motivation.

One team that took part said:

鈥淲e were motivated by the fact that most people see young people as being troublemakers, so we want to change people鈥檚 views on that.鈥�

Another added:

鈥淲e wanted to do this project because we think that older people can sometimes feel lonely, and we wanted to help cheer them up and bring people of all ages together.鈥�

After successfully delivering their projects, over 90% of teams reported that their community felt like a better place to live, more than half reported feeling more connected with other generations and groups in their community, and around 40% of students said that the programme meant they spent less time in front of a screen and more time outdoors. 

The launch of the Impact Report follows an awards ceremony held at Headingley Stadium earlier this year, hosted by broadcaster Tanya Arnold and attended by leaders from the King鈥檚 Trust, West Yorkshire Police, and the Confederation of School Trusts. The programme was also validated with the Community Impact Award at the 2025 Connect Yorkshire Business Awards.

The report spotlights "Team Helping Hands" from 吃瓜黑料 Grange Academy in Wakefield, who were crowned National Winners for their multifaceted work supporting the Wakefield Street Kitchen and improving local safety. They were awarded an overnight stay and day passes to Disneyland Paris!

Julie Slater, chief executive principal at OGAT, commented:

鈥淭his report highlights the incredible, firsthand impact our young people are making in their communities. By participating in 鈥極ut There鈥�, they haven鈥檛 just built strong individual and team skills; they鈥檝e also developed vital tools for their future careers. Just as importantly, it has gotten them away from their screens and out into the world, making a real difference in the lives of others. We started 鈥極ut There鈥� because our students told us they wanted to step up, give back, and be seen as a force for good. They have done exactly that, and I couldn't be prouder of everything they鈥檝e achieved.鈥�

Building on the momentum of the programme, YPO, one of the UK鈥檚 largest public sector buying organisations, has pledged its support for another year, this time stepping up as the headline sponsor. With YPO鈥檚 support, the Trust aims to engage 20,000 students and deliver more than 5,000 community projects this year.

The 2026 'Out There' programme is now officially open for registrations, inviting a new wave of students to prove that young people are a powerful force for good in society.

To read the full Out There Impact Report or get involved, visit our Out There webpage.

Anjie Falana, a Year 11 student at 吃瓜黑料 Academy Riverside, is celebrating after being awarded a life-changing scholarship to attend the Sixth Form at the renowned Yarm School in September.

The highly competitive scholarships at Yarm School are awarded based on a rigorous assessment process, including entrance examinations and interviews, and are often supported by means-tested bursaries to ensure that the highest calibre of students can access a world-class education regardless of financial background. The award, which covers 100% of tuition fees, is a powerful recognition of Anjie鈥檚 academic distinction and her exemplary personal character.

Anjie plans to focus her Post-16 studies on a diverse curriculum, selecting Psychology, Religious Studies, and Business Studies. She said:

鈥淚 am delighted to be given this opportunity; I am very proud of myself and I am excited to see where this takes me.鈥�

This achievement marks the third student from 吃瓜黑料 Academy Riverside to secure such a pathway in the last two years, highlighting the academy鈥檚 commitment to placing students in the best educational environments in the country. Last year, Abdul Bazina, then Head Boy at the academy, secured a place at Eton College on a full scholarship as a recipient of the Orwell Award, while Hisain Marzug performed exceptionally well on the entrance exams for Harrow School and was granted admission with a 95% bursary.

Melissa Brant-Smith, principal at 吃瓜黑料 Academy Riverside, said:

鈥淚 am bursting with pride to see Anjie accepted to Yarm School. This is a truly life-changing opportunity and a testament to Anjie鈥檚 exceptional work ethic and the academic ambition we foster here at 吃瓜黑料 Academy Riverside.

鈥淎njie鈥檚 success marks a wonderful milestone for us; following two students who secured similar scholarships last year, she continues a growing tradition of our students accessing the very best educational pathways available. It is a joy to see our students鈥� hard work and the dedication of our staff rewarded on such a prestigious stage.鈥�

Anjie鈥檚 success is also a moment of immense pride for her family, who have watched her develop into a determined and responsible young leader.

Anjie鈥檚 Mother added:

鈥淎njie is very respectful, very independent and self-motivated. She always wants to outdo her previous performance; she鈥檚 a very responsible and caring person, and I鈥檓 very proud to be her mum.鈥�

While the scholarship is a significant milestone, it remains conditional upon Anjie achieving her predicted grades in her upcoming GCSE examinations this summer. The entire school community does not doubt that she will continue to excel and serve as an outstanding ambassador for the academy as she moves on to this next chapter.

