At Southside Young Leaders Academy (SYLA), we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of the barriers they face. Based in Southwark, SYLA supports boys aged 8–18 of Black African and Caribbean heritage to become confident leaders, changemakers, and positive role models in their communities.
Thanks to the continued support of The Haberdashers’ Company, 2025/26 has been one of SYLA’s most impactful years. Through our Young Leaders and Scholars Programmes, we provided year-round mentoring, academic support, leadership development, and transformative boarding school bursaries, supporting 85 boys.
The impact has been significant. Through our mentoring programme, 88% of participants reported increased confidence, 85% felt clearer about their goals, and 80% said they were better able to manage challenges and setbacks. For many boys, it was the first time they had regular access to positive male role models.
A highlight of the year was our Young Enterprise project, where participants created and launched Divinitus, a youth-led fashion brand. From developing products and securing investment to selling at a public pop-up shop in Battersea’s Southside Shopping Centre, participants gained practical experience of entrepreneurship, teamwork, and leadership. It was a powerful example of how opportunity can unlock potential.
Through weekly English and Maths tuition, 81% of participants met or exceeded age-related progress targets in Maths, and 78% in English, significantly outperforming national averages. These achievements challenge persistent stereotypes and demonstrate what Black boys can achieve when given the right support.
Additional funding from The Haberdashers’ Company’s Resilience Fund enabled us to strengthen staffing and provide specialist SEND training in response to growing levels of SEND and social, emotional, and mental health needs, ensuring our most vulnerable participants can thrive.
Perhaps one of our most transformative programme offerings, SYLA’s Scholars Programme continues to create pathways to life-changing opportunities. Currently, 14 boys hold fully funded places at selective and non-selective state and independent boarding schools, opening doors to future educational and career success. This year, one SYLA Scholar graduated from Eton College and secured a place at Dartmouth College in the USA.
In a society where Black boys and young men too often face lower expectations and systemic barriers, SYLA is changing the narrative. With the support of The Haberdashers’ Company, we are developing a generation of young leaders who will enrich their communities, inspire others, and create lasting positive change.
