It was a special day at Wainwright Primary Academy, Mansfield, when pupils and staff celebrated the academy being open for 65 years by holding Ethel Wainwright Day.

The original founder of the academy, Ethel Wainwright, was a prominent and exceptional woman in the Mansfield area.

A strong supporter of the women’s Suffrage Movement, Ethel possessed a great determination and pioneering spirit that led her to achieve many firsts, including being the first lady Mayor of Mansfield, first lady chairman of the Education Committee, first lady Councillor and first lady magistrate.

Activities in classrooms centred on the heritage of the academy and of Ethel herself, with pupils from all year groups using a variety of creative techniques to create portraits of the founder, judged in a competition by invited guest, MP Ben Bradley.

Ben was joined by local councillor Marion Bradshaw, and given a guided tour of the academy.
Principal Jon Chapman said: “It is very important for children to understand about our heritage and place in Mansfield’s history books.

“We emphasise to children that they should always have high aspirations and Ethel’s achievements are testament to where determination, talent and drive can get you.”

Pupils at Wainwright also performed songs from the 1950s for our guests, and the culmination of the day saw Mr Bradley cut a celebratory cake ahead of an afternoon tea organised by the academy’s PTA.