Bedford School is proud to, once again, host the Harpur Trust-run Ready2Lead? programme, a unique leadership initiative designed for Lower Sixth students from across the borough. This year, more than 100 students from nine schools and colleges, including Bedford Girls’ School, Bedford Modern School, The Bedford Sixth Form, Biddenham International, Kimberley STEM College, Mark Rutherford School, Sharnbrook Academy, St Thomas More Secondary, as well as ourselves, are participating.
Ready2Lead? is an annual programme aimed at nurturing future leaders and empowering young people to make a significant impact in their communities. At the launch event, students had the opportunity to learn from inspirational speakers and network with peers from other local schools and colleges as they began their project plans to address local needs.
Upper Sixth Former, Tahir Alom, who helped organise the conference this year explained, “After completing Ready2Lead? last year, I found the project very helpful in developing many of my skills, for example, problem solving, initiative and collaborative skills. I wanted to assist others in developing these skills as I believe there isn’t such thing as a ‘natural leader’ – it’s all down to experience and Ready2Lead? provides this experience.”
Inspirational Speakers and Networking Opportunities
The launch event featured CEOs Sophie Stock from Fun 4 Young People and Luke Brown from Spiral Freerun CIC, who shared their experiences of overcoming challenges to build successful organisations that support young people in the borough. Old Bedfordian Harry Beard (13-18) who is a young Bedford entrepreneur, discussed how the evolving world offers new opportunities for Gen Z to become innovative leaders. Last year’s programme ambassadors from Mark Rutherford School and Sharnbrook Academy also participated, guiding the new cohort.
Lorna Godden, Education Partnerships Adviser at The Harpur Trust, expressed her excitement about the programme:
“We are delighted to partner with Bedford School in offering Ready2Lead? to a new cohort of young people. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn from experts, gain confidence, network with other schools and take part in our The Apprentice-style project.”
Project Development and Key Themes
Students have two months to design and implement their projects, drawing inspiration from the Families Plan for Bedford Borough 2022-2027. This plan, created by local children and young people, focuses on six key themes that highlight what matters most to them, what they enjoy, and what would improve their lives. This year, students can choose any of the six themes for their projects.
In November, students will attend another workshop focusing on marketing, with keynote speakers including young entrepreneur Krish Gupta of IKREATIVE and Paul Hutchinson, Editor and Co-founder of the Bedford Independent.
Celebration Event and Panel Presentation
The programme will culminate in a special celebration event on 10 December at Kimberley STEM College. Students will present their projects to a panel that includes Bedford Mayor Tom Wootton (OB 78-87), Chief Executive of Bedford Borough Council Laura Church, The Lord Lieutenant, High Sheriff, local MPs, councillors, school heads and other leading professionals in education and business. The panel will then select a winner.
Mr Simon Everitt, who founded Ready2Lead? in 2019, reflected on the programme’s impact:
“Over the past five years, Ready2Lead? has engaged with all the borough’s sixth form providers, bringing together young people to learn from experts from various fields. Diversity is at the heart of our vision: to enable each young person in our borough to know the unique, positive impact they can have on their world.”
The programme has seen many dynamic projects over the years, some of which continue to positively affect the local community. Past projects have included tackling menstruation poverty, providing gift boxes to children and staff at a local children’s home and launching a social media platform to centralise information about activities available for young people in Bedford.
We look forward to seeing the innovative and impactful projects that this year’s cohort will develop through the Ready2Lead? programme.
