SHAPING FUTURES

Youth Leads UK partnered up with Big Change to deliver ‘Big Education Conversations’ across the UK – an initiative which supports communities to get together to talk about what education means, what it is really for, and how changes to education systems can be made.

From this partnership came the Big Education Conversation Project Council, a dynamic group of young people aged 13-19 from across England who were integral in shaping and advancing the Big Education Conversations. Youth Leads UK actively supported the empowerment and development of the Project Council members from April 2023 – March 2024.

You can read our full report and evaluation here.

POLICY REPORT

Project Council Members joined forces with Youth Leads UK alumni to engage deeply with policy frameworks and contribute to a major new policy report.

Engagements included:

Interactive virtual masterclasses to unpack the intricacies of policy-making.
A focussed group discussion with Jonathan Slater, Former Permanent Secretary to
the UK Government Department for Education, to gain insights in governance and
policy in practice.
Participation in the ideation and drafting of a crucial policy report, “Out of Kilter: How to rebalance our school system” aimed at catalysing system change ahead of UK elections.

The published report offers innovative perspectives on changing the education system to better serve the needs of people, the economy, and society at large.

policy report published

sessions took place

10+

Big Education Conversations took place

CONVERSATIONS

Blackpool

The interactive Big Education Conversation held in Blackpool saw Project Council members Chris and Matthew take the lead in designing and facilitating a session. The event was attended by students, teachers, school leaders, and political decision-makers, including the Shadow Secretary of State for Education, The Labour Party’s Bridget Phillipson MP. The event emphasised the importance of including diverse voices in educational conversations to ensure that multiple perspectives are considered in policy-making and school management.

Leicester

Project Council Members Amreece, Khadijah and Khalisah spearheaded an impactful Big Education Conversation at Crown Hills Community College in Leicester, their home City. They skillfully applied diverse techniques honed through their Project Council experience, such as ‘standing debates’ and focus groups, to foster a rich dialogue on the current state of education. They engaged over 20 young people, including the City Councillor and the Assistant Head of the school.

15 young people

graduated from the Big Education Conversation Project Council

CELEBRATION

The Closing Celebration of the Big Education Conversation Project Council marked a significant milestone, culminating the two-year journey of the dedicated Project Council members. At the event, members reflected on their achievements and looked to the future, envisioning their personal growth and continued advocacy of the Big Education Conversation Initiative.

The celebration included a presentation ceremony, during which members received certificates of recognition to commemorate their contributions. Members concluded the event by pledging to continue their advocacy and impact in education.

“It’s opened my eyes and allowed me to
talk to hundreds of people about their
views on the education system.”
– Project Council member.