Mansfield MP Ben Bradley visited The Samworth Church Academy to celebrate the launch of its new voluntary contribution scheme — the Academy+ Fund.

It aims to raise additional finance to enhance and broaden educational opportunities and character education the Mansfield academy provides for its students.

Lisa McVeigh, academy principal, said: “We are really passionate about character as well as academic development. But to continue to do this to the level and standard we want for our students, we need to put additional support in place.

“Our aims are to provide more for students than the standard education concepts and budgets in the UK allow.

“Each year the Department for Education sends us an amount of money per child, which is used for running the academy. Whilst these funds cover our basic operating costs, it does not allow us to fund the student character development work our academy is known for.

“That work promotes the resilience and robustness of our children, preparing and enabling them to cope with the knocks of modern life.”

The Academy+ Fund will be voluntary and will aim to attract funds of any size, big or small, from the school community, former students, businesses and suppliers, as well as charities that specialise in funding projects for young people.

Lisa added: “We have never directly asked for help with funding for our academy, but for us to do what we think is necessary for our children we need to be imaginative. For our parents it should be clear that any donation is entirely voluntary.”

During his visit, the MP discussed the academy’s plans with, Lisa and chair of governors Nick Linney.

Ben Bradley said: “I think the Academy+ Fund is a wonderful idea. It has always been very clear to me that a school has to be about helping young people out of the box, and not trying to force them into boxes they may or may not fit into. The broader the range of experience that young people have, the more likely they are to grow into resilient and independent adults.

“So actually, it is really refreshing to see a school that is not saying what they can’t do, but is saying they can and will do. Not only that, but they are willing to drive that effort themselves, and get the resources they need to achieve that. I am hugely supportive of it.”

The academy is already running projects that provide the broader education it aims to support through the Academy+ Fund in the future.
Project Can Do @TSCA is under way with 20 year 10 students taking part in in a 14-week course, which is designed to teach skills needed for the world of work.

Another scheme, Project Flavour, is designed to promote and improve the health and wellbeing of young people by encouraging a greater understanding and passion for cooking, food and nutrition.