Welcome to the Young Leaders Program: Moving Past the Badge
For too long, student leadership in primary schools has been about the “badge”—a title given to a few, rather than a set of habits developed by many.
I believe that leadership isn’t a destination; it’s a way of being. It is the development of student agency—the capacity for young people to take initiative, solve problems, and contribute meaningfully to their community. My goal with this program is to provide teachers and school leaders with a structured, practical framework to move students from passive obedience to active ownership.
The Engine Room: The Five Building Blocks of Leadership
The Young Leaders Program is built on five core pillars. These aren’t just abstract concepts; they are the “engine room” of a cohesive, high-functioning student cohort.
Organisation: The foundation of reliability. We teach students how to manage their time, their tools, and their commitments so they can lead with confidence.
Responsibility: Shifting the focus from “doing tasks” to “owning outcomes.” This is where passive followers become active contributors.
Teamwork: Moving students from “Me” to “We.” We provide the tools to navigate collaboration, resolve conflict, and build a culture of belonging.
Presentation Skills: Every leader needs a voice. We help students find theirs—not just for public speaking, but for the daily influence that builds genuine peer respect.
Emotional Intelligence: The beating heart of leadership. By developing self-awareness and empathy, we help students manage the “inner weather” of a busy school day.
How to Use This Resource
This site is designed to be your curriculum companion. Whether you are running a formal leadership elective, a lunchtime club, or simply looking to embed agency into your daily classroom routines, you will find ready-to-use strategies and insights here.
Explore the Hub: Visit our Building Blocks section to find deep dives and practical lessons for each of the five building blocks.
Stay Updated: As we move toward 2027, I will be sharing regular insights on sustaining a leadership culture that endures long after the first-term excitement fades. Subscribe here.
Start Small: Leadership is built in the “micro-moments.” Choose one building block this month and watch the shift in your students’ competence and confidence.
I’m glad you’re here. Let’s move past the badge together and build the next generation of capable, agentic young leaders.
Michael Grose Founder, Young Leaders Program