In 2024, a group of young people from Lenzie Academy began a transformative journey through a Columba 1400 Young People’s Leadership Academy (YPLA).

This was Lenzie’s second academy with Columba 1400, building on the school’s commitment to nurturing the potential and leadership of its pupils. The YPLA provided a unique space for young people to develop confidence, connect, and lead – as individuals and as part of a team who wanted to bring about positive change.

The YPLA was delivered over three distinct phases. In Phase One, the young people explored the foundations of leadership through self-awareness. By identifying their core values and learning to listen deeply to themselves and others, they began building trust and cohesion as a group. Some participants were confident and outgoing, while others needed time and encouragement to find their voice. What united them was the growing understanding that every voice mattered – and that leadership could look different for everyone.

Phase Two took them to the Isle of Skye, where the group immersed themselves in the residential element of the academy at Columba 1400’s purpose-built Community and International Leadership Centre in Staffin, focused on leading with and alongside others.

From the beginning, they demonstrated kindness, humour, and mutual care. Conversations about self-efficacy and wellbeing helped them realise that true leadership starts with taking care of oneself and believing in their own capacity to influence change.

The group showed incredible growth – in confidence and in their ability to create a safe, creative space for each other. Through role play, storyboarding, and shared reflection, they supported each other’s leadership in a way that was inclusive and empowering.

Returning to school for Phase Three, the group put their values into action by planning and leading a full Values Day for new S1 pupils. Adopting the group name Skye Scape, they created a programme of team-building games and reflective activities, carefully designed to help younger pupils connect, grow, and identify their own values. From “Cross the River” to “Moral Walks” and “Den Building,” every activity had a purpose: to inspire collaboration, communication, and creativity.

The S1 pupils responded with energy and enthusiasm, benefitting from the thoughtful structure and supportive leadership of the older pupils. Reflecting on the experience, the young leaders spoke candidly about challenges, such as managing group dynamics and encouraging hesitant pupils – but also about the pride they felt in successfully delivering a meaningful day.

Their journey did not stop there. They identified ways to improve future events for new pupils, suggesting more pupil voice in planning, and greater flexibility, in activities. This mindset – reflective, adaptive, and grounded in values – is exactly what Columba 1400 hopes to nurture.

The impact of the academy was profound. Graduates explained their confidence improved, they had stronger relationships, a greater willingness to take on leadership roles, and they saw themselves and others differently. They discovered that leadership is about standing up for others, creating space for different voices, and living your values, even when it is difficult.

“My perspective on life has changed. My decision making is better, and I have made new friends.”

“Before joining I was quite shy and didn’t like to speak in public. But now I don’t mind speaking in public and my speech is better. I have also taken up more roles within school; I would have never done if I didn’t go. I feel I’m more of an open person and have got closer to many people.”

In recognition of their outstanding commitment, growth, and leadership, the group were awarded the Youth Scotland Silver Achievement Award – becoming the youngest group in Lenzie to achieve this. This milestone reflects not only the hard work they put into their Columba 1400 journey, but the meaningful impact they have already made within their school and wider community. Congratulations to everyone involved, we are so proud of Lenzie Academy’s inspirational Columbans.

Read the Scottish Government’s independent evaluation of our Young People’s Leadership Academies.

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