Birmingham Civic Society Marks 20 Years of Youth-Led Change at the 2025 Next Generation Awards Finals

On 16 October 2025, Birmingham Civic Society proudly celebrated two decades of youth-led civic action at the 20th anniversary finals of the Next Generation Awards (NGAs). Held at Birmingham Newman University, the event was a powerful tribute to the creativity, compassion, and leadership of Birmingham’s secondary school students — and to the enduring success of BCS’s flagship youth initiative.

Since its inception, the NGAs have empowered young people to tackle real-world challenges through community-driven projects. This year’s finals were no exception, showcasing five outstanding Gold Award-winning teams from Bartley Green School, Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, Yardleys School, King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys, and King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls.

Each team presented their project to a panel of judges, demonstrating not only innovation and impact, but also a deep commitment to leaving a lasting legacy for their schools and communities. Highlights included:

• Road Safety VR: A virtual reality training programme for primary pupils, paired with a campaign to install a pedestrian crossing at a key location.
• Together in Translation: An EAL initiative supporting families where English is not spoken at home, through bilingual resources, workshops, and community events.
• Fresh Start: A compassionate project offering support kits to individuals struggling with addiction to alcohol, drugs, and nicotine.
• Mindful: A mental health card game designed to spark conversation, laughter, and emotional resilience among young people.
• Make Birmingham Beautiful Again (MBBA): A student-led environmental clean-up campaign, starting with weekly after-school eco clubs and aiming to expand city-wide.

Bartley Green School was awarded the top honour for their exceptional project Together in Translation, but every team was celebrated for their vision, teamwork, and dedication to civic betterment.

Stephanie Bloxham, Co-Chair of The Birmingham Civic Society commented: “Well done to the finalist teams for their fantastic presentations, they should all be very proud of their achievements.”

Jacky Griffin, Chair of Judges, Chair of the Citizenship Committee, and Trustee of Birmingham Civic Society, reflected on the milestone:

“The NGAs are more than a competition — they’re a catalyst for confidence, collaboration, and active citizenship. By aligning with the Key Stage 3 Citizenship Curriculum, the programme equips pupils with essential skills in problem-solving, research, ICT, and public speaking, while making a tangible difference in their communities.

For 20 years, Birmingham’s young citizens have shown us that leadership isn’t reserved for the future — it’s happening now. As we mark this anniversary, we invite the city to listen to their voices and embrace the power of their ideas.”

In addition to the NGAs, BCS also presented its annual School Star Awards, recognising schools that have gone above and beyond to support their communities in times of need. This year’s recipients were Thornton Primary School and Christ Church C of E Nursery and Primary School — both honoured for their extraordinary commitment to care and community.

The 20th NGA Finals were a celebration of legacy, leadership, and the limitless potential of Birmingham’s next generation. Here’s to the next 20 years of youth-powered change.