What is the Young Voices Programme?
The Young Voices Programme is our flagship oracy – speaking and listening – programme which aims to grow the next generation of confident communicators so they can become our future thinkers, leaders, storytellers and changemakers.
In classrooms across the UK, children and young people will develop core oracy skills, such as listening and responding, questioning, organising thoughts and delivering messages with confidence, through meaningful dialogue about themselves, their peers and the world around them.
Why it matters
Young people are growing up in a time of rapid change, political polarisation, social pressure and unprecedented technological developments. With voting rights in the UK to be extended to 16-years-old from 2026 and an AI-driven labour market reshaping the future of literacy and the workplace, strong communication skills have never mattered more.
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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
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Listen with empathy
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Question respectfully
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Articulate ideas
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Engage confidently with others
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Think critically
Taking the time to ensure that every young person feels empowered to develop these skills and find their own authentic voice is not just an educational goal, it’s a social imperative.
Yet research shows that too many children are starting school without fundamental language and communication skills. Many young people, particularly early adolescents, are also struggling with core speaking and listening skills, with differences by gender, age, and socioeconomic background revealing inequalities in whose voices are being heard. You can read more in the latest speaking and listening research.
What do 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
What programmes are available?
The Young Voices Programme is designed to support children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to develop the skills they need to become confident communicators.
Discover a range of initiatives within our Young Voices Programme to suit your classroom and phase. Each initiative has been tailored based on our expert research and insights and will not only support your students but will provide teachers with the training and resources needed to facilitate effective oracy practice in the classroom.
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 literacy 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 year 9 with the oracy skills they need to thrive.Learn more about Aspire.
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Words for Work supports children and young people with the oracy skills they need to thrive in the modern workplace and pursue their aspirations.Learn more about Words for Work.
