By Kirklees Local TV – 

Landmark artwork celebrates pupils’ kindness, resilience and dreams for the future

The faces of children from a Huddersfield school have been transformed into a striking new landmark mural celebrating kindness, resilience and the limitless potential of young people.

The Reach for the Stars Mural has officially been unveiled at Spring Grove Junior Infant & Nursery School, featuring portraits of pupils selected for the exemplary resilience, integrity and kindness they have shown towards others.

The artwork is the first mural of its kind in Huddersfield and has been designed and organised by local community arts organisation Huddersfield Rising.

The project aims to celebrate the character and aspirations of every Spring Grove child – past, present and future.

‘Their dreams matter’

The mural was officially unveiled during a special ceremony at the school on Friday 11 September, attended by pupils, families, staff and representatives from the local community.

Emily Bamford, Director of Huddersfield Rising, said: “We wanted our first mural to do more than just brighten up the school building. We wanted to celebrate and include real children – their kindness, resilience and everything they have the potential to become.

“Seeing the faces of Spring Grove pupils represented on such a large scale sends a powerful message: they are valued, they belong and their dreams matter. We hope children will look at the mural and feel inspired to reach for the stars.”

The mural was painted by Urban Canvas artists Anthony Donnelly and Steven Malcolm, who brought Huddersfield Rising’s creative concept and design to life across the school building.

Ecobuild Joinery & Construction also supported the project, carrying out specialist preparation and construction work to make the mural possible.

‘Our children are shining stars’

For Spring Grove, the mural is intended to be more than a colourful addition to the school building – it is a reflection of the diverse community it serves.

Shazia Azhar, Headteacher at Spring Grove Junior Infant & Nursery School, said: “The mural represents our school and everything we stand for. We want every child to know that, no matter where they come from or what they have been through, they can still reach for the stars.”

She added: “Our children are shining stars and represent the very best of what our society can be. Our school serves families from a wide range of backgrounds, including many on low incomes, and 23 different languages are spoken across our school community. Some children arrive carrying anxieties, worried about how they’ll fit in. But at Spring Grove they find a place where they feel safe, welcomed and valued.”

The headteacher said the school’s pupils and staff had embraced the project, adding: “Our children are incredibly proud of their school, and our staff go above and beyond to make it a happy and nurturing place for every child. The mural will provide a powerful daily reminder of everything our school and its children represent.”

A new Huddersfield landmark

The Reach for the Stars Mural will remain at Spring Grove as a permanent celebration of the school’s children and their achievements.

Huddersfield Rising also plans to develop further mural projects across Huddersfield during 2026 and beyond, bringing more community stories and local people into the town’s public spaces.