In Clackmannanshire, Columba 1400 has become a cornerstone of educational and community transformation through its Values-Based Leadership Experiences (VBLEs).
Rooted in the belief that every individual has inner greatness, Columba 1400 has worked alongside the local authority, schools, and community partners to inspire positive change –beginning with young people and radiating outwards to the key adults in their lives including school staff, families, and the wider community.
Values-Based Leadership is now a key part of Clackmannanshire’s Community Around the School (CATS) approach – a strategic effort to bring partners together around schools to support the wellbeing and development of young people, their families and the wider community. In every secondary school, the partnership with Columba 1400 has played a central role in this work, with clear and well-documented benefits for both students and staff.
Impact on Schools and Staff
Columba 1400 has offered extensive VBLEs for education staff across the region. Head teachers and other school staff consistently describe these experiences as transformational, enhancing not just their professional capabilities but also their personal outlook and connection to their communities. Staff have reported greater empathy, improved understanding of pupil and family needs, and a stronger sense of purpose.
This transformation has had tangible results – improved attainment, better attendance, and increased positive destinations for young people. One Clackmannanshire secondary school was even recognised with a Pearson Education Award for Impact Through Partnerships, directly reflecting the strength of its collaboration with Columba 1400.
Transforming the Young Person’s Experience
Young people across Clackmannanshire have participated in Columba 1400’s Young People’s Leadership Academies (YPLAs) supporting them to explore their personal values and potential. This work has been especially powerful for care-experienced young people and those in inclusive settings like the Clackmannanshire Active Learning Academy (CALA).
Following their YPLAs pupils are supported to initiate their own projects – ranging from breakfast clubs and transition events to charity fundraisers. Many have developed the confidence to speak publicly about their growth, sharing their stories with Scottish Parliament, international visitors, and the First Minister.
In 2023-24, Clackmannanshire piloted a new Train the Trainer programme, empowering secondary pupils who had completed their YPLA journey to guide others. This innovative model is now being looked at by other local authorities as a scalable and sustainable way to embed leadership within the educational community.
The CALA Experience: A Case Study in Transformation
CALA represents a bold new approach to education in Clackmannanshire. Designed for young people who felt alienated from school, CALA focuses on outdoor learning, active engagement, and personalised work experiences. Columba 1400 has been central to the success of this pilot, delivering YPLAs with a residential element that address both emotional and practical barriers to learning.
For many CALA pupils, the Columba 1400 experience was their first time away from home. Yet, supported by a nurturing and flexible team, they rose to the occasion. Families noted significant improvements including better sleep patterns and stronger relationships, and the young people recognised they had higher self-esteem, and increased motivation.
Pupils previously identified as school refusers now attend regularly, with some achieving 75–85% attendance. The confidence gained through Columba 1400 has translated into real leadership, with CALA students now running VBL sessions for younger pupils in local primary schools.
Redwell Primary School: A Culture of Belonging
Redwell Primary School also stands out as a powerful example of VBL in action. Following a two-day introduction to the VBL programme for all 53 staff members, teaching and non-teaching, and a week-long VBLE for P6 pupils, the school has seen a marked shift in culture.
Initiatives such as flexible uniform policies, family breakfasts, mental wellbeing programmes, and community drop-ins have strengthened relationships between home and school. The phrase ‘The Redwell Family’ is now a lived identity, reflecting a renewed sense of belonging and shared purpose. As the Headteacher noted, “Our families now feel this building belongs to everyone and ‘The Redwell Family’ isn’t just words.”
A Model for Empowered Communities
Clackmannanshire’s partnership with Columba 1400 demonstrates the transformative power of values-based leadership. By aligning young people, educators, and community partners around shared values, the region is cultivating a generation of confident, compassionate leaders. The ripple effects – greater resilience, engagement, and wellbeing – are being felt across schools and communities.
As Colin Bruce, Chief Education Officer of Clackmannanshire Council, puts it:
“Columba 1400 has been a powerful vehicle for innovation and transformation…This partnership continues to shape positive futures for our young people, ensuring they thrive in both education and life.”