About Us
Empowering a
generation
of young people to
transform society
Youth Trust Logo

Vision

The Archbishops' Young Leaders Award was established by Dr John Sentamu, the 97th Archbishop of York, in 2009. As a team we believe that every young person is unique, of great worth, and has the potential to change our communities for the better. The Award exists to empower young people to serve their generation, putting the needs of others before themselves, as displayed in the life of Jesus and people from many faith traditions.

Mission

Our team partners with schools, churches and communities to develop opportunities for young people to grow in:

Leadership 
Leadership
Faith 
Faith
Character 
Character
" Never before has it been so important for our young people, regardless of their background or faith, to discover the life skills of compassion, patience, self-control, gentleness and leadership. The Youth Trust is helping to raise a generation motivated by such virtues. Our work with schools enables young people to fulfil their individual potentials, develop key skills, and, through
youth-led social action, foster a desire for justice that will transform lives and communities."
Archbishop Sentamu, our Founder

The Archbishop of York
Read More about
our founder

Youth Trust Timeline

It's been quote a journey since 2008, click the button below to explore the Youth Trusts milestones

See full timeline

The Journey of the Youth Trust

2008

Archbishop Sentamu launches the Youth Trust with endorsement from Archbishop Tutu. Fundraising begins!

2011

The first YLA co-ordinator is employed and develops the KS3 and KS4 YLA.

2012

YLA growth continues, Archbishop Sentamu takes Young Leaders to meet Bear Grylls.

2012

By June 2012, 10,000 Young Leaders from 100 schools have completed the YLA.

2013

Following the success of the KS3 and 4 Awards, development begins for the KS2 YLA.

2014

Youth Trust announces over £70k of grants awarded since 2009.

2014

The YLA reaches 200 schools and 20,000 Young Leaders!

2015

Youth Trust announce partnership with Uni of Gloucestershire to lead on YLA research in 2016-17.

2016

The Youth Trust take their first group of young pilgrims to Taizé.

2017

50,000 Young Leaders from 450 schools complete the YLA.

2018

Allchurches partner with the Youth Trust, with a grant of £500k to expand the YLA nationally.

2019

The KS1 YLA launches after the success of the KS2 YLA.

2020

Archbishop Sentamu retires and Archbishop Stephen becomes the 98th Archbishop of York.

2020

The National Younger Leadership Groups are launched in partnership with The Church of England.

2021

It is announced that over 100,000 Young Leaders from 1,000 schools have taken part in the YLA.

Values

As a team, we are committed to:

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Trust

Establishing and maintaining trust and transparency within all work relationships and communications.

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Community

Valuing the vital role each person plays in our mission as an interconnected team; respecting one another and building a welcoming and inclusive environment.

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Joy

Celebrating the stories of changed lives and our positive impact on young people and their communities.

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Excellence

Commitment to a hardworking and professional approach, sharing knowledge and skills across the field.

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Humility

Open to learning new things, listening attentively, and staying true to our servant-hearted approach to leadership.

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Creativity

Being open minded and willing to think outside of the box, exploring alternative options as well as trying new approaches to achieving our mission.

" I'm very proud to support the Archbishop's work in schools. With the heart and spirit of the Young Leaders Award, young people thrive and that is always incredible to see. "
Bear Grylls

Bear Grylls

Through the YLA young people are empowered to love, care for and serve their communities with passion and dedication.

The YLA aims to help schools to:
YLA Aims

The Award has been completed by 130,000 students and has been run in over 1000 schools. Join us as we empower young people to transform their lives and their local communities.  

Read More about Research & Impact
Who we are
Meet Our Team
our founder
Archbishop Sentamu
What we do
The Young
Leaders Award
who funds us
Our Partners