Students from eight Cheltenham secondary schools came together to celebrate a year of inspiring sustainability projects at the annual ChangeMakers Showcase, hosted at The Wilson Art Gallery.
Since September 2025, pupils have been developing projects to improve their schools and local communities through the Cheltenham Education Partnership’s ChangeMakers programme. This year’s initiatives included litter reduction campaigns, clothes swaps, tree planting, waste reduction projects, and the creation of mindfulness spaces, all designed and led by young people.
Earlier in the year, each school pitched its ideas to a panel of local experts in a ‘Dragon’s Den’-style funding event, with successful projects receiving grants of £150–£250 from Cheltenham Borough Council’s climate team to bring their ideas to life. The showcase gave students the opportunity to present their achievements to family, friends, local organisations, and fellow schools, highlighting the positive impact young people are making across Cheltenham. The event was also attended by the Mayor of Cheltenham, who met with students to learn more about their projects and celebrate their achievements.
Cheltenham Borough Council’s Community Pride fund, supported by Councillor Richard Gough, funded the facilitation of this year’s programme, while the council’s climate team funded the student action projects. The programme was facilitated by Planet Cheltenham, and the showcase was kindly hosted by The Wilson Art Gallery.
Schools taking part included Pittville School, St Edward’s School, All Saints’ Academy, Bournside School, High School Leckhampton, Cleeve School, Pate’s Grammar School, and Dean Close School.
The ChangeMakers programme has been delivered by Cheltenham Education Partnership every year since 2019, helping young people develop confidence, leadership skills and a sense of social responsibility while taking action on issues that matter to them.
Cllr Richard Pineger, cabinet member for the climate emergency, said: “Seeing these projects showcased was a real joy. I remember the students pitching their ideas for funding, and I was genuinely surprised by the scale of what they achieved. Their creativity and determination give me real hope for the future.
Cllr Martin Horwood, Mayor of Cheltenham, said: “I was really inspired by the creativity and energy of these young Cheltenham ChangeMakers. They addressed some of the most important environmental challenges we face – from reducing pollution and waste to climate change and nature recovery.
“We should be very proud that our young people are taking on these big issues and helping to shape a better future for us all.”
Raechel Kelly from Planet Cheltenham said: “The CEP ChangeMakers project demonstrates the possibilities that emerge when young people are empowered to follow their ideas through to completion.
“The students involved were all incredibly passionate about both people and planet and looking for ways to improve their school environment. It was an honour to be part of the project and get to meet them all.”
