Youth Steering Group
Impact stories: Jonathan
Name: Jonathan
Age joined the Youth Steering Group: 15
Home Region: Cheshire
Jonathan joined the Youth Steering Group in 2023, at the age of 15. During his time on the Youth Steering Group, he co-led a session at the Youth Summit and interviewed Munira Wilson MP and policy makers from DfE, DCMS, Ofsted and the Children's Commissioner's Office at the FEA Summit.
Why did you join the Youth Steering Group (YSG)?
The main reason I joined was because I wanted to try and improve education. There’s a lot of inequality within the system. I see it in my local area, and there are so many factors behind it...so many things that need to change.
I just wanted to be part of making a difference.
How have you found being on the Youth Steering Group overall?
It's been good overall; there's been lots of good opportunities and experiences.
If you had to pick one thing that's been a highlight of your time on the youth steering group, what would it be?
The highlight for me was the day in London at the Youth Summit. We had all the different panels, and I got to co-chair one with Farzana, which was brilliant. It was just such an inspiring day.
My favourite session at the Youth Summit was the one on content creation with Coco Khan - that was really good.
What do you think has been the Youth Steering Group’s most impactful activity?
I feel like the most impact was from the Youth Summit. I enjoyed getting the chance to speak directly to decision-makers, but also meeting loads of other young people. It felt impactful.
What skills do you feel like you've developed during your time on the Youth Steering Group?
I’ve done lots of workshops through the group, and one of the best parts has been meeting other passionate young people and getting to work with them. It’s been great for building teamwork and just developing loads of good skills overall.
Our Youth Steering Group provides leadership on youth engagement across the Fair Education Alliance. Members are involved in the work across the Alliance, from collective action and policy influencing, to communications, events and support for our award winners.