Derby Grammar School has been awarded champion school status for their involvement in National Citizen Service (NCS), a government-backed youth programme for teenagers.

Derby Grammar School received the status in recognition of the continued support given to the scheme, encouraging students to take part in NCS, which helps young people develop a broad range of skills that have life-long value, such as leadership, team working, confidence, independent thinking and community responsibility.

“We’re delighted to offer ongoing support for NCS as we believe it plays a vital role in the development of our students as they transform into adulthood,” said Karen Stebbings, Assistant Head and Head of Sixth Form

Karen Stebbings was awarded the plaque from former NCS graduates at a special ceremony to mark the achievements of each champion school in the region. The graduate presenters, who hosted the event throughout, enthusiastically outlined the positive impact that NCS had on them and what they had gained by taking part.

“We’ve taken part in the scheme since 2017, in fact 35% of all of our Year 11 students have taken part. They gain so much from it; it’s good for them to work as a team with people they didn’t know previously and for them to ‘give something back’ on the community projects.

NCS is an opportunity open to all 16 and 17 year olds across England. Over the course of four weeks, participants spend time away from home experiencing outdoor life to its full, working with local business and charities to build new skills, and putting those new skills to good use to create a project that will help others better enjoy the local community.

To date, over 500,000 young people across the UK have taken part in NCS, which is delivered regionally by Ingeus, in partnership with local youth organisations.

“All of our champion schools can be really proud of what they have achieved,” said Ingeus NCS National Marketing Manager, Sarah Hartley. “They have fully supported their young people and encouraged them to aim high. All of our graduates and their schools have achieved some amazing results, of which they can all be really proud.”

One of those who graduated from their NCS programme last summer and presented at the event is 17 year old Karam Osman who is currently studying his A Levels.

“I had the most amazing experience!” he said. “Many of us met for the first time on the first day of our NCS experience, but by the end of the four-week programme we had developed some really strong friendships. I learnt loads of new things, felt I developed through all my experiences of working alongside others, and took part in activities which undoubtedly helped build my confidence. I am now taking part in the NCS Local Youth Board too.”

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