Independent school shortlisted for award for setting up social mobility programme

By Davina Hyde

An independent school and a town hall have been shortlisted for their contribution to social mobility at the Independent Schools of the Year awards.

Last year, St Dunstan’s College in Catford, Westside Young Leaders Academy (WYLA) and Lewisham council launched the academy for young people in the borough.

The academy was established in response to research and evidence showing disparities in attainment and outcomes for black Caribbean and dual heritage children and young people, not just in Lewisham, but throughout the country.

Through weekend classes, Lewisham Young Leaders Academy provides additional support to young people from across Lewisham through transformative teaching in life skills, including leadership, teamwork, presentation skills and CV building.

The programme is designed to develop leadership skills in the young people. St Dunstan’s Headmaster, Nick Hewlett said: “I am delighted that this unique partnership has been recognised by the Independent School of the Year Awards.

“St Dunstan’s College is passionate about and dedicated to providing life-enriching opportunities to our local community.

“We realise that we hold a privileged position as an independent school both in terms of our facilities and the experiences of our staff and pupils, and we are proud to work closely with Westside Young Leaders Academy (WYLA) and Lewisham council on Lewisham Young Leaders Academy (LYLA).

“The team at LYLA are changing the lives of the young people attending each week, and I look forward to growing our continued partnership.”

Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham said: ‘We live in the wealthiest city in Europe, and for too long many of our young people here in Lewisham, and particularly those from African and Caribbean backgrounds, have found it difficult to access those top jobs and opportunities.

“I’m very grateful to St Dunstan’s for hosting the programme and working with us on this brilliant initiative, that is already making such a difference. I’m excited to see what happens next for the programme.”

Since launching, the academy has grown from 40 to 60 students attending each week, with three staff mentors and two parent volunteers. While the academy benefits from using St Dunstan’s facilities, including their halls and STEM classrooms, staff from the school have led some of the weekend sessions giving up their own time to lead workshops on climbing and martial arts.

A survey in autumn 2021 with parents and pupils showed the profound effect the new programme had already had on the young boys and girls attending.

The 2022 Finalists will be announced on September 7, and the winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony in October.

Pictured top. One of the classes. Pictures: St Dunstan’s College