Empowering Young Voices

Our aim is to empower young people to have the confidence and conviction to speak up and speak out about what is important to them. 

Now in its third year, this programme is all about pupils sharing their views, learning from each other’s differences, and building vital communication skills that will help with academic and personal development.

This broad and inclusive partnership unites schools from both the maintained and independent sectors. 

Led by Wimbledon High Junior School, it is funded by the contributions of partner schools form the independent sector, covering all costs for maintained schools. Training is delivered in partnership with Speakers Trust, the UK’s leading public speaking training charity.

Pupils and teachers receive high-quality training in the art of public speaking.

Each year, over 500 Year 6 pupils and their teachers take part in the Speak Up partnership. Teachers receive a day’s training and deliver a series of prepared workshops to their Year 6 pupils. During the workshops, the pupils develop the core skills of public speaking and prepare a speech on the topic of their choice. 

The best speakers take part in a competitive showcase.

Each year, the top 4% of speakers are selected to represent their school at the Grand Final, delivering their speech in front of an audience of friends, family, and an expert judging panel - competing head-to-head to be crowned the Speak Up! Year 6 Champion.

The impact on pupils is powerful. 

Our impact data demonstrates significant results on building confidence, raising self-belief and engendering a deeper sense of connection between peers. The pupils finish these workshops with a strong sense of empowerment and with skills they can take with them to their next stages of education.