7th March 2025 Middlesbrough students take part in House of Lords celebration

Students from a Middlesbrough secondary school proudly represented the town at a House of Lords reception.

Kyles and Rosie, Year 11 students at Outwood Academy Acklam, were joined at the event by teachers Hannah Azadi and Georgia McPartland.

They were invited to the annual event by national education charity The Talent Foundry.

More than 120 students from all eight Middlesbrough secondary schools have now taken part in The Talent Foundry’s Skills for Life programme over the past three years.

Funded by M&G plc, Skills for Life introduces the young people to positive role models from a wide range of professions.

They take part in practical challenges and get information on apprenticeships and further education as well as hearing direct from leaders with exciting careers in the Middlesbrough area.

Working with The Talent Foundry supports the Council’s priority of having a successful and ambitious town.

Teachers have told how students have become more focused on their learning and excited for the future following the sessions.

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke and the Council’s Head of Achievement Karen Smith also attended the House of Lords event, along with Alexander Matcham, Head of UK Wholesale at M&G Investments.

Mayor Cooke said:

“It was brilliant to see the students represent Middlesbrough in the House of Lords.

“They explained brilliantly how The Talent Foundry programme has motivated them and other young people.

“Skills for Life builds on the brilliant careers work done by our schools to inspire students for the next stage in their lives.”

Jenni Anderson, Chief Executive at The Talent Foundry said:

“We are incredibly proud to support young people in Middlesbrough through the Skills for Life programme. Seeing these students showcase their ambition and potential at the House of Lords is a testament to their hard work and the impact of providing meaningful opportunities.

“Our mission is to ensure that every young person, regardless of background, has access to the skills, networks, and confidence to thrive in their future careers."

Jane Rawnsley, Group Head of Corporate Responsibility at M&G plc said:

"We are delighted to be in our third year supporting students in Middlesbrough through the Skills for Life programme.

“We were particularly pleased that some of those students had the opportunity to represent the town at The Talent Foundry's House of Lords annual celebration, where they were able to showcase the skills they’ve developed through the programme.

“It’s inspiring to see how the programme continues to empower young people to build the confidence and skills they need for their future careers."

Nationally The Talent Foundry supported almost 65,000 students from over 600 schools and colleges in 2023-24.

Story reproduced courtesy of Middlesbrough Council.