AN INSPIRATIONAL headteacher who launched an ambitious campaign to ensure every boy in Basingstoke has a male role model has been recognised for his incredible achievement.
Chris Edwards, headteacher at Brighton Hill Community School, launched GOAT Boys – Greatest Of All The boys - as a mentoring project connecting young men in Years 9 and 10 with volunteers from the local community.
Now, his project has received official recognition after he was presented with A Place to be Proud of Award in the Inspirational Educator category.
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Mr Edwards was described as being a headteacher who understands that education is also about making young people feel seen, supported and capable of more than they think.
He noticed too many boys were growing up without a trusted adult in their lives outside of their family and decided to do something about it, launching GOAT Boys.
The project now has 79 community volunteers with an ambition to reach 100, and the boys involved in the project talk about life feeling more positive.
The scheme has now attracted interest from 78 schools across the country and has been recognised internationally.
Accepting his award on stage, Mr Edwards described the moment as “incredible”. He said: “It’s grown into something we weren’t expecting to happen. We are hoping to roll it out in all the schools. It’s a worthwhile project.
"The young people in our schools are amazing. It’s young people who change the world and it will start in Basingstoke.”
The other category finalists were:
Angie Burton
Jacky Purtil
Jan Harris
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