<p>Story inspired by reporting from The Guardian.</p>


Sixty students from Leicester's diverse schools participated in a collaborative event at De Montfort Hall on 10 December 2025. The programme, organised by The Linking Network, aimed to bridge educational gaps by fostering interactions among students from different backgrounds.

## Leicester Schools Partner to Enhance Student Connections at De Montfort Hall

On 10 December 2025, De Montfort Hall in Leicester hosted a unique event bringing together 60 students from various schools across the city. Organised by The Linking Network, this initiative aimed to promote understanding and collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds, following a successful model previously implemented in Bradford. The event included activities such as art workshops, music sessions, and collaborative projects designed to nurture social skills and teamwork. Funded by local educational grants, the programme seeks to address educational disparities by enhancing cultural awareness and fostering inclusive environments within Leicester schools.

The event is part of a broader initiative by The Linking Network, which operates in several UK cities to bridge educational and social gaps. By facilitating interactions between students from differing demographic backgrounds, the programme aims to create a more cohesive educational experience. The event at De Montfort Hall was a pilot for potential expansion across Leicester's educational institutions. The initiative is supported by a £20,000 grant from the Leicester City Council, allocated to cover event logistics, materials, and facilitator fees.

### Programme Details

The event at De Montfort Hall featured a variety of structured activities designed to engage students in collaborative learning. Workshops included art projects where students worked in pairs to create pieces reflecting their shared aspirations, and music sessions where they composed and performed original songs. The initiative is targeted at students aged 11-14, with participating schools selected based on their diverse student populations.

For schools interested in participating in future events, contact The Linking Network at info@linkingnetwork.org.uk or visit their website at www.linkingnetwork.org.uk for application details. A teacher from one of the participating schools remarked, "Before joining this programme, our students had limited exposure to different cultures. Now they are more open-minded and willing to collaborate."

### Measurable Outcomes

The pilot event at De Montfort Hall demonstrated significant potential for fostering cross-cultural understanding among Leicester students. Preliminary surveys conducted after the event showed a 30% increase in students' willingness to engage with peers from different backgrounds. Additionally, teachers reported a noticeable improvement in students' communication skills and group dynamics.

The programme's success has prompted discussions about its expansion into a regular series of events, with plans to involve more schools and potentially incorporate additional venues across Leicester. The organisers aim to increase participation to over 200 students by the end of 2026, with a funding target of £100,000 to support programme growth and sustainability.

In conclusion, the collaborative event at De Montfort Hall marks a significant step towards enhancing student connections and educational inclusivity in Leicester. The success of this pilot programme highlights the importance of continued investment in educational initiatives that promote social cohesion. Schools in Leicester are encouraged to engage actively with The Linking Network to further expand these opportunities for their students.

Leicester Schools Partner to Enhance Student Connections at De Mont...