As a teacher at Outwood Academy Ormesby, we are always encouraging our students to challenge themselves, step outside their comfort zones, and aim high. On 13th June, I’ll be putting that into practice by taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge — climbing Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough in one day — all in support of the Outwood Out There project. It will be a demanding physical and mental challenge, but I’m proud to be pushing myself to raise money for a cause that makes a real difference to our students’ lives.

Outwood Out There's mission is simple: to inspire our pupils and empower them to drive positive change. It's not just about funding a volunteering program; it’s about empowering students.

The scale of the project is immense. Across our Trust, there are over 30,000 students who could potentially take part, with a staggering 33% coming from a disadvantaged background. For these young people, the structured, enriching experience of Outwood Out There alongside the experiential prize bank provide cultural capital and opportunities they might not otherwise access. It also provides many with the opportunity to develop the skills and confidence to become agents of change within their own communities.

In recent years, our students have been surrounded by a false narrative of division and difference. They have told us thought Pupil Voice that they want to get out there and make a difference but they need your support to help them be the change-makers they aspire to be.