�ԹϺ��� hosted its annual Dance Showcase on Tuesday 24 March at CAST, Doncaster, bringing together over 200 students from 15 academies for an unforgettable evening of creativity, collaboration and outstanding performance.

This year’s showcase, themed “ONE – One Rhythm. One Movement. One Beat.”, captured the spirit of togetherness at the heart of dance across the family of schools. Bringing together both primary and secondary students, the event showcased not only exceptional performance quality but also the strong sense of connection and shared purpose that unites �ԹϺ��� schools.

The evening featured a vibrant range of performances, each demonstrating the talent, commitment and creativity of our young people. From powerful choreography to polished technical execution, the standard throughout was exceptional and reflected the continued growth of dance across �ԹϺ��� schools.

Just as striking as the performances themselves was the atmosphere throughout the event. Students championed one another with warmth and encouragement, while staff across the Trust worked together to create a truly memorable experience. It was a powerful reflection of the collaborative spirit that continues to shape dance across the family of schools.

Erin Braithwaite, trust strategic lead for arts enrichment & engagement, said:

“It was breathtaking to see so many students performing with such passion and commitment. Their confidence and technical skill were incredible. I loved seeing the way they supported each other through the rehearsals during the day and all pulled together to create a stunning show. I am very proud to see the way dance is growing within our Trust, especially when so many other schools have now stopped offering the subject.”

Jessica Chambers, EYFS teacher at �ԹϺ��� Primary Woodlands, added:

“The talent of the secondary students was truly inspiring, and our children haven’t stopped talking about it. They’re already saying they want to dance like that one day! For some of our children, it was their very first time stepping into a theatre, let alone being on a stage. We are so grateful to have been included.”

A school robotics club, the Robograngers, has won the 'Control Award' at the FIRST Tech Challenge Yorkshire regional competition. The team consisted of 10 students from �ԹϺ��� Grange Academy, ranging from Years 8 to 10.

The FIRST Tech Challenge is run by FIRST UK (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). Operating under the motto "More Than Robots", the charity's mission is to make STEM less intimidating, more diverse and inclusive, and to empower young people to make informed choices about their future. Teams work alongside mentors to design, build, programme and operate robots capable of completing a series of tasks, both autonomously and under driver control, in a spirit of cooperation and good sportsmanship.

Each season brings an entirely new game, theme, and set of engineering challenges, which means teams must rethink and rebuild their approach from scratch every year. This year's challenge, 'DECODE', was inspired by archaeology, with robots having to collect and arrange artefacts on a game field to score points. Each match saw teams pairing up, joining forces in an "alliance" to compete against another pair.

The 'Control Award' recognises the team that demonstrates the most innovative and effective use of sensors and software to enhance their robot's performance and reliability. Winning the award reflects not just skill in building the robot, but in crafting the software that brings it to life.

Robograngers' project manager, Nathan S, said:

"It was a great experience to develop our STEM and communication skills. We learnt about our limits and were able to experience a true chance to learn."

David W added:

"We each found our place in the team."

The team meet weekly at an after-school club mentored by Leah Tomlinson, computer science teacher at �ԹϺ��� Grange Academy, and Tom Crouch, assistant director of digital services at �ԹϺ���.

Tom said:

"I'm delighted for the whole team. This year, they achieved their strongest result yet, and it showed in everything they did. The Control Award reflects what we saw throughout the day: a robot that performed reliably when it mattered, and a team that articulated their design to the judges brilliantly."

Work is now officially underway on the brand-new �ԹϺ��� Academy Kirkby school building. The groundbreaking ceremony, which took place on Monday, March 23, signals a new chapter for the school community, as the academy begins its transition from 1970s-era structures to a world-class educational facility.

The project is fully funded by the Department for Education (DfE) as part of the national School Rebuilding Programme (SRP), which invests in schools that require comprehensive renewal. The ceremony follows the granting of full planning permission by Ashfield District Council, giving the "green light" to replace the existing estate with a modern, energy-efficient structure.

