From fostering essential life skills to championing community initiatives, our young leaders have truly embraced the co-operative values.

The Co-op Young Leaders programme offers a unique blend of engaging workshops and real-world volunteering experiences. It's designed to ignite confidence and a strong sense of community in every participant. This year, the programme has expanded its reach, with a focus on formalising leadership roles and providing diverse opportunities for students’ development.

Here is a glimpse into what our remarkable young leaders have been up to across our academies.

Connell Co-op College

From their initial training in October, Connell’s Co-op Young Leaders took part in activities that emphasised public speaking, event planning and team collaboration. They became the face of Connell College at key events, such as the college's Open Day and Interview Evening sessions. Their enthusiasm and professionalism left a lasting impression on visitors, many of whom cited the welcoming atmosphere created by the leaders as a key factor in considering Connell for their further education. 
 

Co-op Academy Delius

In March, 13 Co-op Young Leaders from Year 5 and Year 6 were trained to take on the important roles of playground leaders. These dedicated students are already making a positive difference during break times, fostering a more inclusive and enjoyable environment for everyone.
 

Co-op Academy Bebington

Co-op Academy Bebington has made an exciting decision to embed the Co-op Young Leaders programme into the PSHE curriculum for new Year 7 students from next academic year. This will ensure that all students have the opportunity to develop leadership skills from the start of their secondary school journey. 

By integrating the programme into PSHE, the academy reinforces its commitment to empowering their students, encouraging them to take on active roles in school life, and preparing them with essential skills for the future. 

Co-op Academy Priesthorpe

Priesthorpe's Young Leaders have particularly excelled as "Young Interpreters," welcoming and supporting new English as an Additional Language (EAL) students and actively engaging in parental engagement and cultural events. A talented group of young interpreters also participated in the "Mother Tongue, Other Tongue" multilingual poetry competition at Manchester Metropolitan University, showcasing their linguistic talents and celebrating cultural diversity.

Co-op Academy Medlock

Co-op Academy Medlock has already successfully trained their first cohort of Co-op Young Leaders, and a second group is set to be trained in July. This means their new Co-op Young Leaders will be fully established and ready to embrace their roles by September of this year, making a significant impact from the very beginning of the new academic year.

Co-op Academy Grove

The school’s first cohort is already engaged with 15 school student councils actively involved in assemblies, leading fundraising events and having a real say in changing the school for the better.