Star Academies staff and pupils raise more than £50,000 for good causes

The pupils, who attend one of the 28 schools run by Star Academies, along with staff at its schools and head office, raised the funds as part of the trust’s Festive Winter Gift Programme. 

This year, the annual initiative raised in excess of £50,000 for charities as well as giving companionship to more vulnerable members of the community. 

More than 80 charities were supported, which included children’s hospitals and charities, homeless charities, women’s refuges, hospices, emergency services workers and foodbanks. 

Generous pupils and parents also helped to spread festive goodwill by donating more than 2,000 gifts to help ensure that everyone had something to celebrate during the festive season.

Staff created a colourful array of cakes and puddings at their festive winter bake-off in aid of Community Spirit

As part of the programme, pupils also befriended members of the local community by visiting 20 care homes where they held concerts and read books to residents. Seven schools also hosted a community lunch where vulnerable local people were invited into the school to dine and socialise with pupils and staff.

The care home visits proved so popular with residents and pupils that the schools will be continuing these visits throughout the year.  

Amina Modan, Assistant Principal of TIGHS, said that the programme is an important part of school life as it helps pupils to learn about the spirit of goodwill. 

She said: “Our pupils have worked incredibly hard to make a difference to vulnerable people in our community this winter.

“We are all very proud of the commitment they have made to help people less fortunate than themselves.

“As a school, we are committed to playing an active role in our community and helping others and we hope that our annual Festive Winter Gift Programme will touch the lives of many local people during the winter months.”