What is the Young Voices Programme?
The Young Voices Programme is our flagship oracy programme. We are on a mission to grow the next generation of confident communicators, developing the confidence, communication skills and agency that children and young people need to participate fully in education, employment and civic life.
Through meaningful dialogue, discussion and collaboration, children and young people develop core oracy skills and learn to express their views, engage with different perspectives and make their voices heard.
Why it matters
The ability to communicate ideas, listen to others and think critically has never been more important. As children and young people navigate rapid technological change, growing social pressures and an increasingly complex flow of information, opinions and ideas, these skills are increasingly important for learning, teamwork, decision-making and engagement with the wider world.
Creating opportunities for children and young people to develop these skills, engage with different perspectives and contribute their voice is not just an educational priority, but a social imperative.
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The vital skills nurtured by the programme
These literacy skills underpin everything - our wellbeing, education, relationships, civic engagement and work. They enable us to:
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Speak clearly and confidently
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Listen with empathy
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Question and think critically
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Articulate ideas effectively
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Engage respectfully with others
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Advocate for themselves
Not all children and young people have equal opportunities to develop the communication skills and confidence needed to make their voices heard. Our research shows significant inequalities in children's and young people's speaking and listening skills, with differences by age, gender and socioeconomic background, raising important questions about whose voices are being heard and whose opportunities may be limited.
Closing these gaps is essential to ensuring every young person can make their voice heard and realise their potential. You can read more in our latest speaking and listening research.
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What impact are we having?
Our programmes demonstrate the positive impact that high-quality oracy experiences can have on children and young people's confidence, communication skills and engagement.
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100% of teachers agreed pupils were better able to express their feelings and speak up for themselves and others
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100% of teachers agreed pupils became better at listening, responding and disagreeing respectfully
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100% of teachers agreed students improved their ability to give, receive and respond to feedback
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100% of teachers agreed students were better able to speak publicly to a range of audiences
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92% of students rated the programme as good or very good
What teachers say
“I worry young people are losing the opportunities to develop their voices to be able to communicate, articulate their ideas and advocate for themselves. I work with so many students who have brilliant thoughts but lack the critical thinking and communication skills to be able to formulate these during discussion. It is so important that they feel confident in using their voice so that they can help shape the future."
English Teacher, Greig City Academy
“These experiences don’t just teach literacy – they empower our students for life.”
Head of Literacy, Harris Academy Bermondsey
"It was lovely to see the SEN children be so engaged in an activity and have a voice about what they want to change/do which is something they often need more prompt in. For one child he even chose to lead his group in the discussion which is something he would not have normally done."
Primary school Teacher, Dream Big Programme
What programmes are available?
The Young Voices Programme offers a range of evidence-informed initiatives that help children and young people develop the confidence, communication and critical thinking skills they need to thrive at school and beyond.
Tailored to different age groups and settings, each programme empowers children and young people to find their voice and participate with confidence, while giving educators the training and resources needed to embed high-quality oracy practice.
How to get involved
Visit the relevant page below and complete the expression of interest form for the initiative you wish to hear more about.
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Empower your primary children aged 5 to 7 with the oracy skills they need to imagine their futures, the world they aspire to live in, and their role in shaping it.Learn more about Dream Big.
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Aspire supports young people in key stage 3 with the oracy skills they need to thrive.Learn more about Aspire.
