As part of our continued drive to build meaningful links between Great Heights Academy Trust schools, two Year 11 students from Colne Valley High School – Alfie and Cameron – recently visited Nields Academy to share powerful and personal messages with the primary-aged children. Their visit had a lasting impact on both staff and pupils, who were visibly moved and inspired by what they heard.
Alfie, who has just completed his time at Colne Valley, shared his story with the children. Known in school more for his behaviour than his abilities, his life took a positive turn when he was introduced to Shaun Weatherhead, who is currently mentoring students at the school through his Fierce and Fearless programme. Alfie was introduced to Shaun through a school friend, Charlie, who confided that Alfie was a skilled self-taught pianist – a talent he had kept hidden.
Shaun encouraged Alfie to embrace his talent, and soon after, Alfie played for residents at a local care home. The response was overwhelmingly positive, helping Alfie to grow in confidence and turn a corner in both his behaviour and mindset. He visited Nields Academy to perform for the children and show that it’s never too late to change course and embrace what makes you unique.
Reflecting on his journey, Alfie said:
“At the beginning, I wasn’t well-behaved, I was just messing around, doing what I wanted. I didn’t see a future; didn’t think I had a future really. But then someone showed me that that I’ve a bit of worth to myself, you know? Charlie told Shaun I could play piano, and they both encouraged me, and it just made me think.
“Before, I was just chaotic, now I’m peaceful. I just sit down and play and I’m content with myself. Now I can see a future – jobs that I’d like to do. It would be amazing to teach piano, because I’d be getting paid to do something I love, and helping someone else find their talent. I just wanted to inspire these kids today, because who knows – in five or ten years, I might come back and see one of them playing just like me.”
Watch Alfie’s story here:
Cameron recently opened up about being a young carer. He too had struggled with behaviour at school as he juggled emotional stress and personal responsibility.
Cameron has found consistent guidance and care through the school’s Inclusion Hub and Deputy Safeguarding Lead Mrs Susan Barrington, who has known him throughout his five years at Colne Valley. Mrs Barrington works with the Young Carers group at the school and has played a key role in making sure Cameron has been able to access the right support. Through regular check-ins, referrals to Barnardo’s children’s charity and counselling services, and ongoing communication between school and home, Cameron found the stability and safe space he needed to talk openly and work through his feelings. Combined with mentoring from Shaun at Fierce and Fearless, he has developed effective strategies to manage his emotions – and is now using his voice to advocate for others.
During his visit to Nields, Cameron delivered a powerful and confident assembly on mental health, sharing his own experiences as a young carer and encouraging pupils to speak up about their feelings. Following the assembly, he put on his ‘Boys Get Sad Too’ t-shirt and visited classrooms with Alfie, shining a light on male mental health, and the importance of good friendships and supporting each other. The boys’ visit struck a powerful chord with everyone present. One pupil said, “Thank you for the assembly, you now make me believe in myself,” while another reflected, “They were very helpful with everyone’s questions. It was good having someone younger talk about it.” A third said, “When Cameron was talking, a lot of the things he said were relatable. It was good listening to all the things that happen in life.”
These peer-led moments of connection show the powerful impact of lived experience and the importance of our young people being heard and supported, not only by adults, but by each other. When young people are empowered to share their stories and support one another, remarkable things happen.
Miss Diane Mahon, Principal of Nields Academy, said:
“Alfie and Cameron were absolutely inspirational today. They’ve inspired not only the children, but they’ve made the teachers think as well – several of our staff left in tears because they were so moved by what the boys had done and said, and achieved.
“You could see that some of the children were affected by what Cameron had to say, and he made a connection with them in minutes. And that’s because he’s – well he’s brilliant, but because he’s not that much older than them, and so they can relate to him still being on the path that they’re on. I think it’s about children with similar challenges in life connecting and helping and supporting each other whatever age they are, because all children have challenges.”
We are proud of Alfie and Cameron, and of our supportive school communities that helped them reach this point. Their visit is a reminder that lived experience, honesty, and connection are some of the most powerful tools we have for inspiring and supporting one another.
Nields Academy is a feeder school to Colne Valley High School, and such collaborative events help to ease transition, building familiarity and establishing a strong sense of shared community and purpose among our learners. These cross-phase partnerships give younger children a window into life beyond primary, while offering older students the chance to lead, reflect and give back. They also bring to life Great Heights’ 2–18 offer, ensuring pupils are supported not just at key milestones, but throughout their full educational journey.
Great Heights Academy Trust – Riverside Mills, Saddleworth Road, Elland, HX5 0RY
01422 761019 | mat@ghat.org.uk
