It has been particularly encouraging to see newly joined academies quickly engaging with the programme. Co-op Academy Florence MacWilliams and Co-op Academy Rathbone both had their Co-op Young Leaders training days booked promptly after joining the Trust. 

In addition, Co-op Academy Grove has already completed both training days, showing excellent early engagement from both staff and students. Co-op Academy Grove currently has 15 student student councils and 13 anti-bullying ambassadors, making a difference to a wide range of students and the whole school community. 

We have also seen several academies keen to build on previous participation by taking up the opportunity for refresher sessions. Co-op Academy Beckfield, Co-op Academy Nightingale and Co-op Academy Swinton were quick to re-engage, recognising the value of reinforcing leadership skills and refreshing students’ learning. 

Co-op Academy Beckfield and Co-op Academy Nightingale have trained playground leaders who now support younger year groups during playtimes, while Co-op Academy Swinton has trained 28 Year 8 students as Transition Ambassadors, supporting younger pupils as they move into the academy. 

Looking ahead, we are excited to be developing a Co-op Young Leaders Recognition Award, which will be launched at the end of this academic year. This award will celebrate exceptional students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, commitment to Co-op values, and positive impact within their academies and wider communities.

We look forward to sharing more updates as the programme continues to grow and support young people to become confident, values-led leaders.