Rated as 鈥楪ood鈥� by Ofsted, 吃瓜黑料 Academy Riverside, part of the 吃瓜黑料 Family of Schools, is committed to providing a high-quality education that transforms the life chances of its students in the Middlesbrough area. A new state-of-the-art school building is currently under construction on land close to Middlesbrough College and the town鈥檚 railway station. Work started last summer with construction led by Bowmer + Kirkland on behalf of the Department for Education. Students are expected to move to the new site next year.

Prospective families are invited to explore the school community at an Open Evening on 16 September 2026. For further details, visit .

Originally inaugurated as Foxhills Secondary School in May 1951, by the then-Minister of Education, George Tomlinson, the school initially welcomed 400 local children.

Over the past 75 years, the institution has evolved significantly, first transitioning into a comprehensive school, then becoming Invenio Academy in 2011, and ultimately joining 吃瓜黑料 (OGAT) in September 2014. Today, 吃瓜黑料 Academy Foxhills stands proudly as an Ofsted-rated 鈥極utstanding鈥� institution, an Inclusion Quality Mark "Centre of Excellence", serving a diverse community that proudly speaks more than 24 languages.

To commemorate this historic milestone, the academy hosted a special anniversary assembly where students explored both its rich history and its bright future. Students also received cake to celebrate!

Tracy Motson, principal at 吃瓜黑料 Academy Foxhills, said:

"Reaching our 75th anniversary is an incredibly proud moment for everyone associated with 吃瓜黑料 Academy Foxhills. While the building, technology, and name have changed since 1951, our core mission has remained entirely unchanged: putting students first. We are proud to look back at our rich history in Scunthorpe, but even prouder of the inclusive, high-achieving environment our staff and students bring every single day. This milestone belongs to the generations of families, teachers, and community members who have walked through our doors and made our Foxhills Family.鈥�

Sabiha Laher, Community Executive Principal, added:

"Since joining the 吃瓜黑料 Family in 2014, Foxhills has consistently shown our vision of raising standards and transforming lives. Celebrating 75 years is a testament to the school's resilience, deep roots in North Lincolnshire, and its unwavering commitment to providing a broad, balanced, and ambitious education for every child, regardless of their background."

From its humble beginnings with just nine classrooms, domestic science spaces, and a single science lab, the academy has grown into a beacon of modern education. Today, it balances an ambitious curriculum, ensuring that every student is equipped with the skills and life chances needed to succeed in the modern world.

The academy invites former students, staff, and members of the local community to share their memories, photographs, and stories of Foxhills over the decades by contacting the school at enquiries@foxhills.outwood.com

In a world of intensely polarised public discourse 鈥� and with votes for British 16-year-olds on the horizon 鈥� there has never been a more important time to equip children with the knowledge to understand and navigate current affairs. Today, a new national Current Affairs Education Commission launches, chaired by the UK鈥檚 biggest political Substacker, Sam Freedman, and convened by The Economist Educational Foundation. Working with ImpactEd Group, the commission will explore how schools can best help children make sense of the news in an age of AI and 24 hour content.

The Current Affairs Education Commission will bring together school leaders, broadcasters, academics, AI experts and young people to co-design the research and recommendations. Confirmed commissioners include:

• Emma-Louise Amanshia (BBC Newsround)

• Shuab Gamote (co-author of Inside the Mind of a 16-Year-Old)

• Nick Canning (Faculty AI)

• Sir Dan Moynihan (CEO of Harris Federation)

• Carol Dewhurst OBE (Bradford Diocese Academies Trust)

• Jo Heaton OBE (Northern Lights Learning Trust)

• Flora Letanka (Economist Educational Foundation)

• Annemarie Whittle (Kent Catholic Schools Partnership)

• Bryden Joy (Ormiston Academies Trust)

• Dan Morrow (Cornwall Education Learning Trust)

• Jennese Alozie (University of Chichester Academy Trust)

• Lee Wilson (吃瓜黑料)

• Louise Lee (The Howard Partnership Trust)

• Vic Goddard (Passmores Cooperative Learning Community)

Over the next six months, the Commission will gather insights from teachers and pupils on their perceptions of teaching and learning about current affairs and hear from expert groups on:

• Critical thinking, social media and AI - What makes current affairs a uniquely challenging, but also uniquely valuable, context for applying critical thinking skills, and how this is changing in an age of social media and AI?

• The cost of disengagement - Who is responsible for keeping young people informed, including the role of the media.

• How can we teach it? - Why does current affairs education matter for young people, what does it look like when it works, and what is getting in the way of teachers delivering it well?

The group will share findings and recommendations before the end of the year.

