Ripon student seeks seat

Youngs matter voice”: Ripon student seeks seat in UK Youth Parliament

A student from Ripon is hoping to become one of the youngest political voices representing North Yorkshire after launching a campaign for the UK Youth Parliament.

Sarah Jayan, 16, who attends Ripon Grammar School, is standing as a candidate for the West area of North Yorkshire and says she wants to give young people a stronger voice on issues affecting everyday life.

The teenager is focusing her campaign on improving school transport, creating more youth-friendly community spaces and helping students better understand post-16 education and career opportunities.

Sarah said she was inspired to stand after seeing young people speak out on issues important to them.It was inspiring to see how people our age stood up for themselves, united in the same belief, and made me realise the significant lack of youth voices in this country,” she said.

If elected, Sarah would join more than 300 members aged between 11 and 19 in the UK Youth Parliament, helping represent the views of young people nationally and locally.

Focus on school transport and youth safety

One of Sarah’s key campaign priorities is improving school travel across North Yorkshire, particularly around busy routes used by students in Ripon.

She says many pupils have raised concerns about overcrowded commutes involving several nearby primary and secondary schools.Implementing systems like buddy walking makes it feel less intimidating and will also put parents’ minds at ease,” she said.Fair costs, dependable schedules, and practical connections are essential for independence and opportunity.”

Sarah also wants to see more investment in safe and welcoming social spaces for teenagers across communities in Ripon and North Yorkshire.Communities flourish when young people have places to meet, create, and feel valued,” she said.Positive spaces build confidence, friendships, and resilience.”

Supporting careers and post-16 opportunities

A major part of Sarah’s campaign also centres on improving careers advice, apprenticeships and educational guidance for young people approaching life after school.Every young person should understand their next steps, not fear them,” she said.Clear guidance, real exposure to careers, apprenticeships, and educational pathways help us make informed choices.”

Voting for the UK Youth Parliament elections is expected to begin in mid-January and continue until the end of February.