On 8th June the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues hosted a conference in London, in partnership with Step Up to Serve, for 50 headteachers and their guests who have been recognised for developing their students' character through youth social action. The event was organised to celebrate the fantastic work of these schools – who are considered pioneers in the field. The event was also a chance to debate and discuss what works as well as what can be learnt to enable even more young people to develop their character through youth social action at school or college.

Primary and Secondary Schools and Colleges from across the UK attended the event. Through facilitated activities the delegates discussed what makes a school of character and how we can create a youth social action tsunami in education across the UK. Following the event a brochure containing case studies of the schools' work on character and youth social action, alongside a list of recommendations, will be published. 

Speaking about the event, Secretary of State for Education, Nicky Morgan, said:

“Character education is part of our core mission to deliver real social justice by giving all children, regardless of background, the chance to fulfil their potential and achieve their high aspirations.

“This is an important event if we are to build on the great work going on in our schools and colleges to champion the development of character education. There is already inspirational activity taking place in schools I visit across the country, and I encourage more schools, colleges and charities to get involved in social action projects.”

 This article covered the event.