Speaking about the Commission launch, Chair Sam Freedman said:

鈥淵oung people have far more access to information about what鈥檚 happening in the world than ever before, but it can be hard for them to make sense of it all, especially when so much of it misleading or wrong. I鈥檓 always sceptical about asking schools to do more but it鈥檚 hard to see how we can deal with this challenge without using the education system to help give pupils a framework for understanding鈥�

Convening Commissioner Flora Letanka, CEO of The Economist Educational Foundation said:

鈥淗igh-quality current affairs discussion is schools is rare. In an age of mass polarisation, global instability, and high-speed technological change, I believe that the ability to navigate the news should be a fundamental right for all children, regardless of background. I am excited to convene such an eminent and diverse group of commissioners and experts to discover how deep the crisis is and develop recommendations that work.鈥�

Commissioner and CEO of Northern Lights Learning Trust, Jo Heaton said:

鈥淚 am really excited to be part of this commission into Current Affairs Education at a time in our country when I believe it is vital our young people understand how to think and evaluate with insight, independence and resilience, acting as citizens who will shape the future of things in our region and our country. I am delighted to be part of something so important, that will contribute to shaping this, as well as hearing from our young people on how we can work together to achieve this.鈥�

Commissioner and Broadcaster Emma-Louise Amanshia added:

鈥淚 think it's so important for every child to understand the world around them and have a safe space to learn and ask questions about the headlines.鈥�

The Commission is keen to hear from the sector. If you have evidence or examples of great practice, please share them here: . You can also sign up for the newsletter at to follow the work as it develops.

Fourteen-year-old Maja Daniszewska, who attends 吃瓜黑料 Academy Kirkby in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, was honoured at the Nottinghamshire Police Nxt Gen Awards ceremony, which shines a light on the achievements of outstanding young people across Nottinghamshire.    

Maja was chosen as a finalist for the School Empowerment Award, in recognition of her improved behaviour and positive attitude despite the extremely difficult personal challenges she has faced. 

Maja was nominated by a Schools and Early Intervention Officer, PC Jemma Fenn, who said she had witnessed her 鈥榚xtraordinary journey of personal growth and resilience鈥� since she began working with Maja in April 2024. 

PC Fenn said:

鈥淲hen I first met her, Maja often struggled with behaviour and decision-making, frequently becoming involved in peer conflict and finding herself sanctioned as a result. Despite this, it was always clear she had enormous potential and a caring nature beneath the surface. 

鈥淟ast year proved to be extremely difficult for Maja, as she faced the devastating loss of her mum. Her life was turned upside down, and this could easily have caused her to spiral, especially at such a vulnerable age, but actually, she has used it as a positive. 

鈥淗er younger brother moved into the family home, and she took on the responsibility of caring for him. She wanted to be a positive influence on him, to make sure that he didn鈥檛 make the choices and mistakes that she made. 

鈥淗er desire to steer her younger brother away from going down the wrong path shows the depth of her character and how far she has come.

"She is aware of what negative influences can lead to and is determined to break that cycle, not only for herself but for him as well.鈥� 

She added:

鈥淢aja鈥檚 transformation has been nothing short of inspiring. At her first check-in of the 2025/2026 academic year, Maja set herself a clear and determined goal: to improve her grades and behaviour. 

鈥淔rom that moment onwards, she has worked tirelessly to achieve exactly that, with only a few hiccups along the way. Her dedication has been noticed by staff, peers and those closest to her. 

鈥淪he now seeks out support when she needs it, instead of reacting impulsively to situations that once landed her in trouble. This shift alone shows remarkable self-awareness and emotional growth. 

鈥淲ith support from her learning managers, the school team, SEIO, and those around her, Maja has demonstrated maturity far beyond her years. 

鈥淪he approached her grief and the obstacles it brought with courage and openness, and she allowed the adults supporting her to guide her through the toughest of times.

"I feel privileged to be one of those people she trusted to share this part of her life with.鈥� 

Maja, who is currently in Year 9, said:

鈥淚 used to be really bad in Year 7, but I feel like I鈥檓 doing way better now. I鈥檝e started to focus more, and I think I鈥檝e definitely improved.鈥� 

As well as caring for her younger brother, Maja also looks after her elderly father, who has also been a big factor in her progress. 

She added:

鈥淚 really want to make my dad proud and really happy with what I do in school now. 

鈥淢y teachers have helped me a lot, so I want to say a big thank you to them. If I鈥檓 upset, I can go to them and tell them how I鈥檓 feeling, and they help me a lot. I feel like I can definitely open up to them more now.鈥� 

The glittering Nxt Gen Awards ceremony - highlighting the inspirational achievements of young people from across Nottinghamshire 鈥� was held at the Nottinghamshire Police headquarters on Friday 8 May. More than 120 young people were nominated this year. 

In total, 14 winners and runners-up were recognised on the night, honouring young people who have shown exceptional resilience, selflessness, and talent, or who have overcome adversity to inspire others. 

