Scope & scale

Since our first programme in 2019, we have:

  • worked in over 70 schools

  • trained over 300 teachers and school staff

  • run workshops with over 750 girls and non-binary young people.

 Since we adapted to online settings, we are running programmes across the country, with schools in the North, Midlands, South West and South East as well as in London. We have run Be Her Lead with a range of ages, from primary school to sixth form.

Many more schools, teachers and students have taken part in our network through events like our conference and virtual coffee series, and projects like our lockdown zine.

2021 research & impact

In 2021 we ran focus groups with Be Her Lead groups in 16 schools across the UK to find out what was going on for girls and non-binary young people we work with, and how we could best support them.

This is what we found…

Feeling under huge pressure, inside and out

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The most commonly expressed emotions were stress and anxiety.

The most commonly expressed emotions were stress and anxiety.

They were preoccupied with worries about not being good enough.

They were preoccupied with worries about not being good enough.

They felt the weight of societal expectations related to appearance and their bodies.

They felt the weight of societal expectations related to appearance and their bodies.

They were overwhelmed with stress related to school work, exams and the future.

They were overwhelmed with stress related to school work, exams and the future.

Wanting a stable and happy future… but unsure how to get there

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Financial stability and wealth comes up repeatedly as a life goal.

Financial stability and wealth comes up repeatedly as a life goal.

Girls are conscious of the importance of wellbeing and work-life balance.

Girls are conscious of the importance of wellbeing and work-life balance.

Many felt scared they would not fulfil expectations, or had "no idea" what they should do

Many felt scared they would not fulfil expectations, or had "no idea" what they should do

Beyond school, college and university, the careers mentioned do not reflect the broad range of options out there.

Beyond school, college and university, the careers mentioned do not reflect the broad range of options out there.

Be Her Lead groups were valued as spaces where students felt listened to and supported

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An opportunity to connect

An opportunity to connect

Being able to express emotions and feel listened to

Being able to express emotions and feel listened to

Empowering and thought-provoking discussions

Empowering and thought-provoking discussions

Acknowledging inequity and unfair expectations

Acknowledging inequity and unfair expectations

Building confidence and self-love

Building confidence and self-love

Positive and supportive communities

Positive and supportive communities

Interacting with teachers on a more personal level

Interacting with teachers on a more personal level

A brave, respectful space to share opinions

A brave, respectful space to share opinions

Speaking up and feeling heard

Speaking up and feeling heard

Testimonials from students

“Being her lead means that I can feel more confident about myself and my decisions. I have a time where I do not have to worry about anything.”
— Student at Harris Academy St John's Wood, London
“It was really calming, and I feel safe and comfortable in this space.”
— Student at Westminster Academy, London
“Be Her Lead has been amazing for me because I’ve gained confidence and learned lots about various topics. It has been an amazing after school activity.”
— Student at Bulwell Academy, Nottingham
“The place instantly felt like a safe area where I could share what I want and know that I would receive positive feedback and advice. When in lockdown, Be Her Led zoom calls provided structure to my day and it was an hour that I knew I would enjoy and benefit from.”
— Student at Carshalton Boys Sports College, Surrey

Testimonials from teachers

“I am so proud of every single one of my Be Her Lead students. This term we have laughed together, written poetry together, cried together and built trust in each other.”
— Mehvish, teacher at Dagenham Park School, London
“The students of BHL this term have been amazing - they have shown passion, commitment and engagement. Thank you for letting me be part of your club and making me so proud!”
— Ms Barkas, teacher at Sirius Academy, Hull
“The girls are so keen to continue that they have been coming to support with my new group and really showing such confidence and happiness within themselves. My new group have already started begging for longer sessions.”
— Alex, teacher at Bede Academy, Northumberland

Find out more

To discover more about our impact, have a read of our zines and impact reports: