The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu visited Hartford Church of England High School and officially opened the school’s garden.

Mike Holland, Headteacher said:

“We've been looking forward to this visit from the Archbishop. We took the rare step less than two years ago of becoming a Church of England High School and I feel we have made a great deal of progress in developing the less tangible aspects of school life such as Christian ethos and spirituality. Our involvement in the Archbishop of York Award is part of our determination to help and encourage our youngsters to take responsibility for themselves, as well as commit to serve others; it is proving to be a great success. We encourage our students to ‘be the change they want to see.”

During his visit, the Archbishop met some of the students who will be starting the Young Leaders Award at Key Stage 3 in September 2014. The students presented the school, community and individual projects they have planned to complete as part of their Award. The Archbishop also joined the school’s morning assembly and also toured the school.

Julia Robertson, Young Leaders Manager said:

“It’s great to hear that Hartford are excited about beginning the Young Leaders Awards this September. They will be joining over 180 schools in the north of England who are working to be the change they want to see. If you’re thinking about signing up your school to the Young Leaders Awards there is still time to do so for the start of the new academic year, just get in touch with us.

About The Young Leaders Award

The Young Leaders Award is a school-based programme which aims to equip young people with skills to be a force for good in their local communities and encourages active citizenship from a young age. The Awards are available at Key Stages 2, 3, 4 and Post 16.