By Benjamin Calvert – 

North Huddersfield Trust School becomes the first in the town to receive the prestigious Young Carers in School Award.

A Huddersfield secondary school has been recognised on the national stage for its outstanding commitment to some of the community’s most overlooked young people — children and teenagers who balance school life with caring responsibilities at home.

North Huddersfield Trust School (NHTS) has become the first school in Huddersfield to achieve the Young Carers in School Award, a nationally recognised accreditation run by leading charities The Children’s Society and Carers Trust.

The award celebrates schools that take exceptional steps to identify, support and empower young carers, ensuring they are able to succeed both academically and emotionally.

Who Are Young Carers?

Young carers are children and young people who provide regular care or emotional support to a family member or friend who is ill, disabled, experiencing mental health difficulties or facing addiction.

Their responsibilities can range from practical household tasks to providing personal care and emotional reassurance.

These added pressures often mean young carers face challenges that their peers do not, including tiredness, anxiety and difficulty keeping up with schoolwork.

Without the right support, their education and wellbeing can suffer.

Going Above and Beyond for Students

NHTS secured the award by demonstrating a strong, whole-school approach to supporting young carers.

Inspectors praised the school’s clear systems and culture of understanding, which ensures pupils are identified early and offered tailored support.

Key measures include personalised learning support to help students manage their academic workload, dedicated emotional wellbeing provision, and opportunities for respite through trips and enrichment activities that allow young carers to relax and enjoy time with their peers.

The school also runs regular drop-in sessions with a designated member of staff, providing a safe and confidential space for young carers to talk about their experiences and access help when needed.

‘No Student Should Be Disadvantaged’

Matt Schofield, Designated Safeguarding Lead at NHTS, said the award reflects the school’s commitment to fairness and inclusion.

“We are very proud that NHTS is the first school in Huddersfield to achieve the Young Carers in School Award,” he said.

“No student should be disadvantaged because of their family circumstances.”

Why This Recognition Matters

The achievement is more than a badge of honour. It sends a powerful message across the borough about the importance of recognising young carers and putting practical support in place.

By leading the way, NHTS has set an example for other schools and organisations, showing how awareness, compassion and structured support can make a real difference.

The approach not only protects young carers’ education but also acknowledges the vital role they play within their families and the wider community.

Find Out More

Support for young carers is an ongoing commitment.

More information about young carers and the provision available at North Huddersfield Trust School can be found on the school’s website:
www.nhtschool.co.uk/parents/young-carers

As Huddersfield celebrates this milestone, North Huddersfield Trust School is being praised for proving what a caring, community-focused school can achieve — ensuring young carers are seen, supported and valued.

Congratulations to North Huddersfield Trust School on a landmark achievement for the town.