Back to school banner with various school-related icons such as a backpack, books, a clock, a globe, a ruler, a paint palette, a light bulb, a bus, and stationery items on a dark blue background. The banner features the text 'GROUND ZERO Schools Work' and 'Back to School.'

Ground Zero

Ground Zero is a school-based outreach programme designed to engage young people where they already are - in the heart of the school day.

Born from over a decade of experience working in schools across the South West, Ground Zero exists to bring meaningful, engaging sessions that support students’ wellbeing, character development, and understanding of life’s big questions.

Why Ground Zero Exists

Many young people face pressure around identity, relationships, self-worth, and belonging - often without space to talk openly or reflect.

Ground Zero exists to meet students at that point, breaking down barriers by going directly into schools and creating sessions that are relevant, engaging, and accessible to all.

Collage of school activities, including children listening to a teacher in classrooms, a presentation in a library, a performance on a stage, and a large audience at a school event, with school supplies and decorations.

What Happens Through Ground Zero

Ground Zero delivers high-quality, interactive sessions designed to support schools and students alike.

These include:

  • School assemblies

  • Workshops and lessons

  • Curriculum-linked sessions

  • Creative presentations using music, drama, and discussion

Our Approach

Ground Zero aims to engage every student, regardless of background or experience. Sessions are delivered in a professional, school-appropriate way, creating a safe and supportive environment where young people feel valued and heard.

Christian faith is shared respectfully and accessibly, offering students the opportunity to explore themes of hope, purpose, and meaning without pressure or expectation. Each session encourages young people to reflect on who they are, why they matter, and how their choices shape their lives.

Where appropriate, Ground Zero also provides pathways into further support through Oriel Ministries projects such as the Pulse Bus and The Loft, offering continuity beyond the classroom.

Group of children in school uniforms and an adult woman excited and cheering in front of a bus.

For more information or to enquire about bookings, please click the link.

ENQUIRE/BOOK
GROUND ZERO SCHOOL FEEDBACK FORM
Large group of students in black uniforms seated on the floor of a gymnasium, attending a presentation or assembly with two speakers on stage and multimedia screens behind them.
A classroom with young students sitting on the floor, facing a teacher standing at the front near a digital screen displaying love hearts and the word "Love." The students are wearing red and white uniforms.
A group of young schoolchildren sitting on the ground in a circle, drinking from cups, with an adult woman talking to them at an outdoor schoolyard with a playground, tires, and parked cars in the background.
A woman in black pants and orange shoes giving a presentation to a group of children sitting on the gym floor, with banners and screens behind her in a gymnasium.

What People Are Saying

“I have known about the work of Oriel Ministries for the last 10 years and the amazing work they do in schools using music as a platform to talk about real life issues that young people are struggling with today. I had the privilege of joining Nikki and her team in a local school and I was so impressed by the presentation to the children of this life changing message and how it impacted them in such a positive way. From my 10 years experience in Policing there is a huge concern amongst young people, the work of Oriel address' this concern at the core level.It is so important that young people have good role models and I can’t endorse enough the work of Oriel Ministries and the work of GROUND ZERO led by Nikki Uglow.”

— PC Chris Krolik - Devon and Cornwall Police

“Ofsted inspector commended the pace and the variety of the activities which encouraged great pupil involvement and engagement.”

— OFSTED

“Significant contribution to: 1) Community cohesion 2) RE/Morality & Ethics 3) SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, social, Cultural) and a very positive contribution to our recent Ofsted. Very enjoyable. Music is a great medium through which to convey a message. Appreciate energy, passion, openness and honesty. A very dedicated, professional team who clearly understand young people but also how to engage positively with differing perspective on the importance of religion.” 

— Jon Lawrence – Head Teacher – Sir James Smith School