On Track For Success:
Kent & East Sussex Railway Celebrates First Youth
Programme Graduates
An innovative new youth programme, launched by the award-winning Kent & East Sussex Railway, celebrated its first graduates with a ceremony at Tenterden Town Station on Sunday 23 August 2026.
Eight young people, aged 13-15, received certificates recognising their achievements and warm congratulations from the Mayor of Tenterden, Cllr Jane Mills, who was guest of honour at the event.
The graduates celebrated their success with the Mayor of Tenterden (far left) and programme co-ordinator Tori Jones (second from left)
Over the past year, the group has taken part in this new initiative – the Heritage Railway Youth Programme - designed to introduce them to every aspect of how a heritage railway operates.
Working alongside Kent & East Sussex Railway volunteers and staff, the students have gained first-hand experience of customer service, ticket and platform operations, railway safety, and the operation and interpretation of the railway’s historic steam and diesel fleet. Just as importantly, they have learned about teamwork, responsibility, communication and the heritage skills that remain relevant in today's society.
Three of the group - Henry, William and Ben - also passed out as Assistant Travelling Ticket Inspectors (ATTIs), receiving additional certificates from volunteer Chief Travelling Ticket Inspector Murray Motley (pictured second from left).
Three of the graduates also passed out as ATTIs
Programme co-ordinator Tori Jones says that the initiative is about more than railways:
“It encourages young people to develop confidence, curiosity and a sense of belonging within their local community. It provides an insight into the many different careers and opportunities that exist not only within the heritage sector but also across transport, tourism, engineering, customer service and many other fields.
Kent & East Sussex Railway Deputy Chairman, and Director for people, Matt Hyner says:
“We hope this scheme will create aspirations that will remain with them throughout their lives. Heritage railways are about community, as much as they are about engines and infrastructure. We believe this investment in young people is essential if heritage railways are to flourish for future generations while continuing to make a positive contribution to our local communities.”
The first year has been an encouraging success for the railway, which is a registered educational charity, and the team is already planning to welcome a significantly larger cohort for 2027, with the ambition of doubling participation.