More than 100 sixth form students from schools across Bedford Borough have begun an inspiring leadership journey through Ready2Lead?, a borough-wide programme designed to help young people grow into confident, creative future leaders.
Launched this month at Bedford School, the initiative is delivered in partnership with The Harpur Trust and brings together students from nine local schools and colleges.
Including Bedford Girls’ School, Bedford Modern School, Bedford School, The Bedford Sixth Form, Biddenham International, Kimberley STEM College, Mark Rutherford School, Wixams Academy and St Thomas More Secondary & Sixth Form.
Inspiring local leadership
At the launch event, students heard from a range of young innovators who shared their personal journeys and lessons in leadership.
Among the speakers was Urban Judge, CEO of Youth TV, who founded the digital platform at just 13 years old to give young people a voice. He described his path from “teen dreamer to CEO” and the importance of resilience and self-belief.
They also heard from Ukrainian-born tech entrepreneur Irra Ariella Khi, who took a step back from her business to launch Sunflower Relief.
A humanitarian project supporting people in Ukraine with medical supplies, hygiene products and food. She has since raised hundreds of thousands of pounds from leading investors and tech industry figures.
Learning from experience
Returning participants shared how Ready2Lead? has shaped their ambitions.
Nikola Chrzan from St Thomas More spoke about their Affordable Food project, while Matilda Cook explained how the programme inspired her to co-found a STEM charity and blog.
Ibrahim Latif, from Bedford Modern School, credited Ready2Lead? with helping him become Chief Finance Officer at Youth TV.
Lorna Godden, Education Partnerships Adviser at The Harpur Trust, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome a new cohort to Ready2Lead?.
It’s a unique opportunity for young people to learn from experts, build confidence, collaborate across schools, and tackle real-world challenges through our Apprentice-style project.”
Building projects for Bedford
Over the next two months, students will design and deliver projects inspired by the Children, Young People and their Families Plan for Bedford Borough 2022–2027, a framework shaped by local youth voices.
The second workshop, taking place in November, will focus on marketing and communication, featuring young entrepreneur Krish Gupta, founder of video company IKREATIVE, and Harry Beard, co-founder of the Gen Z marketing agency ODITI.
The programme will conclude with a celebration event on Tuesday, 9 December, where students will present their final projects to a panel.
This will include Bedford Mayor Tom Wootton, Bedford Borough Council Chief Executive Laura Church, the Lord Lieutenant, High Sheriff, local MPs, councillors and business leaders. One team will be crowned the 2025 Ready2Lead? winners.
Simon Everitt, of Bedford School and founder of Ready2Lead?, said: “Since 2019, Ready2Lead? has united sixth formers from across the borough to learn from entrepreneurs in fields from journalism and sport to crime prevention.
Diversity is at the heart of our vision: to help every young person in Bedford realise the unique, positive impact they can have on their world.”
Previous projects have tackled issues such as period poverty, exam stress and isolation, many of which continue to benefit the community today.
To find out more, visit ready2lead.co.uk.
