Young people shaping education: Meet the new FEA Youth Steering Group
We believe change in education must be shaped with young people, not just for them. That’s why youth engagement is central to our new strategy - and why our Youth Steering Group (YSG) plays such an important role.
We’re delighted to introduce the new Youth Steering Group, bringing together a mix of returning and brand-new members. A huge thank you to those leaving for their energy, insight and dedication, and a warm welcome to the young people stepping in to shape the future of education with us.
Members of the 2025 Youth Steering Group
A record-breaking year for applications
This year, we received more applications than ever before, making it an incredibly tough decision for our nine Youth Judges. The final group brings together a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences - including students with special educational needs or disabilities, young people who’ve faced exclusion, young carers, refugee young people, and 70% who are completely new to youth boards.
Hayden, a second-year YSG member who also served as a Youth Judge, shared:
“It was so fun getting to read through everyone’s reasons for wanting to join and make a change to the education system. People applied from a wide range of areas around the country, yet all shared the same desire for equal opportunities for people navigating the education system, despite having separate reasons for it - be that personal experience or witnessing inequity. I’m very excited to see what the new year 1 members contribute to meetings, and very excited for the new opportunities this year.”
First steps together
The group came together last week for their first in-person training day - a chance to connect, plan the year ahead, and even visit Parliament.
New member Osob reflected on the experience:
“I am so excited to get involved with the FEA after the introduction day we had! We started with icebreakers, which eased any tensions I had and made it so that we could all work together well. We did a lot of team-building exercises, which kept the mood high whilst also making sure that we got comfortable. The day then consisted of thinking about what we wanted to get from the FEA and what we could contribute towards the charity. We then had deeper discussions about how we could implement these policies and changes, and found people who were interested in our topics. Throughout the day, I felt comfortable sharing my feelings and true thoughts because we were all well supported by multiple second years and adults present! Overall, the day was an exciting one and made me feel ready to put my energy towards something I am passionate about and make that passion a reality!”
Reflections on GCSE Results Day
This week also marks GCSE Results Day, a high-pressure moment that can have a lasting impact on young people’s futures. Every student deserves access to wellbeing support in school during times like these, alongside opportunities to develop the skills they need for the future. Without these foundations, too many young people face unnecessary barriers when the stakes feel incredibly high.
Members of the YSG have been reflecting on their own experiences of Results Day, the challenges they faced, and what could have been done differently to support them better:
“The build-up to GCSE results day has been one of the most stressful parts of my life… we are still human. We make mistakes, but we can only do so much in these times.”
– Subhan
“I had a maths teacher that I trusted… she just made me want to come into school and do better in my GCSEs. I don’t think I would have gotten the grade I did without her.”
– Osob
“It’s a major moment that can feel like it determines the rest of your life, but there are always other opportunities – GCSEs aren’t the end of the world.”
– Naomi
Looking ahead
We congratulate all the young people across the Alliance who received their GCSEs this year, and recognise the work, resilience and determination it takes - often in the face of unfair barriers.
Through the Youth Steering Group, young people will continue to shape our collective work and ensure that education policy and practice reflect the realities of those it serves. Together, we’ll keep working to ensure every young person leaves education not only with grades, but with the wellbeing, skills and support they need to thrive.
Becca Weighell
Head of Youth Engagement