Pupils from St Louise’s Comprehensive College, St Mary’s Christian Brothers School, Larne High, Antrim Grammar, North Coast Integrated College, Ballymoney High, Newbridge Integrated College and Boys Model attended an event at St. Comgall’s in Belfast.

The students completed the OCN Level 2 in Peer Mentoring Practice, a qualification that provides skills to support peers, resolve conflicts and influence school culture and ethos.

During the event, participants joined activities and workshops. Staff from the Education Authority's Restorative Practice team gave talks on the programme's impact and expansion in Northern Ireland.

Roisin Doran, Assistant Head of Education Welfare Service responsible for Restorative Practice implementation, stated that the pupils act as agents of change by applying restorative values daily in schools.

Doran added that young people connect better with peers and research indicates most prefer turning to friends for problems, which prompted the qualification to promote restorative practice.

Year 12 pupil Anna, who earned the qualification, noted increased confidence in handling school conflicts and restoring relationships using course skills.

Anna said she applies the skills beyond school and that peers feel comfortable discussing issues with someone their age.