Robertsbridge school students awarded for online safety work

Two students from Robertsbridge Community College have been recognised for their exceptional work helping young people stay safe online through their roles as Breck Youth Ambassadors.

Over the past year, Tiana and Elsie have represented Robertsbridge Community College, part of the Aquinas Church of England Education Trust, as Breck Youth Ambassadors, working to educate their peers about online safety and the risks young people can face online.

The Breck Foundation works to promote online safety and educate young people about the risks of grooming and manipulation online. Its Youth Ambassador project empowers young people to use their own voices to raise awareness among their peers and help make online spaces safer.

As part of their role, the students have delivered assemblies, shared important safety messages with confidence, and acted as outstanding role models both within school and across the wider community.

Their achievements were celebrated at the Breck Foundation Celebration Event and Graduation Ceremony, where Tiana and Elsie took to the stage in a packed lecture theatre to deliver a speech offering their “words of wisdom” to the next cohort of Breck Youth Ambassadors.

Speaking in front of more than 80 fellow Youth Ambassadors, families, representatives from the Breck Foundation, Sussex Police, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, and Erica Thornton, CEO of the Breck Foundation, the students spoke with confidence, passion and professionalism.

The evening became even more memorable when both students received special awards. Tiana was presented with the Journey Award, recognising the progress she has made and the positive impact she has had throughout her first year as a Breck Youth Ambassador.

Elsie received the prestigious Breck Youth Ambassador of the Year Award, recognising her outstanding dedication, leadership and commitment to helping keep young people safe online.

James Pratt, Headteacher at Robertsbridge Community College, said: “Tiana and Elsie have been exceptional ambassadors for Robertsbridge Community College. Their commitment to helping other young people understand how to stay safe online has been inspiring, and the confidence, maturity and care they have shown throughout the year reflects the very best of our school community. We are incredibly proud of them both and delighted to see their hard work recognised in this way.”

Laura Linch, Careers, PSHE & Student Leadership Lead said: “I have never seen two students demonstrate our school values of Pride, Ambition and Respect quite like Tiana and Elsie have over the past year. They have embraced every opportunity, supported others, inspired their peers and represented our school with such maturity and kindness. Watching them grow into the young people they are today has been an absolute privilege, and I couldn't be prouder.”