What happens when children from different parts of London come together to share stories, explore their communities and learn from one another?

Our London: Connecting Beyond Boroughs is an exciting school linking programme that brings primary school pupils together across borough boundaries, helping them build meaningful relationships, challenge stereotypes and discover what connects them as young Londoners. The programme supports children to explore identity, belonging, community and place through creative learning, shared experiences and reciprocal visits.

Delivered over the course of an academic year, the programme will connect two primary schools in Tower Hamlets with two partner schools from another London borough, creating opportunities for children to develop friendships and understanding beyond their immediate communities.

Why does this programme matter?

London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, yet many children have limited opportunities to meet and build relationships with peers from different backgrounds, neighbourhoods and life experiences. Schools have a vital role to play in creating opportunities for meaningful connection, fostering empathy and helping young people develop the confidence to engage positively with difference.

Drawing on best practice from school linking programmes, Our London creates a safe and structured environment where children can explore similarities and differences, learn about one another’s communities and develop a stronger sense of belonging to the wider city.

What will pupils do?

Through a series of engaging activities, pupils will work alongside their partner school throughout the year, building relationships over time rather than through one-off encounters.

Participating classes will:

• Take part in four facilitated workshops exploring identity, belonging, community and place.
• Meet their partner class through an online exchange session.
• Visit each other’s local areas through two reciprocal exchange visits.
• Explore local green spaces, heritage sites and cultural landmarks.
• Participate in collaborative arts, storytelling and creative activities.
• Create shared projects that celebrate their experiences and learning.
• Join a final celebration event with all participating schools.

What will children gain?

By participating in Our London, pupils will:

• Build positive relationships with children from different backgrounds and communities.
• Increase their understanding of different cultures, communities and lived experiences.
• Develop empathy, curiosity and respect.
• Challenge assumptions and stereotypes through meaningful interaction.
• Grow in confidence when meeting and working with new people.
• Strengthen their sense of belonging within their local community and across London.

Benefits for schools

Schools taking part will:

• Build lasting partnerships with schools in other London boroughs.
• Strengthen work around identity, diversity, belonging and community cohesion.
• Access facilitated workshops, resources and support throughout the programme.
• Gain practical approaches that can be embedded beyond the life of the project.
• Provide pupils with memorable learning experiences that support personal development and citizenship education.