Leeds secondary school 'incredibly proud' as it scoops top national award
‘This award is recognition of the tremendous effort that has gone into developing geography’
A Leeds school has been recognised with a national award for the quality of its geography teaching and the experiences it offers students.
Bishop Young Academy, Seacroft, has been awarded the Geographical Association's Secondary Geography Quality Mark for 2026-2029, recognising high standards in its curriculum, classroom teaching and wider geographical learning.
The award follows months of work by the school's geography department to demonstrate the strength of its curriculum and the opportunities available to pupils.
Its submission highlighted innovative teaching, independent enquiry, fieldwork and critical thinking, alongside lessons exploring global issues including sustainability, climate change, migration and development.
Schools applying for the award must provide evidence of good practice across areas including curriculum design, assessment, student engagement and fieldwork. They must also demonstrate how geography helps young people understand the world around them.
Mrs Plews, head of geography at Bishop Young Academy, said: "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 said the recognition reflected the commitment of teaching staff, support from senior leaders and students' enthusiasm for the subject.
School leaders hope the award will provide further motivation to build on the department's work and help pupils develop the knowledge and skills to become informed and responsible global citizens.
The recognition places Bishop Young Academy among a group of schools nationally acknowledged for excellence in geography education.