Janine GriffithsA Seacroft secondary school is celebrating after receiving a prestigious national award recognising its commitment to geography education.
Bishop Young Academy has been awarded the Geographical Association’s Secondary Geography Quality Mark for 2026-2029.
The award recognises schools that deliver high-quality geography lessons and provide students with opportunities to explore and understand the world around them.
It follows months of preparation by the academy’s geography department, which demonstrated its achievements in teaching, curriculum development and student learning.
Helping young people understand the world
Geography lessons at Bishop Young Academy cover important global challenges, including climate change, sustainability, migration and development.
Students are also encouraged to develop practical skills through fieldwork, independent research and activities that challenge them to think critically.
These experiences help young people explore geographical issues and gain a better understanding of the world.
To achieve the Quality Mark, schools must demonstrate excellence across several areas of geography education.
These include lesson planning, assessment, student participation and opportunities to learn outside the classroom.
Schools must also show how their teaching helps students develop a deeper understanding of geographical issues.
Years of hard work recognised
Mrs Plews, head of geography at Bishop Young Academy, expressed her delight at receiving the national recognition.
She said in an interview with the Yorkshire Evening Post: “We are incredibly proud to have been awarded the Geographical Association Secondary Geography Quality Mark for 2026-2029.
“This award is recognition of the tremendous effort that has gone into developing geography at Bishop Young Academy over a number of years.
“The process allowed us to reflect on our strengths, celebrate our achievements and identify ways to continue improving. Most importantly, it recognises the fantastic experiences and opportunities our students receive through geography.”
The academy credited the achievement to the dedication of its geography teachers, the backing of senior leaders and the enthusiasm shown by students.
The recognition also highlights the work undertaken over several years to strengthen geography education at the school.
The national recognition marks an important achievement for the Seacroft academy and its geography department, while providing a foundation for further progress.
Support independent community journalism!
East Side Story covers the people, places and stories in Leeds that are too often overlooked. While national headlines chase conflict and clickbait, we focus on real communities and the issues shaping daily life in East Leeds.
Divisive content, AI noise and online rumours spread faster than ever. At the same time, many mainstream outlets are stretched and rarely spotlight the community organisations and local champions who deserve recognition.
East Side Story was created to change that. We answer only to our readers. We have no corporate owners or billionaire funders. Our journalists report freely, ask difficult questions and hold power to account.
Your support helps us keep this work going. Monthly contributions make the biggest impact because they allow us to invest in deeper reporting and fearless local journalism.
Supporters also receive exclusive updates, behind the scenes insights and other benefits as a thank you for keeping independent journalism alive.
