Youth Steering Group

My name is Aaron, I’m 19 years old and I’ll be starting my Law degree at the University of Manchester in September. I care deeply about creating equal opportunities for young people, particularly ensuring that everyone has access to the education and support they need to reach their potential. I’m passionate about social mobility, education and the role young people can play in shaping decisions that affect their futures. I’m excited to join the Fair Education Alliance Youth Steering Group, share my perspective, learn from others and contribute to meaningful change in education.

I am Aidan, a 17-year-old from the North West, currently studying Law, Politics and Ancient History at A-level. Throughout my time in education, I have become more aware of how there is a vast amount of educational inequalities for people based on a large variety of factors, for example disability, socioeconomic background and many more. I joined the Youth Steering Group to advocate for a change in the system and to help raise awareness of the fact that there isn’t enough support for people in education, and people deserve an equal chance as their peers, which the education system often fails to deliver.

Hi, I'm Amaira, and I'm 16 years old, currently studying English, History and Economics for my A Levels. Coming from an area where I've seen how much difference the right opportunities and support can make, I've become passionate about advocating for safe and supportive school spaces where young people's mental health is made a priority. I want to help make sure that other young people have the support and opportunities to grow. I hope to make their experiences more positive and empowering.

Hi I'm Amelia, I'm 14 and I live in Northamptonshire. I am currently studying Drama, History and Product Design for my GCSE options. I am passionate about the education system being accessible for all children no matter what their socio-economic, racial or religious background because I believe that if one child has the opportunity to learn something then their peers should also, even if they have different family circumstances or a different personal status.

My name is Bea – I'm 18, and I first got involved in youth voice at 16, joining my local youth council in Newcastle. My passion for tackling educational inequality comes from experiences of being unable to attend school due to autistic burnout and mental health issues. I'm focused on advocating for more SEND young people's voices in education policy, often informed by my lived experience of emotional based school avoidance. I've done public speaking over the years, which I love, but what I want to focus on more is helping marginalised young people advocate for themselves and share their voice!

I’m 19 years old and from Luton, currently studying Primary Education with QTS at the University of Hertfordshire. As a deaf student, I’ve experienced both the challenges and importance of inclusive education, which has inspired me to become a SEND teacher. I joined the Youth Steering Group to amplify the voices of young people, promote equality, diversity and inclusion, and ensure that education is a space where every child feels confident, capable, and heard. I am passionate about breaking barriers and helping to shape a more accessible and inclusive future for all.

I am David, an 18 year old from the North West of England, currently undertaking a degree apprenticeship programme in Technology Development. Throughout my academic journey, I have become increasingly aware of the disparities in educational quality across different regions and how these hurdles can restrict socioeconomic mobility. Having experienced the challenges of starting from a disadvantaged position myself, I am driven to make the path easier for young people to reach their potential, with the belief that no person should be limited by their background.

Hi! I'm Eva, I'm 18 and from the North East, studying Law at The University of Law with aspirations to become a lawyer. I'm passionate about using my own experiences to make education equal, especially for young people who face barriers that are often unseen or misunderstood. I want every young person to be seen and heard, so no one is left behind because of where they're from or what they've been through. I believe in making wellbeing support more of a priority, supporting teachers in underserved areas with training and making inclusion the norm for students with SEND. Through the Youth Steering Group, I'll advocate for greater awareness, training, earlier intervention and system that prioritises disadvantaged children so every young person, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive.

Hi! I’m Evie. I’m 17 years old, from London, and am a new member of the YSG. Currently, I am studying for my A Levels in Politics, History and Law, hoping to further study politics at university. My passion for educational inequality stems from my experience as an autistic person in mainstream school. Going from a place of little support and struggle to my online school where every teacher is SEND trained has had a hugely positive impact, not only on my studies, but on life as a whole! I aim to make schools a safe and inclusive place for all, no matter their socioeconomic background. 

Hi, I'm Fin. I'm passionate about making education fairer because I've seen how differently young people experience school, whether good or bad. I care about making sure every young person feels heard and valued, especially those who are neurodiverse.

Outside the Youth Steering Group, I'm interested in politics, especially how young people can have a real say in the decisions that affect them. I'm looking forward to learning from other members, sharing my own experiences and helping to make education fairer for everyone.

I’m Freya, a 20-year-old from London, and currently reading a Law degree at the University of Warwick. As a profoundly deaf individual, I am keen to advocate for equitable access to education and to raise both awareness and expectations for children with special educational needs (SEN). As a member of the Youth Steering Group, I look forward to helping influence education policy so that every child, regardless of their background or disability, has the opportunity to reach their full potential. 

Hi! My name is Imanni, I'm 16 years old, in Year 12, and I live in East London! One thing I am super passionate about is our classrooms and the students within them. Back in secondary school, I would look around and see countless students with their heads on the table, or drawing in their books, or doing anything else but listen to our teacher. Situations like these are what motivated me to want to join the YSG: I wanted to be part of something that could help reshape lessons to be focused more on the student, so everyone can learn to their fullest potential.

