July 28, 2026
Student success celebrated at Harrison Foundation Partner Schools awards
More than 50 students from six Harrison Foundation and Newcastle United Foundation Partner Schools came together at NUCASTLE, Newcastle United Foundation’s purpose-built community centre, to celebrate a year of academic achievement.
The End of Year Celebration of Achievement recognised young people who have made outstanding progress during the 2025/26 academic year through the Partner Schools programme. Students were invited by their schools after demonstrating increased confidence, improved attendance, reduced negative behaviour, stronger attainment in the classroom or exceptional commitment to the programme.
The event marks another milestone in a partnership between both Foundations that has been creating opportunities for young people across the region since 2017. Last year alone, 945 students took part in the programme across six schools, with 93% reporting they felt more inspired and engaged, 90% reporting increased self-confidence and 89% saying their mental and physical wellbeing had improved.
The celebration gave students the opportunity to enjoy a day of activities while continuing to develop the skills that sit at the heart of the programme.
Working in teams, students designed and built robot catapults during a STEM Education challenge before taking part in Army-led team-building activities focused on communication, leadership and resilience. The day also included multi-sport activities on NUCASTLE’s rooftop 4G pitch and a school quiz, with students representing their schools in a friendly competition.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognising the achievements of students from each of the six Partner Schools.
Working alongside Newcastle United Foundation’s Partner School Coordinator, senior leaders from every school selected winners in three categories: Increased Confidence, Commitment to Partner School Sessions and Special Achievement.
While 18 students received individual awards, every young person invited to the event had already earned recognition through the progress they had made over the past academic year.
Harrison Foundation trustee, Daniel Harrison MBE, said: “The statistics tell us the programme is making a real difference, but days like this remind us that every number represents a young person with their own story. Celebrating achievement is just as important as supporting young people through challenges. Whether they’ve improved their attendance, grown in confidence or overcome barriers to learning, every student here should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved.
“Our partnership with Newcastle United Foundation is about creating opportunities that help young people realise their potential. Seeing these students recognised for their hard work and personal development is exactly why the Harrison Foundation continues to invest in this programme.”
Since the partnership began, the Harrison Foundation has helped thousands of young people build confidence, improve engagement with education and develop the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. Through more than 1,600 sessions delivered each year, the programme continues to create lasting opportunities for young people across the North East.
Congratulations to every student who attended the End of Year Celebration of Achievement and to all of this year’s award winners.