HATS Youth Conference 2025

Students from across the Trust unite for their Annual Youth Conference to explore the theme of Belonging. This event was support by Haberdasher members who volunteered their time and skillset to support the event.

On Thursday 24 April, 400 students from all nine Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South schools came together at Goldsmiths, University of London, for our annual Youth Conference – a vibrant, high-energy day dedicated to exploring this year’s powerful theme: Belonging.

This flagship event, now a highlight in the Trust calendar, offers a unique opportunity for our children and young people to engage with thought-provoking ideas, express themselves creatively, and connect with peers from across our family of schools. With a focus on belonging, the day aimed to spark meaningful conversations and empower pupils to reflect on what it means to feel included, valued and connected in their school communities.

An inspiring start

The conference opened with a welcome from CEO, Jan Shadick, who set the tone for the day, encouraging students to embrace the theme and each other’s perspectives. They were also honoured to be joined by keynote speaker Charlie Dark MBE – runner, DJ, poet and founder of Run Dem Crew – whose address was both energising and deeply personal. Charlie spoke about building inclusive communities, the power of movement, and how belonging can transform lives. His story – and the community he has built through running – resonated powerfully with our young audience.

Thoughtful conversations and powerful voices

Students then broke into guided table discussions, where they explored themes of identity, inclusion, and resilience. These conversations helped shape the questions posed to an inspiring panel of speakers during a lively Q&A session.

The panel included:

• Jan Shadick, CEO, Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South
• Sarah Mitchell, Senior Director of School Improvement
• Sally Dyson, coach, founder of Firm Sense and Chair of Governors for the Trust and Court Assistant of the Haberdashers’ Company
• Shaninga Marasha, CEO of BIGKID Foundation and member of the Freedom of the Haberdashers’ Company
• Amadou Kassarate, former student and professional footballer and member of the Freedom of the Haberdashers’ Company
• Enoch Hasstrup and Lily Davis, Head Boy and Head Girl of Haberdashers’ Hatcham College

Each panellist shared personal experiences of challenges they had faced, lessons learned and how they overcame fears – offering honest and relatable insights that moved and inspired the audience.

Celebrating student talent

After lunch – accompanied by student-led entertainment – the spotlight turned to artistic expression, with stunning musical performances from Hatcham College and a series of poetry readings from our competition winners.

Congratulations to:

• Walid Rahache (Y12, Hatcham College) – The Escape to Italy
• Ruyam Kuyumcu (Y5, Knights Primary) – Don’t Give Up
• Chimamanda Ijita (Y7, Hatcham College) – No title
• Hassan Amandi (Y8, Hatcham College) – The Path I Walk
• Ruth Elias (Y9, Hatcham College) – Leaving Behind
• Lola Moffat (Y10, Crayford Academy) – Out of Place

Their words brought the theme of belonging to life in powerful and creative ways, with many poems reflecting personal journeys and the strength found in community.

Student voice and legacy

The afternoon also featured a presentation from our Youth Advisory Board, followed by a collaborative ‘Group Create’ session. Here, students shared their reflections on belonging by writing on post-it notes – now being transformed into framed displays that will appear in schools across the Trust. These visual pieces will serve as a lasting reminder of the day and a symbol of our shared commitment to inclusion and belonging.

The conference closed with a moving performance of ‘A Million Dreams’ from the Haberdashers’ Borough Academy choir, leaving attendees energised, inspired and proud to be part of something bigger than themselves.