Since joining the �ԹϺ��� Family of Schools in September 2022, �ԹϺ��� Academy Kirkby has seen rapid improvements, achieving an Ofsted ‘Good’ rating in May 2025 and being recognised in the top 1% nationally for school transformation. 

The new building is designed to reflect this academic excellence with facilities that include:

• Purpose-built classrooms for science, drama, and technology.

• Enhanced external facilities, including a brand-new all-weather pitch and multi-use games courts.

• Spacious social areas for recreation.

The ceremony was attended by representatives from �ԹϺ���, the DfE, and contractor Willmott Dixon.

Andy Scruby, lead principal at �ԹϺ��� Academy Kirkby, said:

“This is a historic milestone for �ԹϺ��� Academy Kirkby. Following our recent Ofsted rating and national recognition for transformation, this new building is a pivotal piece of the puzzle. It ensures our students and our wider community will have access to the very best facilities to support their learning, creativity, and physical well-being.”

Nick Heath, director at Willmott Dixon, added:

“Willmott Dixon has a strong track record of delivering sustainable schools across the country, including the UK's first Passivhaus Plus school for the London Borough of Sutton. Our extensive experience in the education sector makes us the ideal partner for this transformational project.

“Aligning the new �ԹϺ��� Academy Kirkby with the DfE's latest output specification means the building is fit for the future. Much of the social value we deliver throughout the construction phase will be focused on helping prepare local students for their own future careers. We've had great successes creating sustainable schools in recent years, and it's a privilege to continue doing so with �ԹϺ���.”

To ensure education continues without disruption, construction will follow a phased approach. A temporary teaching block will be utilised alongside existing sports facilities until the new main building is ready for use in the 2028/29 academic year. Once the new school is complete, the old buildings will be safely demolished to make way for the final external sports areas.

A spokesperson for the DfE said:

“The School Rebuilding Programme is delighted to support the future of the children of Kirkby-in-Ashfield, and the ambition of �ԹϺ��� Academy Kirkby, with this significant investment. We have a challenging road ahead, but with the support of our capable partners in Willmott Dixon and �ԹϺ���, we’re confident in delivering the right teaching environment to support the step-change in results that Mr Scruby and his team have laid down the foundations for.”

The DfE will invest almost £20 billion into the SRP through to 2034-35, ensuring children have safe, high-quality environments that meet the needs of the future.

�ԹϺ��� Primary Academy Woodlands has been officially named as a Lead School for the Department for Education’s (DfE) new Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) Reception Networks programme.

The initiative is a key pillar of the government’s landmark schools white paper, 'Every Child Achieving and Thriving', which aims for 75% of children to reach a "Good Level of Development" (GLD) by 2028. �ԹϺ��� Primary Academy Woodlands was appointed based on its history of strong and sustained reception outcomes.

As one of only five lead schools in the Yorkshire and the Humber region, the academy will spearhead a local network designed to drive excellence in early years education. The programme focuses on ensuring children transition into Key Stage 1 with the solid foundations necessary for long-term academic and personal success.

In its new role, the school will support schools across the region by:

• Leading discussions on high-impact teaching, learning, and leadership specifically for the Reception year.

• Opening its doors to allow peers to observe evidence-informed, high-quality practice in action.

• Providing access to proven resources, tools, and pedagogical approaches to strengthen early years provision.

• Holding regular online meetings to ensure collaboration remains flexible and accessible to all local educators.

The Reception Networks programme is designed to complement existing support structures, such as English and Maths hubs and local authority "Best Start in Life" strategies. It serves as a dedicated resource for schools to access reception-specific expertise.

Donna Burnett, Principal and �ԹϺ��� Primary Academy Woodlands, said:

“Reception is a critical milestone in development. This collaborative approach guarantees that all children benefit from expert early years support, driving the national ambition for every student to enter the classroom ready to succeed.”

Every primary school in the region is invited to engage with the network, whether to strengthen existing practice, build leadership confidence, or connect with colleagues facing similar challenges.

Schools interested in collaborating with �ԹϺ��� Primary Academy Woodlands can find more information using the button below or contact the programme directly at reception.beststartinlife@education.gov.uk.

