Following being shortlisted for the Schools Tes Award 2023 for Community Engagement, it was announced on the night of the awards that E-ACT Blackley Academy was highly commended in the Community Engagement category. We are incredibly proud of this as the local community hub has been a huge support in Blackley.
The academy was recognised for its work in developing a comprehensive community hub which offers a wide range of support to local people. The school invested in a dedicated team of staff who co-ordinate a range of organisations and charities out of community premises at St Paul C Of E Church on Victoria Avenue, where any member of the community can gain advice and support around a wide range of topics. Services available include: financial support, wellbeing, health services, addiction support, employability skills, fitness as well as food and essentials.
As a school where 60% of students access Pupil Premium, the schools’ outcomes are a credit to the hard work of staff who work hard to families, ensuring their needs are met and children are able to access learning. At E-ACT Blackley Academy Reading, Writing and Maths results are higher than the National average and the gap for Pupil Premium is significantly smaller than the gap nationally.
Tom Campbell, E-ACT’s CEO said: “As a national cross phase trust rooted in community action and support E-ACT’s vision of education focused on the whole child. To achieve this, we provide care for not only the children we teach, but for their families acting as a bridge between a range of charities, agencies, and interventions to support those in need.
We firmly believe that coming from a disadvantaged background should not shape your future, and our Opening Minds, Opening Doors strategy is about providing students with the skills and experiences that allow them to thrive. I’m delighted for E-ACT Blackley Academy to be celebrated for the outstanding community engagement it provides. It is fantastic recognition of the great work all our schools do to tackle the problems our children, young people and communities face.”
James Hughes, Headteacher at E-ACT Blackley Academy said: “I’m so proud of our community and the great team that work to offer a wide range of resources available to our community beyond the school gate. Being highly commended at this event shines a light on the amazing work that can happen when we work together with our community, and the impact this has on the children that we serve.”
Tunde King of E-ACT Blackley Academy Community Hub lead said: “The hub was set up in 2021 in response to research that shows that many members of the Blackley community have had little access to the support and advice that they need, so the local school and church are both thrilled that, alongside a range of incredible organisations and agencies, they have been able to set up a community hub to deliver much-needed support and contribute positively to the people of Blackley.”
You can read more about E-ACT Blackley Academy’s award entry here.
