St Bede’s Catholic Middle School set to lead innovative youth mentorship programme

St Bede’s Catholic Middle School is proud to announce that it has been selected as the first school worldwide to fully pilot an innovative youth mentoring programme developed by acclaimed coaching and mentoring expert Professor David Clutterbuck.

The initiative, known as ‘Everyone Needs a Mentor: Young Person Edition,’ offers a unique opportunity for students to cultivate and develop essential life skills that will both enhance their academic performance and prepare them for future success.

Running throughout the academic year, the programme targets Year 5 and Year 7 students, engaging them in weekly sessions designed to empower them with the tools to mentor their peers effectively. Through a combination of one-on-one mentoring, group activities, and practical exercises, students will learn to develop crucial skills such as building trust, effective communication, and providing constructive feedback—skills that are vital for leadership and personal growth.

Deputy Headteacher Mr. Shires expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “We believe this mentoring programme perfectly aligns with our school’s mission to foster the development of our students. By participating in the programme, our pupils will gain invaluable skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. We are deeply grateful to Clutterbuck Coaching and Mentoring International for selecting our school for this initiative.”

Professor Clutterbuck, co-founder of the European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC) and author of over 80 books on coaching, mentoring and leadership, aims for this programme to equip young people worldwide with mentoring skills that will benefit them both personally and professionally. “Our goal is to enable future generations to make better decisions than those before them. This programme is a practical step towards creating five million school-age coaches and mentors around the world in the next five years,” Professor Clutterbuck explained.

St Bede’s participation in this programme is part of a broader collaboration with Our Lady of the Magnificat, Kingsley Consulting and Coaching, and Clutterbuck Coaching & Mentoring International. The ultimate goal is to foster a global culture of mentoring, beginning with the pilot at St Bede’s and eventually extending to students internationally.

The CEO of the multi-academy, Mr Thomas Leverage said, "We are delighted to have this opportunity to work with Clutterbuck Coaching and Mentoring International to lead this innovative project. There is a growing realisation in the education sector of the need to support pupils' mental health and this programme will equip them to support others whilst at the same time develop their own key skills to reflect and look after themselves. Our motto is "To have life and have it to the full" and this programme reflects our commitment to go beyond academic excellence and invest in the all-round cognitive development of the pupils within our care."

Students who successfully complete the programme will receive an ENAM (Everyone Needs A Mentor) certificate, recognising their achievement in mastering these crucial skills. Additionally, staff members will have the opportunity to earn EMCC Global EIA (European Individual Accreditation) practitioner accreditation to enhance their own development, which will further empower both students and staff to reach their highest potential.

St Bede’s Catholic Middle School is excited to begin this new chapter and is confident that the mentoring programme will have a lasting impact, helping students grow into well-rounded individuals capable of thriving in any environment.

For more information or any questions regarding the programme, parents and guardians are invited to contact Mr. Shires through the school reception.