Bradley Named Greater Manchester's Young Mentor of the Year

Everyone at Rayner Stephens High School is celebrating after Year 10 student Bradley was named Young Mentor of the Year at the Power2 Awards.

The award is an incredible achievement, with Bradley being chosen from more than 1,000 students from schools across Greater Manchester who take part in the Power2 mentoring programme.

Power2 gives young people the opportunity to work with younger children in primary and early years settings, helping them develop confidence, social skills and positive relationships. In return, mentors develop valuable communication, teamwork and leadership skills of their own.

Bradley's award recognised the outstanding support he has given to his mentee throughout the programme.

At the awards ceremony, organisers spoke about the patience, kindness and maturity Bradley showed from the very beginning. Through his calm and caring approach, he built a strong relationship with his mentee, helping them feel safe, supported and understood.

One story shared during the ceremony perfectly summed up the impact Bradley has had. When his mentee was struggling to return to the classroom, Bradley calmly approached the situation, spoke reassuringly and helped the child feel comfortable enough to go back inside. His ability to build trust and connect with the child made a real difference.

The judges also praised Bradley's willingness to learn. Throughout the programme, he worked closely with staff, asked thoughtful questions and always looked for ways to better support his mentee.

Whether taking part in activities indoors or playing outside in all weathers, Bradley gave every session his full attention. The small things mattered too – ending sessions with a high five, words of encouragement and reassurance about seeing each other the following week.

What made the award even more special was the recognition of Bradley's own journey. When he first joined the programme, he wasn't entirely sure what to expect. Over time, his confidence grew and he developed into a mentor who made a genuine difference to another young person's life.

The judges were so impressed by his natural ability to work with younger children that they even suggested he should consider a future career in primary teaching.

To be recognised as the best mentor from a programme involving more than 1,000 young people across Greater Manchester is a fantastic achievement, but for those who know Bradley, the award reflects something even more important – his kindness, empathy and willingness to help others.

We are incredibly proud of Bradley and everything he has achieved. He is a credit to himself, his family and the whole Rayner Stephens community.

Congratulations, Bradley!