To celebrate World Book Day, �ԹϺ��� Primary Academy Newstead Green delivered an ambitious range of community outreach activities and intergenerational storytelling that benefited the local community, from toddlers at local family hubs to retirees at parish coffee mornings.

Pupils spent the day demonstrating that reading is the ultimate tool for community cohesion, delivering a series of "reading roadshows" in which students shared the magic of books with different age groups across the village.

Year 1 students visited the Havercroft and Ryhill Community Learning Centre and participated in a moving session focused on "growing older." Volunteers read poetry to the children and shared inspiring stories about their working lives and the joys of retirement.

Year 3 and Year 6 pupils visited Ryhill Church and Victoria House, reading to elderly residents during their morning coffee hour. Meanwhile, Year 4 students prepared special poetry recitals for the Solid Rock Church luncheon club.

Some students took on mentorship roles; Year 2 visiting Kids World, Year 5 visiting Rhyill Primary School’s Foundation Stage to read their favourite stories and Year 6 visiting the Havercroft Family Hub. The hub was so impressed by the Year 6 students' engagement with the toddlers that the school has been invited to continue this partnership on a monthly basis.

To ensure the spirit of World Book Day lasts all year, the school officially unveiled the Newstead Book Shed. This mini-library, located in front of the school, serves as a "swap and shop" hub where community members can donate pre-loved books or borrow something new, promoting a local culture of literacy.

Inside the school gates, the day was packed with high-energy activities, including:

• Quidditch tournaments: Mr Pickles brought the Wizarding World to life in PE, where students read extracts from Harry Potter before mounting their "brooms" for a full-scale Quidditch competition.

• Stop, drop, and read: At various points throughout the day, a school-wide bell signalled an immediate pause in all activities. Whether in the middle of maths or lunchtime, everyone, staff and students alike, stopped to enjoy ten minutes of their favourite book.

• The Great Teacher Swap: In a fun twist, teachers swapped classrooms for the afternoon, giving pupils the chance to hear stories read by different faces from across the school.

• The costume parade: The day began with a whole-school assembly, where every class took to the "runway" to showcase their World Book Day costumes in a vibrant parade.

Lindsey Corbett, Principal at �ԹϺ��� Primary Academy Newstead Green, said: “World Book Day wasn't just about dressing up as characters, it was about showing our children that they are part of a wider community. Reading together is the thread that connects us all, regardless of age.”

A brand-new, industry-standard T-Level Health suite has been completed at �ԹϺ��� Academy Newbold. The state-of-the-art facility is a significant investment in the future of healthcare education for students in Chesterfield, providing them with access to clinical-grade equipment and real-world simulation environments.

The creation of the suite was made possible through Specialist Equipment Allocation (SEA) funding from the Department for Education (DfE), alongside capital funding from �ԹϺ��� (OGAT) to refurbish the space to professional standards.

The new facility is designed to support the T-Level Health: Allied Health Professional occupational specialism, which launched at the academy in September 2025. By mimicking a modern hospital ward, the suite ensures that students are "industry-ready" before they even begin their clinical placements.

To provide the most authentic learning experience possible, the academy has partnered with Simulaids, a leading provider of medical simulation technology. The suite features:

• Two fully equipped hospital beds with surrounding clinical furniture.

• Two life-like medical manikins for hands-on patient care practice.

• A semi-functioning headwall and simulated patient monitors to track vital signs.

• Specialist mobility equipment, including a hoist and wheelchairs.

• Dedicated handwashing facilities and a simulated toilet area.

A key component of the T-Level route is its strong links to industry. �ԹϺ��� Academy Newbold works in partnership with Chesterfield Royal Hospital, ensuring that the curriculum being delivered and the new facilities align perfectly with the needs of the local healthcare workforce.

While specifically designed for T-Level students, the suite will also benefit the wider school community, inspiring students aged 11-18 to explore rewarding careers in the NHS and the broader health sector.

Aalok Kanwar, Trust Strategic Lead for Secondary Sciences Curriculum, Provision & Outcomes at OGAT, said:

“Our vision is to provide world-class facilities that empower students to transition seamlessly into local employment and drive positive change within their communities. This commitment is at the heart of the recent refurbishments at �ԹϺ��� Academy Newbold. Students and staff are already thriving in the new learning environment, and we look forward to welcoming our second T-Level in Health cohort from across the region this September.”

