Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, which constitutes the basis of how Muslims live their lives. The other pillars are faith, prayer, charity and pilgrimage. Fasting is an important practice as it allows Muslims to devote themselves to their faith. During Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink between dawn and sunset; instead, they eat a meal just before dawn, the suhoor, and break their fast with a meal after sunset, known as the iftar.

The event, organised by Julekha Motara, Assistant Principal at the school, and facilitated by staff and students, included talks from Qari Asim MBE and Mohammed Banji from the Read Foundation, a charity for which the event raised almost £600. A student then recited the call to prayer, followed by prayers led by Post-16 students. Dinner was then served to guests by the school’s senior leadership team.

Toby Rutter, Principal at Outwood Grange Academy, said:

“These events are really important for us, because it's not just about achieving fantastic grades for our children, it's also about developing a sense of community, so they can develop their character and other qualities that mean they can play a pivotal role in society in their futures.” 

Julekha Motara added:

“It was more than just an event; it was a celebration of the diversity and inclusivity that make our school community so special. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to making the evening so memorable. Their support, kindness and participation truly made it a night to remember.”

Thirteen students from ĂŰĚŇapp Hindley have graduated from The Scholars Programme, a transformative initiative by The Brilliant Club. This achievement marks a significant step in their academic journey, opening doors to competitive universities and beyond. This is the fourth cohort from the school to complete the programme.

The Scholars Programme is designed to bridge the opportunity gap sometimes faced by students who may not feel that university is for them. The Brilliant Club directly addresses this challenge by working with less advantaged students to access the most competitive universities and to succeed when they get there. Through the programme, PhD tutors share their expertise and passion for learning with small groups of high-potential students aged 8-18. This intensive experience, consisting of seven tutorials and a rigorous university-level final assignment, equips students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to excel.

The success of the Scholars Programme goes beyond individual achievements. Research using data from the Higher Education Access Tracker (HEAT) demonstrates a positive impact on GCSE attainment, further solidifying its role in fostering academic success.

The graduation ceremony at the University of Manchester, where the students received their certificates, was a celebration of their hard work and the transformative power of The Brilliant Club. 

Michael Coleman, Vice Principal at the ĂŰĚŇapp Hindley, said:

“Our students dedicated their time to the programme as they attended seven weekly seminars, participating in constructive debates and developing their critical thinking; and they all wrote a 2,000-word essay. Their efforts and contributions were a pleasure to see. I am sure more students will now consider university as a future pathway.”

For more information about the Brilliant Club, please visit thebrilliantclub.org/

A donation of 90 pairs of high-quality safety goggles has been delivered to ĂŰĚŇapp Danum by Arco Doncaster, a leading local provider of personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety footwear, gloves, and essential workplace gear.

The significant PPE donation is already being put to use across multiple departments within the academy, including Design & Technology, Engineering, Art, and Science. The equipment ensures that students can engage in practical, hands-on learning with the highest standards of eye protection.

The impact of the donation is particularly evident in the Engineering department. Year 12 T-Level Engineering students have already begun using the goggles while operating industrial machinery, such as milling machines and lathes, in the academy’s specialist workshop. This equipment allows students to mirror the safety protocols found in professional engineering environments.

Aidy Hall, Engineering Lead at ĂŰĚŇapp Danum, said:

"We would like to say a huge thank you to Arco for their generous donation. We really value our links with organisations in the local area and are always looking to work with local companies, especially within the engineering field, as part of the T-Level Engineering qualification. Providing our students with industry-standard equipment is vital for their development and safety."

ĂŰĚŇapp Danum remains committed to forging strong partnerships with Doncaster-based businesses. These collaborations are essential in bridging the gap between education and industry, providing students with the resources and insights needed to succeed in their future careers. The school already has several partnerships with local businesses, helping pupils gain work experience, and hope to develop this further when it begins delivering its newest T Level offerings in Education and Early Years.

Companies interested in partnering with the academy’s T-Level programmes or other vocational subjects are encouraged to get in touch.

Students from Outwood Grange Academy in Wakefield are celebrating after being named the National Winners of the Outwood 'Out There' programme, after dedicating more than 200 hours to their communities last summer.

