A record 1,030 Year 6 pupils are taking part in interactive railway safety sessions as part of Leeds Station Safety Week.
Author: Hannah Shakespeare | Date: 19th June 2026
The flagship safety initiative – now in its 10th year – got under way at the station on Monday 15th June and runs to Friday 19th June during Rail Safety Week (15-21 June).
Numbers are significantly higher than last year, when 888 children took part–and the event now welcomes schools from Barnsley, Selby and Harrogate as well as those based in West Yorkshire.
The programme aims to tackle risky behaviour and improve awareness of the dangers of trespassing, distraction and misuse of the railway by giving young people the knowledge and confidence to make safe decisions.
Chloe Creffield, Network Rail community safety manager, said:
A spokesperson on behalf of train operating partners added:
“Working together to deliver Leeds Station Safety Week allows us to connect directly with young people in a meaningful way. The interactive nature of the sessions helps reinforce important safety messages that we hope students will remember and share with their friends and family.”
Inspector Richard Price, British Transport Police, said:
“Leeds Station Safety Week is always a fantastic opportunity for us to engage with children and young people, and help them understand and respect the railways. Its importance can’t be understated as every year we see the serious consequences that can result from trespass, distraction or unsafe behaviour around trains and tracks.
We help bring these important messages to life through interactive sessions, including demonstrations with our police dogs, which we hope will leave a lasting impression and empower pupils to make safe, informed choices. We look forward to working with our partners at Network Rail and other local organisations to make the day another successful event.”
“It’s great to unite with so many other organisations during Leeds Station Safety Week to help spread important safeguarding messages and ensure young people are aware of the risks that can exist on the railway. Through our interactive activity, children and young people learn how to recognise situations where someone may need help, who they can turn to for support, and how to report concerns safely.“
Leeds Station Safety Week continues to play a vital role in promoting safe behaviours, while strengthening partnerships across the rail industry and local community organisations.
More than 1,000 children learn vital skills at Leeds Station Safety Week. The flagship safety initiative – now in its 10th year – got under way at the station on Monday 15 June and runs to Friday 19 June during Rail Safety Week (15-21 June).
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