For more information about the T Level Health and our Post-16 offer at �ԹϺ��� Academy Newbold, please use the button below.

Students from �ԹϺ��� Academy City Fields have debuted their original performance, 'Home', following a six-week after-school theatre project that has enabled them to explore identity and belonging. 

The project, open to students aged 11-16, provided a creative space to explore complex themes of migration, identity, and what it truly means to belong. Under the guidance of arts practitioner Hannah Megan Butterfield, the students participated in a series of six intensive workshops designed to build confidence and teach the fundamentals of theatre-making.

Students didn’t just look inward; they reached out to the wider community, conducting interviews with local residents. These recorded stories were woven into the final performance, resulting in a piece that was a true reflection of Wakefield’s diverse voices and deeply connected to the local area.

The programme culminated with the students sharing the work on the professional stage at Theatre Royal Wakefield. For many of the students, performing in such a prestigious, historic venue was a sense of achievement, boosted their confidence, and created a space for meaningful dialogue with the audience.

Erin Braithwaite, Trust Strategic Lead for Arts Enrichment & Engagement at �ԹϺ���, said:

“It was brilliant to see the students take to the stage and express themselves through theatre that incorporated their own stories. The blend of voices and languages made the piece very emotive, and you could see that the audience was moved. 

“During the discussion afterwards, one young person from a local primary school said how much he liked hearing his first language spoken on stage. The production felt like a celebration of the diversity we find within Wakefield.” 

A spokesperson for Theatre Royal Wakefield added:

“We are proud to be a Theatre of Sanctuary and a place of safety, welcome, and creativity for refugees and people seeking asylum in Wakefield, as well as other groups within the local community.” 

The project provided young people with a platform to share their migration and identity stories and experiences of professional stage performance, and bridged the gap between generations and backgrounds through community storytelling.

Supported by a culture grant from Wakefield Council and championed by the �ԹϺ���, the 'Home' project reflects a core belief in the power of the arts to build resilient, empathetic young citizens.

Following the success of the initial performances, the creative team is now looking to take the project on tour to local community venues, ensuring these vital stories reach an even wider audience.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, which constitutes the basis of how Muslims live their lives. The other pillars are faith, prayer, charity and pilgrimage. Fasting is an important practice as it allows Muslims to devote themselves to their faith. During Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink between dawn and sunset; instead, they eat a meal just before dawn, the suhoor, and break their fast with a meal after sunset, known as the iftar.

The event, organised by Julekha Motara, Assistant Principal at the school, and facilitated by staff and students, included talks from Qari Asim MBE and Mohammed Banji from the Read Foundation, a charity for which the event raised almost £600. A student then recited the call to prayer, followed by prayers led by Post-16 students. Dinner was then served to guests by the school’s senior leadership team.

Toby Rutter, Principal at �ԹϺ��� Grange Academy, said:

“These events are really important for us, because it's not just about achieving fantastic grades for our children, it's also about developing a sense of community, so they can develop their character and other qualities that mean they can play a pivotal role in society in their futures.” 

Julekha Motara added:

“It was more than just an event; it was a celebration of the diversity and inclusivity that make our school community so special. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to making the evening so memorable. Their support, kindness and participation truly made it a night to remember.”

Thirteen students from �ԹϺ��� Academy Hindley have graduated from The Scholars Programme, a transformative initiative by The Brilliant Club. This achievement marks a significant step in their academic journey, opening doors to competitive universities and beyond. This is the fourth cohort from the school to complete the programme.

The Scholars Programme is designed to bridge the opportunity gap sometimes faced by students who may not feel that university is for them. The Brilliant Club directly addresses this challenge by working with less advantaged students to access the most competitive universities and to succeed when they get there. Through the programme, PhD tutors share their expertise and passion for learning with small groups of high-potential students aged 8-18. This intensive experience, consisting of seven tutorials and a rigorous university-level final assignment, equips students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to excel.

