For some families, the cost of prom outfits and other essentials can make this time of year more difficult. That is why our Community Team has been working with local businesses, communities and Co-op suppliers to help remove some of those costs for families across our Trust.

Our Community Pioneers have built strong relationships with local businesses and community groups. These relationships have helped us source dresses, suits, shoes, accessories and other prom essentials for students who need them.

The team has also worked closely with The Hygiene Bank and its founding partner Boots UK to provide toiletry and hygiene kits for students. This helps make sure young people have the personal care essentials they need for their special night.

All academies that wanted to take part in the prom support received it for their students.

Co-op supplier, Bunzl, also helped make celebrations extra special by working with Swan Mill Paper Company to provide napkins and tablecloths for prom events across the Trust.

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Making memories at Hillside and Portland

At Co-op Academies Hillside and Portland, Year 6 pupils came together for a joint prom this year.

Alongside the hygiene products from The Hygiene Bank and tablecloths and napkins donated through Bunzl, the newly formed Friends of Hillside group raised £500 to support the event.

The money was used to provide a photo wall and face glitter stand, giving pupils even more ways to have fun and make memories with their friends.

Brady Clayton, Academy Community Pioneer for Hillside, Portland, Rathbone and Woodslee, said:

“The joint Hillside and Portland Year 6 prom was a fantastic success. It gave pupils a memorable opportunity to celebrate the end of their primary school journey.

“A special thanks to the Friends of Hillside team for donating money towards the prom. The night was filled with dancing, laughing and time to make special memories for our Year 6 students.”

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Prom support at Belle Vue

At Co-op Academy Belle Vue, Community Pioneer Hannah worked with local formalwear businesses to support students with their prom outfits.

Slaters Menswear & Workwear, Moss Bros and Lelan Dresses all donated their time and support to help students find outfits for their big night.

Their generosity helped remove some of the financial pressure around prom and gave students the chance to feel confident and celebrate with their friends.

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Supporting students at Grange

Co-op Academy Grange has also benefited from a brilliant local partnership with Cross Lane Community Shop.

As part of an ongoing Prom Drive, the Bradford City FC Community Foundation donated two full cages of formalwear, including prom dresses, suits, shoes and accessories.

The donation means Year 11 students at Grange have been able to choose from a wide range of items for their prom.

The partnership was brought together by Will Goodrum, Regional Community Manager for West Yorkshire, who worked with Bradleigh Pioli from the Bradford City FC Community Foundation.

Will said:

“It’s wonderful to see the community coming together to make sure every student feels confident and looks sharp for prom.”

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These partnerships show what can happen when schools, businesses and local communities come together. Each contribution has helped make prom a little easier for families and a little more special for students.

Most importantly, it means young people can focus on what prom is really about – celebrating their achievements, spending time with their friends and making special memories.