A Morning with the Ambassadors for Change

It’s not often you leave a school visit feeling quite so uplifted.

This morning, I was able to meet the Ambassadors for Change at The Bicester School – a brilliant group of young people who’ve been working throughout the year to build resilience and strengthen community within their school. They were articulate, passionate, and utterly committed to making a difference. I left feeling genuinely hopeful.

The students welcomed me warmly (and with some very fine cake from the school’s catering team – more on that later!) and we settled in for a conversation about my Shrieval theme: Hearing the Young Unheard. And goodness, did they have things to say.

They spoke thoughtfully about what it means to feel heard – not just listened to, but understood and trusted. Their ideas for making Oxfordshire (and Bicester in particular) greener, safer, fairer, more connected and healthier were full of insight and integrity. From planting trees and creating living roofs for bus stops, to campaigning for better street lighting, supporting cycle safety, and setting up more accessible ramps and paths – they were brimming with creativity and care.

They talked about fairness too. About food banks and uniform swaps. About finding ways to make sure everyone in their school feels that they belong. About kindness being an active choice.

And they were clear that these ideas aren’t just for inside the school gates. Since the awful events at Bicester Motion in May, many of the students had been thinking deeply about how to bring the wider community together. Several of them spoke movingly about the need for shared space and shared stories – events that allow people of different backgrounds and generations to connect, listen and rebuild.

As one student said to me: “We want Bicester to be a town where people don’t feel alone.”
What a goal to work towards.

Alongside all of this, I heard about the work they’ve already done this year – from running their monthly themed "miles", for people to run, walk, or jog; engagement in the Oxford Town and Gown runs; to a Christmas Market and a Swimathon. These aren’t just big ideas – they’re being put into practice, with preparations going on week in, week out.

And then – the cakes! Beautifully decorated and delicious, they’d been specially baked by the school’s catering team to mark my visit. A truly lovely touch, and greatly appreciated. We cut the cake with my ceremonial sword. And whilst phones aren't normally allowed in school, there was special dispensation on this occasion to allow a few selfies and to record the occasion.

I’m deeply grateful to everyone at The Bicester School for such a generous and inspiring morning – especially the Ambassadors themselves. They reminded me, once again, why it’s so vital that we listen to the young unheard.

They don’t just have potential. They have purpose. And they’re already leading the way.

Thanks you, Ms Riches and Mrs Masterson for inviting us!