On Founders' Day, we celebrate the origins of The Samworth Church Academy, and show our Year 7 students how those origins continue to shape our Academy to this day.

 

The Samworth Church Academy takes its name from our two founding sponsors - Sir David Samworth and the Church - specifically the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham - who established the Academy in 2008. Their vision was to create an inclusive place where people and students come first, and where students can be educated holistically as well as academically, and leave prepared for a long and happy adult life – 70 plus great years. This partnership balances well, with Sir David especially interested in ensuring every child is given the means to discover their own talents whether that be academically, on the sports field, through their creativity or beyond, and the Christian values of Forgiveness, Vocation, Respect, Positivity and Service being integral to everything we do.

 

On Friday 4th October, we celebrated Founders' Day with visits from our Founders' representatives, Caroline Samworth, Nathalie Walters and Nick Linney on behalf of the Samworth Foundation and family, and Nigel Frith and Jane Lewis on behalf of the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham, alongside members of our Board of Governors.

 

Principal Lisa McVeigh welcomed Year 7 students and visitors, and Student Leaders explained how initiatives such as Opportunity Trust and Academy+ make Samworth Church Academy so different to other schools. Sixth Former Davey Corpe shared how his recent trip to Colombia, which was funded by Opportunity Trust, allowed him to experience a new culture and adventures such as ziplining. Nick Linney and Jane Lewis highlighted that as well as doing well in the classroom, it is just as vital that students develop their character and positive self-esteem through the many opportunities the Samworth Church Academy provides. Founders' representatives then enjoyed a tour of the Academy guided by student hosts, and discussed the Academy's continuing progress.

 

Opportunity Trust

The Opportunity Trust is a chance for students to apply for funding for projects and activities they are passionate about. Opportunity Trust has supported students to go abroad and make a difference to people who are in less fortunate situations than ourselves. Samworth Church Academy students have visited Round Square conferences in countries as far afield as Colombia, South Africa and Kenya. Students have also been supported to take part in sports, dance competitions and music instrument lessons that they otherwise could not afford to do. Every student at the Samworth Church Academy is welcome to apply for an Opportunity Trust grant. Find out how here.

Academy+

Academy+ funds ambitious projects at the Samworth Church Academy to provide our children with the extra skills, character development and experiences they need to have a further 70 great years after they leave the Academy. The Samworth Foundation has contributed greatly to this funding, however most of this is reliant on fundraising such as our Decades Summer Festival and student-led £50 Challenge, and donations from our wider community.

Academy+ has funded several initiatives such as the Brilliant Club, Project Flavour, and Project Can Do, which empowers students to discover their own passions and talents through the concept of developing a new business idea. Find our more about how Project Can Do has helped students here. 

 

About our founders

Sponsors