Sheffield Park Academy Students Crowned Regional Champions at NextGenLeaders Final
Louise Innocent
/ Categories: News
Sheffield Park Academy students took to the stage recently at the NextGenLeaders Regional Final – and were named Regional Champions for their confident, thoughtful community impact project.
Three teams of students represented the academy, showcasing brilliant leadership, research and professionalism throughout the competition across their respective projects. Each had the chance to present their projects to a panel of judges – which led to one team, who have championed Project H, to be named Regional Champions.
Project H is a long‑running, student‑led initiative driven by one clear mission: to ensure no student comes to school on an empty stomach so they can reach their academic potential. Developed over three years, and recognising that thousands of children across Sheffield rely on foodbanks each year, the project supports with practical, sustainable solutions including weekly food hampers, meal‑prep bags, recipe resources and community engagement.
Through Project H, since September, the students have packed and distributed over 120 food hampers, delivered assemblies within school and created an online recipe book and child-friendly recipe cards. They have also build strong partnerships with organisations including MCKS, Sainsbury’s and Asda. The judges praised Project H for its clear social purpose, strong evidence base and sustainable delivery model — a combination that secured the team the regional title.
The academy’s other two teams, SPAstaninable and Safe Together, were also commended for their high-quality presentations, powerful ideas and professional delivery, reinforcing the depth of talent and ambition among Sheffield Park Academy students.
Adding to the celebrations, Year 9 student George was awarded Changemaker of the Year, recognising his outstanding leadership, commitment and positive influence throughout the SPAstainable project — a well‑deserved honour.
Rob Watson, Principal at Sheffield Park Academy, said:
“The NextGenLeaders Regional Final was a fantastic showcase of how our students embody our school’s values of Community, Ambition, Respect and Endurance. Each of our teams should be proud of the work they put into their meaningful projects, but of course it was wonderful to see particular success for the students behind Project H, along with George’s individual Changemaker award.
“We know how powerful providing opportunities for student leadership and instilling confidence can be, which is why we are committed to delivering an Education with Character alongside our academic curriculum. The skill and command our students demonstrated in their presentations will serve them well across their learning and beyond.”
Becks Wheatley, Programme Manager for NextGenLeaders - Enactus UK & Ireland said:
“I am unbelievably proud of the young people from Sheffield Park Academy. To have three separate teams all reach presentation finals across different competitions is an incredible achievement and reflects the amount of work, empathy and dedication these students have shown throughout the year.
“Project H stood out because of the care and dignity at the centre of their work. That level of empathy and emotional intelligence at such a young age was incredibly powerful.
“One of the most special things about the NextGenLeaders programme is seeing young people realise that they can make a difference right now. These students have not only developed confidence and leadership skills, they have also created meaningful change within their community.”
The NextGen Leaders Final showcased not just innovative ideas, but the real‑world impact young leaders are already making in their communities — and Sheffield Park Academy stood firmly at the heart of that success.
For more information
NextGenLeaders is an Enactus programme - Website: https://enactusuk.org