Kate Charlton

Kate is very passionate about equestrian sports, and she desperately wants to challenge the stereotypical image of such sports, to ensure that people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities have the opportunity to 'have a go'. She has certainly changed my perception, as well as the perception of many others, having successfully led a project with ITV Fixers on the topic, which has made a national impact, having also attracted participation from the British Number One Eventer. This resulted in Kate inspiring more young people to get involved, and actually getting the opportunity to meet him at his yard in Shropshire. Kate is a Student Voice Ambassador, and has succeeded in inspiring more 'challenging' students to participate in her extra-curricular equestrian project, a fantastic achievement. Young people who find the academic curriculum difficult have been inspired by Kate's love of horses, a passion which they also share. Kate's equestrian project has led to the school being successful as a 'Get Set School' and her work has really put the school on the map, having featured in a national London 2012 publication by the Specfialist Schools and Academies Trust in 2010. It is via Kate's work that a community equestrian event will take place, after having been previously cancelled. 'Fair play' is the essence of Kate's project, and she continues to challenge the stereotypical views of equestrian sports in Northumberland via her innovative and inspirational work.