Celebrating International Women’s Day on the 8th March, Ely College, part of Meridian Trust, is proud to highlight the impact of its participation in the ‘Lean In Girls’ programme — an initiative designed to empower young women with the confidence, skills and ambition to lead.
Now in its second year of delivering the programme, Ely College staff have been trailblazing its implementation, helping students to develop self-belief, resilience, communication skills and leadership qualities. The programme provides a structured yet supportive space where students can explore topics such as challenging stereotypes and pushing back on unfair treatment, all whilst building confidence, setting goals and supporting one another to succeed.
The success of the initiative at Ely College has been clear. Participants have demonstrated increased confidence in classroom discussions, greater willingness to take on leadership roles, and a stronger sense of aspiration for their futures. Principal, Simon Warburton, commented: “I am very proud of the work and initiative taken in establishing this programme. We don’t often see young people so readily discussing or putting themselves forward for student leadership positions, but to see this level of dedication from some of our most amazing students has been a real highlight of my term so far. To show such an interest in leadership and implementing positive change at such a young age is so refreshing!”
Students themselves report feeling more empowered to express their views, challenge limiting beliefs, offer allyship to others and pursue opportunities they may previously have hesitated to consider. Eliza Fulford and Poppy Armour are two Year 10 students who graduated the programme last year but have come back in its second year to support Mrs Kelleher in running the ‘Lean In Circle Girl’s Group’, encouraging others to join the Session 6 as part of their own Platinum PLEDGES project.
Eliza commented on her return to the group: “I love the community of women we have built together! We are all like-minded, politically aware students, who enjoy this dedicated time and space to listen, learn from each other and gain new insights. It’s so inclusive and safe. I am so grateful for the friendships and support I have found here. We are looking into how we could form a wider group to encourage allyship, giving us as young people a voice to action change in school.”
Staff facilitating the programme have also reflected on its positive influence across the wider school community, noting that it fosters open dialogue, mutual support and a culture of encouragement amongst all students. Due to its continued success, the programme is now being considered for wider implementation across other schools within Meridian Trust. The Trust hopes to roll out ‘Lean In Girls’ more broadly in the near future, extending its benefits to even more young people and strengthening its commitment to equality, empowerment and opportunity.
Meridian Trust has also piloted a Lean In group for staff, creating a supportive space for women to connect and grow. Feedback showed the sessions were both empowering and thought-provoking, helping participants challenge everyday norms and build confidence through open, collaborative discussion. Members also shared constructive ideas for future development, highlighting a clear appetite for continued growth and connection.
Ely College remains dedicated to ensuring that every student, regardless of gender, is known, valued and supported to achieve their full potential. As we mark International Women’s Day, we celebrate not only the achievements of women globally, but also the determination, confidence and leadership being nurtured in the next generation right here in our classrooms.
