Bradford School Linking Project: Connecting Children Across Cultures

On a crisp winter morning in Bradford, the historic 19th-century city hall buzzes with laughter, chatter, and the infectious energy of children. Sixty young students fill the majestic halls, playing games, creating art, and sharing their dreams in the council chamber—the very place where important decisions about the city’s future are made.

When I grow up, I want to be a doctor,” says one of the children. Another adds enthusiastically, “I want to be a pilot and a neurosurgeon!” Beyond personal ambitions, the children even share their wishes for Bradford itself. One imaginative pupil hopes the city will someday have its very own snow leopard.

Bringing Children Together Across Cultures

These year 4 students, aged eight or nine, come from two very different primary schools in Bradford. They are participating in a year-long initiative by The Linking Network, a charity dedicated to connecting children from diverse cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Through this program, students have fun, learn together, and develop friendships that might not have formed otherwise.

Established after the Bradford civil disturbances of 2001, The Linking Network focuses on nurturing empathy and understanding among young people. While the activities may appear to be simple play or art projects, the deeper impact is profound—children learn to recognize differences, embrace diversity, and develop respect for others.

Bridging Cultural Gaps in Schools

One of the participating classes is from Horton Grange, a large primary school in west Bradford. Here, 87% of students speak English as an additional language, and almost a third qualify for free school meals. The other class is from Hill Top, a small Church of England school in the south of the city, where the majority of students are white British. Though geographically close, these children would likely never meet without the Linking Network.

Julie Ball, headteacher of Hill Top, was visibly moved by the first face-to-face meeting. “They met as strangers, yet now they’re laughing and playing together.” This experience helps children learn about different cultures and perspectives,” she said, wiping tears from her eyes.

Step-by-Step Approach to School Linking

The Linking Network carefully prepares students before they meet. Activities start in the classroom, followed by online video calls to ease anxieties. Even a lighthearted question such as, “Who here likes chicken nuggets?” can help break the ice and foster a sense of connection.

The first in-person meeting usually takes place in a neutral, culturally enriching space such as a theater, museum, or city hall. Later in the year, students visit each other’s schools, further strengthening their bonds and fostering meaningful friendships.

Nahida Nazir, the program’s primary advisory teacher, emphasizes the importance of these experiences. When I was growing up in Bradford, opportunities like these weren’t available to me. Every primary school across the country should be creating spaces for children to meet peers from different backgrounds,” she explains.

Expanding the Program Across England

The Linking Network has grown far beyond Bradford, now partnering with 26 local authorities across England, including Bristol, Buckinghamshire, Kent, and others. The charity works with secondary schools, special schools, faith-based schools, and independent schools. Co-directors Linda Cowie and Meg Henry hope to expand even further with additional funding.

“The program allows children to see beyond the boundaries of their own experiences. Sharing stories and learning together builds empathy and understanding that lasts a lifetime,” say the directors.

Real-Life Impact on Children

By the end of a typical Linking Network day, initial nervousness has vanished, and new friendships have blossomed. Children leave with memories of shared experiences, mutual dreams, and laughter-filled games. Kathryn Swales, headteacher of Girlington Primary School—the school that began the program in 2001—notes, “Every year, children talk about their linking experiences as some of their most memorable moments in primary school. That’s the real success of this initiative.”

The Linking Network proves that when children from diverse backgrounds meet, play, and learn together, they gain lifelong friendships, a better understanding of others, and a broader perspective on the world.