Aimee Pattison, a Year 9 student at 吃瓜黑料 Academy Kirkby, was praised by her school for her 鈥榦utstanding leadership, initiative, reliability, and genuine commitment to improving the lives of others both within school and in the wider community.鈥�

Aimee, who currently serves as Student Prime Minister at her school, has led on numerous projects, including:

• Advocating for improvements to school toilet facilities for the benefit of all students

• Organising and leading a bake sale, which raised hundreds of pounds for the Young Minds mental health charity

• Coordinating donations of food and essential supplies to the local foodbank in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, strengthening the school鈥檚 connection with the local community and supporting those in need

Her initiative and 鈥榰nwavering commitment to positive change鈥� were among the reasons Aimee was nominated and chosen as a finalist for the Leadership Award.

This accolade forms part of Nottinghamshire Police鈥檚 Nxt Gen Awards, an annual scheme which highlights the inspirational work of young people across the county.

Aimee was among the shortlisted award finalists whose achievements were heralded at a glittering awards ceremony held at force headquarters on Friday (8 May).

History teacher Ryan Spencer, who nominated Aimee for the award, said:

鈥淎imee is a role model for the entire school community. She leads by example, setting high standards for herself and inspiring her team to do the same.

鈥淪he doesn鈥檛 wait to be told what to do; instead, she regularly proposes her own initiatives, carefully thought through and rooted in genuine need.

"She is highly organised, follows through on commitments, and can be relied upon to see projects through from idea to completion.鈥�

Mr Spencer added:

鈥淎imee is a proud ambassador for our school and a young person who is already making a meaningful difference to the lives of others.

鈥淪ince being elected Student Prime Minister, Aimee has attended weekly Student Parliament meetings, where she consistently demonstrates maturity well beyond her years.

鈥淚n these meetings, she leads discussions with confidence, listens carefully to others, and ensures that all voices are heard.

"Her leadership is not limited to the meeting room; her influence is visible across the academy and beyond, particularly through projects that have had a tangible and lasting impact.

鈥淎imee is motivated by a sincere desire to make things better for others. She deeply cares about her fellow students, her school, and her community, and this empathy underpins everything she does.

"She consistently promotes positivity, hard work, and inclusivity, and she approaches challenges with determination and resilience.

"Despite her young age, she handles responsibility with confidence and professionalism, earning the respect of both students and staff.鈥�

Aimee said:

鈥淎s Student Prime Minister, I make decisions to make the academy a better place, inform the Principal of ideas we鈥檝e come up with, and make sure that students鈥� voices are heard.

鈥淚 was so excited to be nominated for the Nxt Gen Awards and shortlisted for the Leadership Award.

"I鈥檓 pretty proud of what I鈥檝e helped to achieve within school, including the new toilets, and I鈥檓 determined to keep doing what I can to improve people鈥檚 lives and make a real difference.鈥�

A group of Year 7 pupils has seen their creative vision travel over 9,000 miles to the frozen landscapes of Antarctica. The flag, designed by students Bobby Baggeley, Jude Gibson, Joseph Booth, and Thomas Lewis at 吃瓜黑料 Academy Hindley, has successfully reached the continent as part of the UK Polar Network鈥檚 (UKPN) 鈥淎ntarctic Flags鈥� initiative.

The project, which celebrates Antarctica Day (marking the signing of the Antarctic Treaty), pairs schools with polar researchers to send hand-drawn flags to the world's southernmost continent. This year's winning design was carried to the Antarctic by two dedicated polar professionals, Joe Jackson, Third Officer on the RRS Sir David Attenborough, Britain鈥檚 state-of-the-art polar research vessel and Faron Quinn, a PhD Researcher in Antarctic Biogeochemistry, who took the flag to the remote Ryder Bay, a site of significant scientific interest near the British Antarctic Survey鈥檚 Rothera Research Station.

The UK Polar Network鈥檚 initiative aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and explorers by connecting the classroom and real-world polar expeditions. For these Year 7 pupils, seeing their artwork photographed against the backdrop of Antarctic glaciers is a rare and prestigious achievement.

One of the student flag designers, Thomas Lewis, said:

鈥淚 am so proud that my drawing is in Antarctica. I'm thankful my work got picked to travel all the way!鈥� 

Victoria Watson, Teacher of Geography, added:

鈥淲e are incredibly proud to see our students' creativity represented on a global stage. Designing these flags required them to think deeply about Antarctica, climate science and the importance of international cooperation. Seeing a researcher hold up our school's flag against the backdrop of the Antarctic ice gave our pupils a profound sense of connection to one of the most remote and vital environments on our planet.鈥�   

The RRS Sir David Attenborough is one of the most advanced polar vessels in the world, serving as a multidisciplinary research platform that allows scientists to study the ocean, seafloor, and ice. The flag鈥檚 arrival at Ryder Bay further connects the students' work to critical climate and biogeochemical research currently being conducted in the region.