Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust (BDAT) was proud to host their inaugural BDAT Student Parliament which took place at the historic Council Chambers at Bradford City Hall. This momentous event marked a significant milestone in our commitment to amplify the voices of young people and develop leadership skills among our pupils.
The BDAT Parliament session brought together student representatives from seven schools within the Trust, providing them with a unique platform to debate and discuss key issues affecting their schools and local communities such as road and street safety, mental health, poverty, homelessness and racism. Students came together, bringing diversity from their communities and a broad age range from a mixture of primary and secondary schools across Bradford including; The Academy at St James, St John’s C of E Primary, Oxenhope C of E Primary, Christ Church Academy, Immanuel College, Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College and Belle Vue Girls’ Academy.
Students also had the opportunity to raise their concerns and issues with ‘people of power’ from across the West Yorkshire District including; Richard Cracknell – Child Friendly Bradford, David Ryan – Born in Bradford, Sahar Ijaz – member of the Belle Vue Girls’ Academy Alumni, sign language support worker and Director of Together We Are Runners, Charles Dacres – Hate Crime Alliance, Azam Ali – The Linking Network, Graham Brownlee – West Yorkshire and Bradford Citizens, Liz Lawley – BDAT Trustee, Carol Dewhurst OBE CEO BDAT, and a guest appearance from the Lord Mayor Councillor Beverley Mullaney.
The BDAT Parliament is part of a broader initiative to ensure that students, across the BDAT family of schools are confident in having a voice, especially as we approach Bradford City of Culture 2025. It aligns with the Trust’s mission to provide high-quality education within the context of Christian belief and practice, empowering every child to fulfil their academic potential and accomplish their individual goals.
Year 5 Students at St John’s said:
“I think it was important because voices of children need to be heard!”
“I enjoyed it because people from BDAT got to listen to our voices and questions, possibly even answer them!”
“WOW!!!!”
Halilath (Year 10) Belle Vue Girls’ Academy said:
“It was great to talk to influential people who can make important changes. It was good for young people to have their voice heard”
Areeba (Year 9) Belle Vue Girls’ Academy said:
“We enjoyed it because the people of power actually listened to us and told us about how they were working hard to make Bradford a better place for young people”
Carol Dewhurst OBE, Chief Executive Officer at Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, added:
“We are thrilled to see our pupils take on the roles of parliamentarians, engaging in meaningful discussions and making their voices heard. The BDAT Parliament is not just an event, it’s a testament to our belief in the potential of our young people to become the leaders of the next generation”.