Hi, my name is Isobel!

I love Jesus, chemistry, and spontaneous adventures! Following Jesus has given me a real love for serving my local community, so this year I've been working as an intern at a social action charity.

I also love learning—and I'm yet to meet anyone who enjoys revision quite as much as I do! Growing up, I experienced first-hand how transformative access to a quality education can be in someone's life. In difficult seasons, school became a place of safety and stability for me, and now I want to help other young people flourish at school.

My name is Laiqa and I am 19 years old. I have just finished my gap year and I am looking to start my dental nurse apprenticeship soon. In my spare time, I enjoy martial arts, crafts and baking. I am passionate about widening the scope of careers that a secondary school child is introduced to. I believe that social media education is crucial to enable children to reach their potential and more awareness is needed to adapt the learning environment to the child.

Hello, I‘m Luke from the North East of England; I‘m currently taking part in a psychology degree at Northumbria University. I‘m passionate about different educational institutions interacting and working together to provide more adaptive, cohesive and comprehensive educational and support services to all students, regardless of their background.

Hi there! I'm Maya, a year 12 student studying psychology, literature and history in Bristol. I'm very enthusiastic about building a fairer education and believe it is the key and driving factor for a more just world. I am especially passionate about supporting students suffering with mental health issues. I strongly believe students suffering with mental health issues should be supported in their educational journeys so that their struggle does not cost them opportunities and schooling. I have suffered with intense mental health issues and want to use my unique insight and passion to advocate for others in the same situation today.

I'm Moses from London and I'm 19 years old. This year, I'm starting my Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care at my local college. I'm particularly passionate about advocating for the interests of SEND students and ensuring that individuals have access to a wide range of pathways like A-Levels, T-Levels, and Level 3 qualifications. I believe that if future education policy considers the lived experiences of young people, this will create a level playing field for all to achieve their potential. I will use my personal experience to ensure no child sets low expectations for themselves.

Hello, my name is Osob and I am a 17 year old student from Birmingham! I am currently a year 13 studying sociology, psychology and criminology as well as the EPQ and I joined the Youth steering group because I am passionate about making education accessible for all kids as well as making it an enjoyable, worthwhile experience for every student. I have always been passionate about politics and part of that is ensuring that kids of tomorrow are well equipped for the future ahead of them and I believe that education can do that. For me, it lays the foundations and makes the difference between a good student and a 'bad' one. I cannot wait to get involved and work with everyone!

Hi, I’m Rosie! I’m 16 years old and am in my first year of studying the International Baccalaureate, with the hope of diversifying my knowledge and world view through the diploma, with higher level subjects of Geography, Global Politics and English literature. As an active member in a whole host of youth-based community projects, I am extremely looking forward to working with other like-minded people to try to change the system, giving a voice to those students who are often completely motivated, enthusiastic and hardworking, yet shamefully face barriers to feeling heard and valued, through no fault of their own.

Hi! I'm Saffron, I am 20 years old and from Luton. I am currently studying BA Education at the University of Cambridge. My experience in several kinds of alternative education institutions (such as pupil referral units) after leaving mainstream school in Year 8 has made me passionate about ensuring that education can adequately provide for SEND students, no matter what their needs are. I believe that a key part of this is strengthening connections between schools and local services that can diagnose, treat, and support students so that they can continue to access education both alternatively and in mainstream.

Hey I’m Sefatlin, a 15 year old girl from Afghanistan. I’m currently doing my GCSEs and have faced and understood how racial discrimination and educational disparities affect a child’s education. I’m passionate about bringing a change to education in the classroom.

Hello from Manchester! My name is Subhan and I am 17 years old, starting the beginning of the next chapter of my life (6th form). I'm studying A levels in Maths, Further Maths, Politics and Philosophy with hopes to study law in the future. I live by the mentality that the first step is the most important in achieving your goals. My ambition is to push for a better future for all of us, starting with the Youth Steering Group. Young people do not have the opportunities to succeed in many schools, and many have not been as fortunate as I have. My aim is that every student should have the opportunity to pursue their passions.

Hi, my name is Warren. I am a mathematics student at the University of Liverpool and a tutor with the Tutor Trust, where I support disadvantaged pupils to reach their potential. Having grown up seeing how background can shape opportunity, I am passionate about tackling inequality in education. As President of the Insurance Society and an active member of the Investment Society, I combine leadership with analytical skills. But above all I am driven by a belief that every young person deserves a fair chance to succeed.

Hi! I’m Yazz, I’m an 18-year-old from Dorset. I’m currently in my last year of sixth form studying Politics, Economics and Sociology at A-level. My lived experiences as a deaf individual have made me realise how passionate I am for advocating for more equitable access to education. I am very excited to make a difference for deaf young people and also for others who face barriers to education. Education should be accessible to all, so, as a Youth Steering Group member, I’m looking forward to making a tangible impact!