Schools Linking
Supporting young people to explore identity, build connections and strengthen communities
Schools Linking brings together two carefully matched classes, from demographically different schools in a carefully planned programme.
Pupils from different social, ethnic, faith or geographical backgrounds enjoy meeting and learning together. The process helps pupils to explore identity, become comfortable with difference and build connections with their local community.
Our Schools Linking programme runs in 27 Local Authority areas.
We work with all kinds of schools including primary, secondary and special schools.
Schools Linking builds on research evidence about what works in connecting children to build their confidence in contact with others. It has been designed by teachers and is enjoyable and memorable for pupils.
Our vision for Schools Linking
Belonging isn’t just a feeling, it’s an action and a way of living in the world too.
We support young people to explore identity in creative, active and participatory ways and through linking with people who are in some way different to them.
Belonging is a constantly evolving feeling, it isn’t static. So we help young people develop skills that inspire them to be continually enquiring and curious about their own and other people’s identity.
The training, support and framework that we’ve created and continually adapt empowers teachers and schools to enable children and young people to experience connection and belonging as part of their education and beyond.
Why link?
Linking develops skills of enquiry, critical thinking, reflection, and communication.
It provides opportunities for children and young people to meet, build new relationships, work together and contribute to the wider community.
A recent evaluation by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities found pupils on our Schools Linking programme showed increased interest in other cultures; confidence in social mixing; and increased awareness and understanding of people from different backgrounds to themselves. Read the report here.
The students value making friends with someone who is different to them, they will do that with less fear moving forward. It de-mystifies the ‘other’ and breaks down that ‘otherism’.
Natasha Boyce, secondary school teacher