The success of the Scholars Programme goes beyond individual achievements. Research using data from the Higher Education Access Tracker (HEAT) demonstrates a positive impact on GCSE attainment, further solidifying its role in fostering academic success.

The graduation ceremony at the University of Manchester, where the students received their certificates, was a celebration of their hard work and the transformative power of The Brilliant Club. 

Michael Coleman, Vice Principal at the �ԹϺ��� Academy Hindley, said:

“Our students dedicated their time to the programme as they attended seven weekly seminars, participating in constructive debates and developing their critical thinking; and they all wrote a 2,000-word essay. Their efforts and contributions were a pleasure to see. I am sure more students will now consider university as a future pathway.”

For more information about the Brilliant Club, please visit thebrilliantclub.org/

A donation of 90 pairs of high-quality safety goggles has been delivered to �ԹϺ��� Academy Danum by Arco Doncaster, a leading local provider of personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety footwear, gloves, and essential workplace gear.

The significant PPE donation is already being put to use across multiple departments within the academy, including Design & Technology, Engineering, Art, and Science. The equipment ensures that students can engage in practical, hands-on learning with the highest standards of eye protection.

The impact of the donation is particularly evident in the Engineering department. Year 12 T-Level Engineering students have already begun using the goggles while operating industrial machinery, such as milling machines and lathes, in the academy’s specialist workshop. This equipment allows students to mirror the safety protocols found in professional engineering environments.

Aidy Hall, Engineering Lead at �ԹϺ��� Academy Danum, said:

"We would like to say a huge thank you to Arco for their generous donation. We really value our links with organisations in the local area and are always looking to work with local companies, especially within the engineering field, as part of the T-Level Engineering qualification. Providing our students with industry-standard equipment is vital for their development and safety."

�ԹϺ��� Academy Danum remains committed to forging strong partnerships with Doncaster-based businesses. These collaborations are essential in bridging the gap between education and industry, providing students with the resources and insights needed to succeed in their future careers. The school already has several partnerships with local businesses, helping pupils gain work experience, and hope to develop this further when it begins delivering its newest T Level offerings in Education and Early Years.

Companies interested in partnering with the academy’s T-Level programmes or other vocational subjects are encouraged to get in touch.

Students from �ԹϺ��� Grange Academy in Wakefield are celebrating after being named the National Winners of the �ԹϺ��� 'Out There' programme, after dedicating more than 200 hours to their communities last summer.

The winning team, ‘Helping Hands,’ was in the running for the title of National Winner after securing a 'Gold' award at the recent 'Out There' awards ceremony in Headingley, where they were recognised for their community action. Aisha Jobe, Ruby Hartley, and Sophie Wilson, all in Year 8 at �ԹϺ��� Grange Academy, were told of their win at the top of the O2 arena on Friday, 13 February. 

The �ԹϺ��� 'Out There' initiative celebrates student changemakers across the �ԹϺ��� Family of Schools who develop community projects to improve the lives of others in their local areas. Each team can have up to four students, and there are six categories, each designed to address specific societal needs:

• Build Relationships: Awarded to those who fostered new connections across diverse backgrounds and ages.

• Sustainability Superstars: Recognising projects focused on environmental improvements and sustainable living.

• Boost Community Wellbeing: Celebrating 'wellbeing warriors' who promoted physical and mental health.

• Build an Inclusive Community: Honouring 'inclusion innovators' who broke down barriers to ensure everyone feels valued.

• Make Your Community Safer: Awarded to 'community superheroes' who enhanced local security and safety awareness.

• Innovate: Recognising creative thinkers who developed novel, tangible solutions to local challenges.

Scooping the ‘Gold’ in the ‘Make your community safer’ category, Helping Hands stood out for its proactive and multifaceted approach to social responsibility.

In response to an increase in homelessness across Wakefield, the Helping Hands team launched a targeted fundraising campaign to provide critical financial assistance to Wakefield Street Kitchen. Beyond fundraising, the students took a hands-on approach by supporting the distribution of essential food parcels to the city’s most vulnerable residents.

