Aim:

Lead On bootcamps are designed to support passionate young leaders and develop their leadership skills and to channel their energy into tackling social issues faced by their school, college or local community.

Roll out:

In 2026 two boot camps were held in Leeds, with others taking place at Wakefield College, Hartlepool Sixth Form, Cheshire College and Reaseheath College all aimed to develop and support leadership, project planning and campaigning skills. Students were also helped with their communication skills, social action planning and networking.

In Leeds, the first day was held at Burberry, Leeds and the second at Leeds city college. Guests included our first Leeds Young Ambassador, Alexis from Wakefield College and Geraint Jones from Burberry.

In Hartlepool the focus was on supporting higher achieving students and at Reaseheath those that attended were taking on student voice and leadership roles next academic year.

At Cheshire College we worked with the Student Senate for next academic year to bond the group, establish core values and goals of the senate and develop their skills in leadership, youth voice and advocacy.

At Wakefield College, the focus was specifically on Social Action Sustainability Projects and developed core skills in leadership, teamwork, communication, public speaking and project management.

Impact:

Students told us:

“I grew a lot and learned so many different skills while learning from many different people” 

“The activities we’re engaging and fun for everyone involved, I learnt lots of leadership techniques e.g posture during public speaking and worked with people I wouldn’t normally worth with which was a good opportunity.” 

“Being able to communicate with others and learn how to use teamwork and public speaking” 

“I have learnt to trust my ideas and be more comfortable with my own thoughts” 

“It was an amazing opportunity to learn new things and to work on new ideas. I am grateful that I got this opportunity” 

“It inspired passion for me to make change on campus” 

“I enjoyed being able to work together and learn about different values and actions”

“It has helped me gain confidence and advance on new skills” 

“It was very informative and taught me what essential skills to have to take me on to the next stage in my career”