Humber school pupils help shape regional investment plans with Employment Minister

Aspiring leaders from Sirius Academy North shared their vision for where new regional investment should be allocated with Dame Diana Johnson MP at an event organised by Future Humber and Y Focused earlier this month.

Centres focused on building employment skills for ages 13 to 17, campaigns aimed at improving gender balance in trade sectors, and a gym for under 16s, were among the ideas the pupils highlighted as ways new government funding could enhance opportunities for young people. Hull’s Orchard Park is one of three neighbourhoods in the city to benefit from new Pride in Place funding. Beginning this year, the neighbourhood will receive £20 million over 10 years for regeneration projects led by local people such as improvements to community areas, developing green spaces and cultural investments.

Picture caption: Sirius Academy North students with (back row L-R) Kirsty Norman (Careers Lead, Sirius Academy North) Liz Winn and James Pearce (Directors at Y Focused), and Dame Diana Johnson MP.

Raising aspirations was one of the key priorities highlighted by the students, who said they are proud of their area but concerned about limited prospects.

Sienna, 14, Pupil at Sirius Academy North, said, “It’s important for young people to have their voices heard because we’re part of the community too. A lot of the time we’re judged or not taken seriously, but we understand what’s going on around us and we care about where we live. If we get the right opportunities and investment, I genuinely think our future chances here are really strong. There are so many people from the region who have gone on to achieve great things, and there’s no reason why we can’t do the same.”

Picture caption:  Sirius Academy North student, Sienna, was one of the pupils who shared their vision for regional investment with Employment Minister, Dame Diana Johnson.

The Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson, Labour MP for Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham, and Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions), said: “I’ve been genuinely blown away by the young people at Sirius Academy North. The way they’ve spoken, with confidence, honesty and real passion for their community, should give us all confidence in the future of Hull and the wider region. It’s vital that young people are heard and taken seriously. They understand their communities, they see both the challenges and the potential, and they have a clear sense of what needs to change. That’s exactly the kind of insight we need to shape investment and deliver meaningful, long-term impact.”

Dr Diana Taylor, Managing Director at Future Humber, said: "Place promotion shapes perception, and perception shapes investment. If you want people to back a place, they need to understand it and believe in it. That’s why hearing directly from young people matters. They’re not just future talent, they’re part of the story now. Their views help shape how their area is seen, supported and invested in, which is how you build long-term confidence in a place."

Sirius Academy North invited local leadership to hear directly from their students as part of the Aspiring Leaders programme developed by regional education service Y Focused. Developing students’ employability skills, attitudes and behaviours, the Aspiring Leaders Programme is designed to improve leadership skills and increase confidence. Sessions explore themes like resilience, public speaking, and pride, culminating in a pitch presentation to a panel of local organisations.

Liz Winn, Managing Director, Y Focused, said: ““Now in its fourth year, the Aspiring Leaders programme continues to show what’s possible when young people are given a platform. Today’s students demonstrated real confidence, insight and pride in their community. When young people are trusted to contribute, they step up. They bring fresh thinking, challenge perceptions and play a genuine role in shaping the future of their area.”