The judges were particularly impressed by the breadth of the team’s civic service, their project log books and presentation to the panel. 

In addition to their work with the homeless, the students:

• Organised local litter picks to improve the physical safety and cleanliness of the environment.

• Coached young gymnasts, providing a safe and supportive space for youth physical development.

• Promoted community well-being through direct local engagement

Julie Slater, chief executive principal at �ԹϺ��� (OGAT), said:

“Aisha, Ruby and Sophie have demonstrated a maturity beyond their years. The judges were impressed by the extent of their volunteering and their dedication to enhancing the lives of others throughout the summer holidays. 

“They meticulously planned their volunteering and capitalised on every opportunity afforded to them. They have committed to continuing their volunteering because they have recognised the positive impact, not only on others, but on themselves; it has improved their own wellbeing. They were adamant that this work brought them so much pleasure and happiness. The girls should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved; we certainly are.” 

The �ԹϺ��� Out There Awards ceremony at Headingley Stadium in January brought together student leaders from across the �ԹϺ��� Family of Schools, showcasing the power of youth-led social action. The Helping Hands team from �ԹϺ��� Grange Academy serves as a shining example of how students can lead the charge in creating a more secure and compassionate environment for everyone.

The programme was supported by sponsors YPO, Leeds Rhinos, She Can Prosper, Connect Yorkshire, Banana Moon Clothing and Awaken Education.

If you are interested in sponsoring the ‘Out There’ programme for 2026, or you have a community project which you’d like students to help with, please visit outthere.outwood.com

For more information about the �ԹϺ��� Out There initiative and to see the full list of winners, visit our Out There webpage.

�ԹϺ��� Academy Ormesby has welcomed its most recent Ofsted report, which highlights significant improvements made at the school. The report, which follows an inspection of the school in December, praises the school for its rapid improvement and for successfully creating an inclusive environment where students feel safe and supported.

Inspectors recognised the commitment of school staff to students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged students, noting that the school “works proactively with a range of professionals to ensure pupils' needs are met”.

The school, located on Tothill Avenue, was rated as meeting the 'Expected standard' in three crucial areas: Leadership and governance, Inclusion, and Personal development and well-being. Inspectors also confirmed that safeguarding standards are met.

The report acknowledges the hard work put in by staff to implement strategies that support students with social, emotional and mental health needs, which have successfully reduced the number of suspensions and observed that improving attendance was a priority for school leaders.

Highlights of the report include:

• Leaders, including those with responsibility for governance, know the school and wider community very well.

• Targeted support in provision helps pupils to re-engage with their learning.

• School leaders make decisions that are in pupils’ best interests.

• The school has a carefully planned programme for pupils' personal development.

• The school offers pupils high-quality pastoral care. This is tailored to meet pupils’ individual needs.

• The 'welcome hub' provides the school with the chance to check pupils' well-being at the start of every day.

• The school provides pupils with cultural experiences.

Pupils actively support their local community through the school's '�ԹϺ��� Out There' programme. This gives pupils the opportunity to visit care homes, litter pick, support local emergency services and marshal local park runs.

James Bridge, principal at �ԹϺ��� Academy Ormesby, said:

“This report is a result of the incredible hard work, dedication, and resilience of our students, staff, and the entire school community.

“We are immensely proud that Ofsted has recognised our rapid journey of improvement and the strong, inclusive culture we have built. Our focus has always been on reducing barriers and improving life chances for every child, and it is wonderful to see our efforts in leadership, inclusion, and personal development validated. We know there is more to do, but this judgment gives us a fantastic foundation to continue our work in helping our students achieve their full potential.”

�ԹϺ��� Primary Academy Bell Lane in Pontefract has been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom.

The award celebrates the achievements of schools that do exceptional work in global education. Bringing an international dimension into the curriculum is at the heart of the British Council’s work with schools, so that young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need for life and work in today’s world.

The 2026 award ceremony took place in Westminster on Monday, 2 February and was attended by Members of Parliament and representatives from schools around the UK.

