MORE than 230 students at a Bradford school are making their mark on causes they care about after signing up to a volunteering charity.

And some students have already volunteered over 50 hours of their time.

Sixth Form students at Bradford Grammar School have registered with vinspired, a UK volunteering charity for 14 to 25 year olds, which helps young people give something back as well as learning new skills like teamwork and problem solving.

Julia Cumberland, 17, from Ilkley, said: “It’s about doing something good and meeting like-minded people who also want to make a difference. Whatever you are into, wherever you are, however much time you can commit, volunteering with vinspired can change your world.”

Head Simon Hinchliffe said: “Research shows that social action can increase resilience and confidence, not to mention employability. The younger people start to volunteer to support good causes, the more likely civic engagement will become a habit for life.”

Andy Crabtree, teacher and vinspired overseer, said: “So many young people are already more engaged, more informed and ready to take action than any generation before them.

"Other students have arranged their own volunteering and many students volunteer within school as Sixth Form mentors, homework club helpers, volunteer coaches or classroom assistants. So far, they have committed more than 1,500 hours of volunteering in five months.”

Pupils are working with several organisations to provide volunteering opportunities, including Age UK, Barnados, Heaton Primary School, Frizinghall Primary School, One in a Million, Shipley Glen Tramway, Aireborough Supported Activity Scheme and Chellow Heights Stay and Play.

Students are rewarded for their hours of commitment with many having already achieved the V5, V10 and V30 award. Three students have gone beyond with more than 50 hours of volunteering since September and have received their V50 award.