The winning team, ‘Helping Hands,’ was in the running for the title of National Winner after securing a 'Gold' award at the recent 'Out There' awards ceremony in Headingley, where they were recognised for their community action. Aisha Jobe, Ruby Hartley, and Sophie Wilson, all in Year 8 at Outwood Grange Academy, were told of their win at the top of the O2 arena on Friday, 13 February. 

The Outwood 'Out There' initiative celebrates student changemakers across the Outwood Family of Schools who develop community projects to improve the lives of others in their local areas. Each team can have up to four students, and there are six categories, each designed to address specific societal needs:

• Build Relationships: Awarded to those who fostered new connections across diverse backgrounds and ages.

• Sustainability Superstars: Recognising projects focused on environmental improvements and sustainable living.

• Boost Community Wellbeing: Celebrating 'wellbeing warriors' who promoted physical and mental health.

• Build an Inclusive Community: Honouring 'inclusion innovators' who broke down barriers to ensure everyone feels valued.

• Make Your Community Safer: Awarded to 'community superheroes' who enhanced local security and safety awareness.

• Innovate: Recognising creative thinkers who developed novel, tangible solutions to local challenges.

Scooping the ‘Gold’ in the ‘Make your community safer’ category, Helping Hands stood out for its proactive and multifaceted approach to social responsibility.

In response to an increase in homelessness across Wakefield, the Helping Hands team launched a targeted fundraising campaign to provide critical financial assistance to Wakefield Street Kitchen. Beyond fundraising, the students took a hands-on approach by supporting the distribution of essential food parcels to the city’s most vulnerable residents.

The judges were particularly impressed by the breadth of the team’s civic service, their project log books and presentation to the panel. 

In addition to their work with the homeless, the students:

• Organised local litter picks to improve the physical safety and cleanliness of the environment.

• Coached young gymnasts, providing a safe and supportive space for youth physical development.

• Promoted community well-being through direct local engagement

Julie Slater, chief executive principal at ĂŰĚŇapp (OGAT), said:

“Aisha, Ruby and Sophie have demonstrated a maturity beyond their years. The judges were impressed by the extent of their volunteering and their dedication to enhancing the lives of others throughout the summer holidays. 

“They meticulously planned their volunteering and capitalised on every opportunity afforded to them. They have committed to continuing their volunteering because they have recognised the positive impact, not only on others, but on themselves; it has improved their own wellbeing. They were adamant that this work brought them so much pleasure and happiness. The girls should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved; we certainly are.” 

The Outwood Out There Awards ceremony at Headingley Stadium in January brought together student leaders from across the Outwood Family of Schools, showcasing the power of youth-led social action. The Helping Hands team from Outwood Grange Academy serves as a shining example of how students can lead the charge in creating a more secure and compassionate environment for everyone.

The programme was supported by sponsors YPO, Leeds Rhinos, She Can Prosper, Connect Yorkshire, Banana Moon Clothing and Awaken Education.

If you are interested in sponsoring the ‘Out There’ programme for 2026, or you have a community project which you’d like students to help with, please visit outthere.outwood.com

For more information about the Outwood Out There initiative and to see the full list of winners, visit our Out There webpage.

ĂŰĚŇapp Ormesby has welcomed its most recent Ofsted report, which highlights significant improvements made at the school. The report, which follows an inspection of the school in December, praises the school for its rapid improvement and for successfully creating an inclusive environment where students feel safe and supported.

Inspectors recognised the commitment of school staff to students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged students, noting that the school “works proactively with a range of professionals to ensure pupils' needs are met”.

The school, located on Tothill Avenue, was rated as meeting the 'Expected standard' in three crucial areas: Leadership and governance, Inclusion, and Personal development and well-being. Inspectors also confirmed that safeguarding standards are met.

The report acknowledges the hard work put in by staff to implement strategies that support students with social, emotional and mental health needs, which have successfully reduced the number of suspensions and observed that improving attendance was a priority for school leaders.

Highlights of the report include:

• Leaders, including those with responsibility for governance, know the school and wider community very well.

