Academy Partnership Award

Presented to the established specialist academy that can demonstrate benefits to the community through a partnership with a existing establishment (primary school, secondary school, university.

2019 Winner
Castledon College

Castledon College has built links with numerous employers to develop work placements for learners with SEND. Leaders’ ambitions to raise awareness of inclusion and special needs are gradually being realised through the exciting work pupils do within the community.The school’s family and inclusion team works determinedly with the community organisations and employers to ensure that professionals and parents gain a better understanding of the needs of the students. The academy also supports two autism hubs in mainstream schools locally, and operates Poppy’s, a cafe set up and run by the students for the people within the community. Students involved all have a specific role, whether to meet and greet, serve customers, prepare food or be in charge of finance.

Commended

Manchester Health Academy / Manchester United Foundation
\Manchester United Foundation works in partnership with the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) to develop and promote healthy living through sport and the association with Manchester United, its players and philosophy. Working alongside Manchester Academy, the Foundation delivers tailored mentoring interventions with the aim of helping individuals realise their potential both socially and academically. Students also have the opportunity to spend productive time away from the classroom to discuss any issues they may be are experiencing. Sixth-form students are encouraged to take part in educational activities such as the FA Junior Football Leaders award which can lead to opportunities in coaching. Five students qualified as coaches through the most recent programme.

Rawlins Academy, Leicestershire
A groundbreaking personal enrichment programme saw students from Rawlins Academy form part of a successful partnership with Tarmac and SkillForce. The programme featured team building exercises and an introduction to the world of work which included CV writing workshops, a mock assessment centre which helps develop presentation skills and teach business processes. Students also spent time researching and delivering team projects on engaging primary school children in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects. Located just a few miles from Tarmac’s Mountsorrel Quarry in Leicestershire, students presented their experiences taken from the scheme and skills they developed throughout the process to Tarmac and SkillForce colleagues.

2018 Winner
Thomas Clarkson Academy

Thomas Clarkson Academy recently became the first school in the area to start regularly donating its leftover food to the homeless. The Academy has teamed up with the Luminus Ferry Project, a charity which offers support and services to the homeless in Fenland. TCA donates hot and cold food leftover from lunchtime meals. The Academy’s catering team work with the shelter on a day-by-day basis and if there is anything suitable to be handed over, they call the Ferry team after lunch to arrange a collection that afternoon. Students and families have also collected toiletries for the charity.

Commended

Barking Abbey School Specialist Sports College, Essex
King Solomon Academy, London
Manchester Health Academy, Manchester

2017 Winner
Brighton Aldridge Community Academy

The Aldridge KSD Construction Academy is a unique collaboration between education and industry to provide a technical training centre. The Academy is delivered in partnership with a national construction company, which sponsored the capital build and design costs and has committed to taking all graduates on as apprentices for the next 2/3 years. The curriculum aims to meet the skills gap across the city.

2016 Winner
Brighton Aldridge Community Academy, East Sussex

Launched in June 2015, Brighton Digital Media Academy offers a unique partnership between industry and education giving students aged 14-19 real life, practical experience as they gain academic qualifications. Students from across the city can access this unique programme through both Brighton Aldridge Community Academy and Portslade Aldridge Community Academy, and learn from a curriculum which is representative of the diversity of this vibrant industry. The partnership acts as inspiration for pupils who can gain an insight into the workings of partner organisations, such as Brighton Youth Film Festival and Brighton Film School. Close links exist between industry and education, resulting in a truly unique partnership which will ensure that the city’s creative and digital industry needs are fully met, and indeed exceed expectations.

Commended
Dalziel High School, Motherwell
Banovallum School, Lincolnshire

2015 Winner
Thornhill Community Academy, Dewsbury

Thornhill Community Academy was selected by banking chain Santander as a lead school to benefit from its financial literacy programme, designed to improve financial education and financial knowledge amongst students. The school has  introduced a cohesive teaching and learning programme of financial education, enabling students to gain the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to make informed financial decisions. The introduction to financial education comes as part of the Academy’s movement to join the Centres of Excellence Programme and become part of a network of best practice schools.

Commended
Dalziel High School, Motherwell
JCB Academy, Staffordshire