�ԹϺ��� Primary Academy Bell Lane is the designated Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Centre of Excellence for the �ԹϺ��� family of schools, meaning the school undertakes international activities above the normal curriculum and also supports other schools within the Trust with their MFL teaching and curriculum offer.

The school also has three international partner schools, based in France, Germany and Norway, which allows students to engage via letters, videos and video calls. More locally, a Pen Friend programme set up with children at �ԹϺ��� Primary Academy Green Hill in Eastmoor means children can exchange letters in a variety of community languages, including Arabic, Mandarin and Yoruba.

Reflecting on the awards ceremony, Claire Groves, a teacher at the school, said:

“We are delighted to receive the British Council International School Award. This accolade belongs to our entire community: teachers, students, and parents who have embraced the importance of bringing the world into our classrooms. We look forward to continuing to champion international education both within our academy and across the �ԹϺ��� family of schools.”

Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, added:

“The school has earned this prestigious award through its inspirational international work and links with schools abroad.

“The International School Award is a chance for schools to be recognised for their important work bringing the world into their classrooms. The desire to build on their international work shines through and it is with utmost pride that we celebrate their achievements. 

“By embedding an international dimension in children’s education, these schools are preparing their students for successful lives in the UK or further afield, empowering them to be global citizens, and are creating vital opportunities in an increasingly global economy.”

Over 6,000 International School Awards have been presented to successful schools in the UK since the scheme began in 1999.

The International School Award encourages and supports schools to develop:

• An international ethos embedded throughout the school

• A whole school approach to international work

• Collaborative curriculum-based work with several partner schools

• Year-round international activity

• Involvement of the wider community

The goal was to think outside the box and use innovation and imagination to develop novel solutions to local challenges. As changemakers, showcasing what young innovators can achieve by making a positive impact through creativity, projects resulted in a tangible innovation that addressed a specific community.

The goal was to develop projects that enhanced security, identified potential hazards and empowered residents to make safe choices both online and offline. Projects focused on sharing vital safety information and teaching practical skills to the community through becoming safety champions, helping create a more secure environment for everyone in the community.

The goal was to develop projects that broke down barriers, celebrated differences and fostered a strong sense of belonging for all residents, regardless of background or circumstance. Through improved accessibility, community support and kindness, inclusion innovators are helping to build a community where everyone thrives.

The goal was to develop projects that encourage healthy lifestyles, promote emotional wellbeing and ensure everyone had access to the resources they need to get moving, eat well and support each other's mental health. Becoming wellbeing warriors helps create a healthier, happier place for everyone.

The goal was to develop projects that focused on environmental improvements and promoting sustainable living, aiming to reduce waste, conserve resources and educate others on environmental issues, becoming champions for the environment and leaders in creating a more sustainable future.

The goal was to develop projects that fostered new connections and strengthened the local fabric. Projects that connected diverse individuals - across ages and backgrounds - to share stories, exchange skills, and build friendships, helping to create a more welcoming and connected place for everyone.

On Friday, 23rd January 2026, the AMT Headingley Stadium was transformed into a hub of inspiration as hundreds of young people from across the �ԹϺ��� family of schools gathered for the inaugural �ԹϺ��� ‘Out There’ Awards. Hosted by broadcaster Tanya Arnold, the event celebrated the success of a massive student-led movement that saw over 100 community action projects delivered last summer.

Launched in April 2025 in response to student feedback, the ‘Out There’ initiative was created to showcase that young people are a powerful force for good. Students from Years 6 to 13 spent their summer holidays delivering a wide range of community projects, including revitalising green spaces, volunteering at food banks, and hosting intergenerational events in care homes.

The programme’s success was recently recognised on a wider stage, winning the Community Impact Award at the Connect Yorkshire Business Awards for its work in strengthening local bonds.

Lee Wilson, CEO of �ԹϺ��� (OGAT), said:

“The success of the 'Out There' projects has been a source of great pride for us. We watched our students step up to demonstrate leadership, confidence, and resilience, all while making a genuine contribution to their local areas. 

“They are not just learning about community; they are actively building the kind of inclusive environments they want to be a part of. These students are our future leaders, and witnessing their dedication can give us great confidence in the positive impact they will have on the world.”

