Organised in collaboration with Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) staff, six Year 10 students from The Cornerstone Academy in Poole visited 10 Downing Street to meet with senior government advisors and politicians, sharing their unique insights on navigating youth and masculinity in modern Britain.
The exclusive afternoon event, taking place on 15 July, offered young men who are eligible for Free School Meals a direct platform to speak to the nation’s key decision-makers.
The visiting students are involved in a project supported by Boys’ Impact, a UK-wide initiative which supports schools to guide and empower young working-class men as they transition into adulthood.
The path to Downing Street began several months ago, following discussions between Dr Alex Blower, Research Fellow at AUB and Founder of Boys’ Impact, and David Lammy. Since then, Boys' Impact has worked closely with Number 10 staff to turn the unique opportunity into a reality for the Dorset schoolboys.
Alex, who accompanied the students on the visit, says, “Providing a platform where young people can speak directly to those at the very highest levels of government is incredibly powerful. These young men from Poole had vital, real-world perspectives to share on what it means to grow up in contemporary Britain.
“The project at The Cornerstone Academy has done fantastic work over the last two years. Yesterday was about ensuring these students know their voices are valued, their experiences matter, and that they have a rightful place in the national conversation.”
During the afternoon session, the students discussed their issues related to health and wellbeing, their aspirations in future education and employment, and their connections to online and offline communities. They also provided feedback on how policy decisions directly affect young working-class men today.
The delegation from Poole spent the afternoon inside Number 10, marking a memorable milestone for Boys' Impact and reinforcing AUB’s commitment to widening participation and creating meaningful opportunities for local communities.
