Students at West Bromwich Collegiate Academy took part in the UK Youth Parliament elections earlier this year, casting their votes to decide who will represent young people across Sandwell at a national level.  

Learners participated in the ballot as part of the national UK Youth Parliament programme, which gives young people the opportunity to influence decisions on key issues. These include mental health, education, community, safety, equality and the environment.  

The successful candidate will serve as Sandwell’s Member of Youth Parliament for a two-year term. The role involves gathering the views of young people locally and representing them at regional and national events, including annual debates in the House of Commons.  

Funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and delivered by the National Youth Agency, the UK Youth Parliament enables more than 300 young representatives across the country to take part in campaigning and policy discussions. Elections are held every two years in the majority of constituencies, with schools playing a central role in encouraging participation.  

Members are expected to engage regularly with their peers, feedback on progress and take part in initiatives such as the Make Your Mark national ballot, which collects the views of young people from across the UK.  

At the Academy, the election reflected the school’s wider commitment to ensuring students understand the role they play within their local and wider community. By taking part, students are encouraged to recognise the impact their voice and vote can have in driving real, positive change.  

George Faux, Executive Principal at West Bromwich Collegiate Academy, said: “This was a valuable opportunity for our students to experience democracy in a tangible and meaningful way. We often talk about the importance of student voice, but initiatives like this allow them to see directly how that voice can extend beyond the school gates. It was wonderful to see our students approach the process seriously and with genuine interest in the issues that affect them and their community.” 

Participation in the election reinforced the Academy’s focus on developing confident, informed and socially responsible young people, whose perspectives positively contribute to shaping policies and decisions that affect them locally and nationally.