A celebration to mark Founders Day took place at Samworth Church Academy that revealed a unique opportunity available to students at the Mansfield-based academy. 

The event, usually organised for new students, welcomed both year 7 and 8 students, following the cancellation of the 2020 event due to the pandemic. 

The chair of governors, Nick Linney, said marking Founders Day was an important tradition.

“Founders Day is an opportunity to remind the school community of the vision behind the creation of The Samworth Church Academy back in 2008. 

“Both the Church of England and the Samworth family, represented by Sir David Samworth, acted as co-sponsors, enabling the creation of an academy that at its core has always sought a broad and robust education for students. With high aspirations and inspirational teaching, we continue to fulfil our aims of ensuring that young people at the academy have access to a great education that prepares them for 70 or more great years when they leave.”

The event also introduced students to benefits available through The Opportunity Trust, a fund created by academy sponsors to provide financial support to the academy and its students to pursue activities not normally part of educational provision.

Former student Hannah Thickett, who is now teaching performing arts at the academy, received support from The Opportunity Trust to pursue her love of dancing.

Hannah spoke to students about her own experiences, saying: “I applied for support from The Opportunity Trust in my final year, and it continued to support me with a grant to study professional dance and musical theatre at Performers College even after I left the academy.

“My course was going to cost £15,000 per year before accommodation and living costs and ultimately the trust followed me through to the completion of my training.”

Now Hannah has returned to teach at the academy and wants to help students have the same opportunities she experienced there.

“My life would have been incredibly different without the support I received,” she explained.

“The trust fund allowed me to go and train where I did. I wouldn’t be in the position that I am today without its help.”

Governor Val Leivers added: “Each year the new intake pupils attend an event that introduces them to our aim to create a distinctly Christian-driven environment in the academy. This event demonstrates the path they will follow during their time with us.

“We believe all students should have every opportunity to fulfil their potential here.”

Jane Lewis, diocesan schools advisor and vice-chair of governors, she said, “The vision of education for the Church of England can be summed up in a single phrase — Life in all its fullness. For us this means that church schools should be places where people are given opportunities to be the best they can be.

“Education is more than what you learn in a classroom, although that is important.

“It is also about how you develop as a person, showing respect to yourself and others, in an inclusive and vibrant environment that welcomes people of all backgrounds.”

Principal Lisa McVeigh said the event celebrates both the academy’s history and sets out it aims for the future.

“Founders Day reminds us of the journey each and every student undertakes with us at the academy. We are committed to providing students with every opportunity possible to develop their academic ability, alongside a distinctive character education that goes beyond a standard secondary educational experience.”