Launched in the 2024/2025 academic year, the 16-week initiative was aimed at Year 7 students across the Trust and encouraged them to lead meaningful projects that would positively impact their school or wider community.

Focusing on themes of social inclusion, teamwork and active citizenship, students developed projects that not only enhanced their communities but also transformed their classroom learning into lived experience. From campaigning to improve green spaces to breaking down stereotypes, pupils explored the idea that real change starts with them.

Jo Sykes, Director of Careers, said: “The Time for Change project complemented our Ways of Being and allowed our students to develop essential skills through a cohesive and well-planned social action framework, empowering them to bring about positive change.”

The winning academy, Co-op Academy Leeds, moved judges with their heartfelt presentation challenging negative perceptions of young people in Harehills. “We want our community to see that young people are good and are not all involved in gangs,” one pupil said. Their project promoted youth pride and visibility, embodying the inclusive values at the heart of our Trust.

Co-op Academy Brierley were named runners-up for their collaborative eco-garden project, which brought pupils and local businesses together to transform a shared space. The initiative gave pupils the opportunity to connect classroom learning with environmental action.

Liz Garrity, Head of Community, said: “Thank you to all the Academy Community Pioneers and staff who supported students through this inspiring journey. These projects prove that with the right support, our students can achieve incredible things for their communities.”