Co-op Young Leaders
At Co-op Academies Trust, we're passionate about equipping students with the skills, confidence, and values to lead and inspire others.
The Co-op Young Leaders Programme is designed to do just that. Empowering students from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 5 to step into leadership roles in their academies and beyond.
Led by Daniela Faldusova, the Co-op Young Leaders Programme is tailored to suit the diverse needs of all our academies, ensuring it's accessible, meaningful, and effective for students of all ages and abilities.
What Makes the Co-op Young Leaders Programme Unique?
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Values-Led Leadership: Rooted in the principles of co-operation, fairness, and respect, the programme reflects the values we hold at the heart of everything we do.
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Skill Development: From communication and problem-solving to teamwork and empathy, students gain practical skills that will benefit them for life.
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Inclusive and Progressive: Whether in primary or post-16 education, the programme grows with our students, adapting to meet their evolving needs.
The programme combines engaging workshops, real-world projects, and mentoring to give students hands-on leadership experiences. Delivered by our dedicated academy teams, it’s designed to inspire and empower every participant to make a positive difference in their schools and communities.
By nurturing leadership from an early age, we’re helping students gain the confidence to be change makers. Whether that’s by leading a class project, supporting their peers, or contributing to wider community initiatives. It’s not just about leadership; it’s about co-operation, compassion, and making a real impact.
The Co-op Young Leaders Programme is one more way we’re living our values and working together to help students succeed. We’re proud to be building a generation of young leaders who will shape a brighter future for us all.
More CYL Stories from across the Trust.
Co-op Academy Bebington
Co-op Academy Bebington has made an exciting decision to embed the Co-op Young Leaders programme into the PSHE curriculum for new Year 7 students from the next academic year. Giving all students have the opportunity to develop leadership skills from the start of their secondary school journey, fostering confidence, independence, and a strong sense of community.
By integrating the programme into PSHE, the academy is reinforcing its commitment to empowering students, encouraging them to take on active roles in school life, and preparing them with essential life skills for the future.
‘I feel more confident as I know now that the audience will listen to me. Also, the CYL helped me to meet some people that I hardly talk to. Also when I am doing tours I now know that I should be confident. For example if I had another chance to do my presentation in front of my class, I would as I have learnt how to make a presentation in front of others as best as it can possibly be.’
Co-op Academy Delius
Co-op Academy Delius hosted a Young Leaders Training session, where pupils from Year's 5 & 6 took part in a morning of leadership development. The training aimed to build pupils’ communication skills, teamwork, and confidence to prepare them for their roles as Co-op Young Leaders and Playground Leaders.
Throughout the session, pupils engaged in a variety of interactive activities designed to enhance their ability to communicate effectively, support their peers, and demonstrate leadership in the playground. They worked collaboratively on team-building exercises and explored ways to create a positive and inclusive play environment for all children.
By the end of the session, the pupils showed increased confidence and enthusiasm. Eager to take on their new responsibilities and a renewed commitment to helping others. They are now well-prepared to be role models within the school community.
Co-op Academy Leeds
There were 20 CYLs trained at Co-op Academy Leeds as Young Interpreters. Welcoming and supporting new EAL (English as and Additional Language) students around the academy and to be at the forefront of all parental engagement and cultural events. This fosters a sense of pride in their multilingual abilities and highlights the importance of maintaining and celebrating students’ heritage languages around the school and in the community.
‘I think it has benefited me by teaching me how to communicate with people who I do not know.’
‘I am more confident, and can communicate to people who don't speak the same language.’
Co-op Academy Nightingale
The CYLs at Co-op Academy Nightingale were trained to be involved in various roles around the school. They assist with playground activities during breaks and lunches. They support their peers as mental health ambassadors and welcome new EAL pupils to their school.
Co-op Academy Southfield
Students at Co-op Academy Southfield have the CYL programme embedded in their Careers programme. CYLs run the Co-op store onsite, deliver assemblies, run year 6 transition days and fundraise. All these initiatives contribute to the personal and academic growth of the students.
Staff reported how much the students engaged with the CYL workshop and gained an understanding of what being a leader looks like and the ways they could develop their leadership skills in school. Students have now taken an active part in transition parents meetings for year 6 students joining the school in September. They are currently setting up a mock election ahead of 4th July with their peers in KS4. The CYL are keen to share their successes with Daniela and are extremely proud to be Co-op Young Leaders, wearing their hoodies every day!