About Us

Youth Panel

The Youth Shadow Panel is made of eleven youth leaders, including the Review Chair, Amira Campbell.

Hey! We’re a team of youth representatives from many of the Shadow Review’s partner organisations. We will be listening to, valuing, and understanding the opinions of young people aged 5 -19 across the English education system. We want to hear from young people from different backgrounds, ages, and with different interests and abilities. We will be sharing this with members of the Government’s Curriculum and Assessment Review Panel, and coordinating with them to shape what’s taught in schools and colleges, and how students are assessed. Together, we are going to help make sure that education reflects the priorities of children and young people.

I have a voice

Alishba, 17 (she/her)

Headshot of Alishba

Hi, I'm Alishba and I am the Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) for Manchester, and I'm passionate about championing youth voices and creating more accessible opportunities leading to growth and development for young people! Some experience that I currently hold is being a UNICEF children's rights champion, where I have been able to help Manchester take steps towards achieving its goal to becoming a child-friendly city, through hosting the Discovery Day, presenting 1 of 3 UNICEF badges at the full council meeting, and completing a children's rights course. Furthermore, I have also been part of a research project with the University of Manchester to promote democratic participation in schools and colleges, researching the access to information regarding politics within educational services and how to actively promote young people to exercise their right to vote. I'm excited to work alongside the members of the Youth Shadow Panel and drive forward positive changes for young people.

NUS UK and Shadow Chair

Amira, 22 (she/her)

Amira [Ah-meer-ah Kam-Buhl] is the National Union of Students UK President. Her background in liberation campaigns, notably the black voices campaign during her time as an undergraduate at the University of Birmingham established her as the first remunerated community organiser at the student union and led her to then take up office as Guild President there also. Amira continues her anti-racism work as a board member for BRIG (Birmingham Race Impact Group) and as an executive for Talawa; a collective envisioning the interconnected futures of black feminism, climate justice and liberated education. Amira has hosted multiple Orgs in arts organisations including the Birmingham Royal Ballet, CBSO (City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra) and Underscore; a community orchestra that celebrates music of the global majority.

Scouts

Ben, 21 (he/him)

Hi, I’m Ben and I’m a recent Politics graduate from the University of Liverpool. Beyond Politics, I’ve been involved in Scouting since the age of 5, am an avid long-distance runner (having completed eight marathons and numerous other road races), and am a passionate Liverpool FC supporter.

I have extensive experience working with young people and in education, and I’m eager to bring that background to the Shadow Panel. I’m particularly motivated to address the lack of influence young people currently have over the future of education. Many feel excluded from government decision-making, and I want to help amplify their voices. By working with the panel, I aim to contribute to building a stronger, more inclusive education system that truly values the input of young people.

Young Citizens

Hanna, 15 (she/her)

My name is Hanna and I am honoured to be part of the youth panel because I am dedicated to make a positive contribution towards education, ultimately helping hundreds of children. I am experienced in helping young children in school such as being an anti-bullying ambassador and a senior prefect teaching me leadership and how to support younger students and would like this opportunity to help students all over England. I am prepared to be an advocate for inclusivity and accessibility for all students in education and make a beneficial change for all.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Kea, 18 (they/them)

My name is Kea, I am an A Level student and a DofE UK Youth Ambassador, with a passion for the outdoors and a love of film. I am excited to take part in this panel to share my perspective on education and help to shape a positive future for the next generation.

Teach the Future

Liv, 17 (she/they)

I’m Liv, and I am a climate and social justice advocate from Nottingham. My activism is founded in the grassroots, working with organisations both locally and nationally to promote green policies throughout all levels of government. In 2022, I joined Teach the Future, a youth led campaign fighting for integrated, solutions-centred climate education. As a neurodivergent young person, I am also passionate about improving the SEND system, pulling on my experiences as an AuDHD student to inform my activism. Championing young voices is at the heart of my work, and I am excited to work on the Shadow Review to continue this further. Outside of activism, I attend drama workshops and will be starting an Access to HE course in September 2025.

National Neurodiversity Youth Council

Logan, 16 (he/him)

Hello, I'm Logan, and I am a passionate advocate for neurodiversity, drawing on my lived experience as someone with ADHD and autism. As a member of a national neurodiversity youth council, I work to raise awareness and promote inclusion through public speaking, panels, and webinars.

Outside of advocacy, I enjoy motorbikes and gaming.

NUS UK

Qasim, 19 (he/him)

Hi, I’m Qasim, the Vice President for Further Education at the National Union of Students UK, passionate about advocating for the rights, needs, and opportunities of students in FE. I am dedicated to tackling the unique challenges that further education students face, from funding and accessibility to ensuring fair opportunities in vocational and technical pathways.

In my role, I organise with students, student unions, and the sector to drive change that makes things better for students. I’m a strong believer in the power of education to transform lives and drive positive change.

SOS-UK

Talia, 20 (they/them)

I’m a third-year Geography student at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. I have experience in climate justice advocacy and youth engagement, having worked as a Climate Action Plan Coordinator for SOS-UK for 18 months. I am passionate about amplifying young voices in environmental decision-making and am thrilled to bring this perspective to the Youth Shadow Panel.

Save the Children UK

Tasnuva, 16 (she/her)

Hello! My name is Tasnuva. I love spending time with my friends and family, and finding new kdramas to watch! I’ve had previous experience as a school councillor and being part of my school board, as well as currently my work as a youth advisor with Save the Children, and using my voice to influence and work with Save the Children to make change for the better. A quote that always sticks with me is “dare to dream, for a brighter future” and it reminds me that we can come together and make a real difference. By joining this board,  I want to ensure that our voices as young people are central to shaping education, so that we can make our dreams come true of a future that is inspirational, innovative and inclusive to all.

NYA

Yusuf, 16 (he/him)

My name is Yusuf, I currently serve as the Youth MP for Redbridge and am deeply passionate about youth advocacy, education reform, and creating equal opportunities for all. I have gained significant experience in leadership roles, including as an active member of the Pan London Children in Care Council and the Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee, where I work to ensure that the voices of care-experienced young people are heard and that their education and welfare needs are met.

I have also led various initiatives, such as the 'Watch Your Language' campaign, which addressed behaviour change in schools, and social action projects that promote inclusivity and cultural awareness. Through my work with organisations like UNICEF, Capstone Foster Care, the Met Police, and the Fabian Society, I have contributed to important policy discussions on youth mental health, education, and social mobility. I am also proud to have been involved with the World Class Schools Quality Mark, where I collaborated on strategies to enhance educational outcomes for school students. Additionally, I have contributed to Social Engine UK, helping to promote social mobility initiatives and bridge the gap between disadvantaged young people and academic attainment.

I am eager to contribute to shaping a curriculum that prepares young people for the future, fosters critical thinking, and promotes equity for all. I look forward to collaborating with the panel to drive positive changes in education.