The ceremony saw the crowning of the ‘Gold’, ‘Silver’ and ‘Bronze’ winners for each of the programme’s six categories, each designed to address specific societal needs. All ‘Gold’ winners are now in the running for the title of ‘Out There National Winner’.

Build Relationships: Awarded to those who fostered new connections across diverse backgrounds and ages.

• Gold winner: Team NPC - �ԹϺ��� Academy Carlton, Barnsley

• Silver winner: Hearts Connected: One Smile At A Time - �ԹϺ��� Primary Academy Bell Lane, Pontefract

• Bronze winner: Three Peas In A Pod - �ԹϺ��� Academy Valley, Worksop

Sustainability Superstars: Recognising projects focused on environmental improvements and sustainable living.

• Gold winner: Besties - �ԹϺ��� Grange Academy, Wakefield

• Silver winner: The Divas - �ԹϺ��� Academy Bydales, Redcar

• Bronze winner: Bin It To Win It - �ԹϺ��� Academy Ormesby, Middlesbrough

Boost Community Wellbeing: Celebrating 'wellbeing warriors' who promoted physical and mental health.

• Gold winner: Team Community - �ԹϺ��� Academy Carlton, Barnsley

• Silver winner: The Brumby Rockets - �ԹϺ��� Primary Academy Brumby, Scunthorpe

• Bronze winner: Student Voice FC - �ԹϺ��� Academy Acklam, Middlesbrough

Build an Inclusive Community: Honouring 'inclusion innovators' who broke down barriers to ensure everyone feels valued.

• Gold winner: This Is Me - �ԹϺ��� Academy Hasland Hall, Chesterfield

• Silver winner: Night Owls - �ԹϺ��� Grange Academy, Wakefield

• Bronze winner: Bee - �ԹϺ��� Academy Easingwold, York

Make Your Community Safer: Awarded to 'community superheroes' who enhanced local security and safety awareness.

• Gold winner: Helping Hands - �ԹϺ��� Grange Academy, Wakefield

• Silver winner: Your Local First Aid Bookworms - �ԹϺ��� Academy Hasland Hall, Chesterfield

• Bronze winner: The Fire Smart Squad - �ԹϺ��� Academy Adwick, Doncaster

Innovate: Recognising creative thinkers who developed novel, tangible solutions to local challenges.

• Gold: Sprout Cards - �ԹϺ��� Academy Haydock, St Helens

• Silver: 3 Boys; 3 Bikes - �ԹϺ��� Academy Ripon, Ripon

• Bronze: �ԹϺ��� Unplugged - �ԹϺ��� Academy Ormesby, Middlesbrough
  

All winners will now receive experience prizes. ‘Bronze’ winners will enjoy a trip to The Crystal Maze in Manchester, while ‘Silver’ winners get a day trip to Alton Towers theme park, complete with VIP and queue jump passes. On Friday, 13th February, 2026, ‘Gold’ winners will enjoy an all expenses paid trip to London, where they will scale the O2 Arena. Once at the top, the ‘Out There National Winner’ will be announced.

The team crowned as the national winner will enjoy an overnight stay and day passes to Disneyland Paris!

The event was attended by high-profile supporters, including Leeds Rhinos CEO Jamie Jones Buchanan MBE, CEO of the Confederation of School Trusts Leora Cruddas CBE, and representatives from The King’s Trust, West Yorkshire Police, and the High Performance Foundation.

Julie Slater, Chief Executive Principal at OGAT, added:

“I am beyond proud of our young people. They wanted to step up to make a difference in their local communities, and they most certainly have. Today, we have seen the exceptional commitment that young people have made; they care about their communities, and they recognise the positive impact of volunteering on their own mental health and wellbeing. We have now launched Out There 2026, and we are confident that our schools will deliver over a thousand community projects across the north of England.”

The programme was supported by sponsors Leeds Rhinos, YPO, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, She Can Prosper, Connect Yorkshire, Banana Moon Clothing and Awaken Education.

If you are interested in sponsoring the ‘Out There’ programme for 2026, or you have a community project which you’d like students to help with, please visit outthere.outwood.com