The Fair Education Alliance has just opened recruitment to its Youth Steering Group, one year after the group was established.

The FEA, a long-term partner of Tutor Trust, is a coalition of almost 250 organisations working to end inequality in education. They are now recruiting up to 10 new members to their Youth Steering Group.

Twelve months ago, Ellie Cross, our very own Tutor Engagement Officer, was one of its first appointees. Ellie (pictured left and above when she was filmed as part of a BBC news programme), answered the advert last autumn and, since then, has been involved with her colleagues on the group in several key debates around education, and how it can be made more equitable. She will serve on the group for another year.

Ellie, who was a tutor with us before becoming a coordinator then Tutor Engagement Manager, believes passionately in improving opportunities for young people from disadvantaged communities. In her role as Youth Leader with the FEA she has taken every opportunity to work as part of the Steering Group to create improvement in education. It has been a hugely rewarding experience, she says.

"I’ve been working with other members and young people across the UK to discuss changes we wish to see in education, and which directly influence government and decision makers. It’s a great way to begin inspiring youth social action in education.

In the year since the Youth Steering Group was set up, we’ve worked with Ofsted on their strategy, been invited to Downing Street to propose youth social change and responded to the Child Q case. We’ve also hosted our own events on exams, the cost-of-living crisis and mental health.

“It has been powerful being able to represent young people and to work to make sure everyone has the same opportunities. It feels good to be part of another organisation, like Tutor Trust, that champions young people.”

Ellie also coordinates a monthly bulletin that tackles all current and important issues in education and presented at the annual FEA board for shareholders on the work of the group. Recent activities have seen the Youth Steering Group visiting and touring the Bloomberg offices, and meeting one of the top news anchors, Francine Lacqua, for top tips on public speaking.

Applicants to the Youth Steering Group must be aged between 14 and 24 on 13^th December 2022, have been to school, college, or university in England and/or be doing an apprenticeship in England. It is also key that they are passionate about reducing socio-economic inequality in education.  

Applications close on Sunday 13th November at 11pm.