• Targeted support in provision helps pupils to re-engage with their learning.

• School leaders make decisions that are in pupils’ best interests.

• The school has a carefully planned programme for pupils' personal development.

• The school offers pupils high-quality pastoral care. This is tailored to meet pupils’ individual needs.

• The 'welcome hub' provides the school with the chance to check pupils' well-being at the start of every day.

• The school provides pupils with cultural experiences.

Pupils actively support their local community through the school's 'Outwood Out There' programme. This gives pupils the opportunity to visit care homes, litter pick, support local emergency services and marshal local park runs.

James Bridge, principal at ĂŰĚŇapp Ormesby, said:

“This report is a result of the incredible hard work, dedication, and resilience of our students, staff, and the entire school community.

“We are immensely proud that Ofsted has recognised our rapid journey of improvement and the strong, inclusive culture we have built. Our focus has always been on reducing barriers and improving life chances for every child, and it is wonderful to see our efforts in leadership, inclusion, and personal development validated. We know there is more to do, but this judgment gives us a fantastic foundation to continue our work in helping our students achieve their full potential.”

Outwood Primary Academy Bell Lane in Pontefract has been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom.

The award celebrates the achievements of schools that do exceptional work in global education. Bringing an international dimension into the curriculum is at the heart of the British Council’s work with schools, so that young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need for life and work in today’s world.

The 2026 award ceremony took place in Westminster on Monday, 2 February and was attended by Members of Parliament and representatives from schools around the UK.

Outwood Primary Academy Bell Lane is the designated Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Centre of Excellence for the Outwood family of schools, meaning the school undertakes international activities above the normal curriculum and also supports other schools within the Trust with their MFL teaching and curriculum offer.

The school also has three international partner schools, based in France, Germany and Norway, which allows students to engage via letters, videos and video calls. More locally, a Pen Friend programme set up with children at Outwood Primary Academy Green Hill in Eastmoor means children can exchange letters in a variety of community languages, including Arabic, Mandarin and Yoruba.

Reflecting on the awards ceremony, Claire Groves, a teacher at the school, said:

“We are delighted to receive the British Council International School Award. This accolade belongs to our entire community: teachers, students, and parents who have embraced the importance of bringing the world into our classrooms. We look forward to continuing to champion international education both within our academy and across the Outwood family of schools.”

Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, added:

“The school has earned this prestigious award through its inspirational international work and links with schools abroad.

“The International School Award is a chance for schools to be recognised for their important work bringing the world into their classrooms. The desire to build on their international work shines through and it is with utmost pride that we celebrate their achievements. 

“By embedding an international dimension in children’s education, these schools are preparing their students for successful lives in the UK or further afield, empowering them to be global citizens, and are creating vital opportunities in an increasingly global economy.”

Over 6,000 International School Awards have been presented to successful schools in the UK since the scheme began in 1999.

The International School Award encourages and supports schools to develop:

• An international ethos embedded throughout the school

• A whole school approach to international work

• Collaborative curriculum-based work with several partner schools

• Year-round international activity

• Involvement of the wider community

The goal was to think outside the box and use innovation and imagination to develop novel solutions to local challenges. As changemakers, showcasing what young innovators can achieve by making a positive impact through creativity, projects resulted in a tangible innovation that addressed a specific community.

The goal was to develop projects that enhanced security, identified potential hazards and empowered residents to make safe choices both online and offline. Projects focused on sharing vital safety information and teaching practical skills to the community through becoming safety champions, helping create a more secure environment for everyone in the community.

The goal was to develop projects that broke down barriers, celebrated differences and fostered a strong sense of belonging for all residents, regardless of background or circumstance. Through improved accessibility, community support and kindness, inclusion innovators are helping to build a community where everyone thrives.

The goal was to develop projects that encourage healthy lifestyles, promote emotional wellbeing and ensure everyone had access to the resources they need to get moving, eat well and support each other's mental health. Becoming wellbeing warriors helps create a healthier, happier place for everyone.

The goal was to develop projects that focused on environmental improvements and promoting sustainable living, aiming to reduce waste, conserve resources and educate others on environmental issues, becoming champions for the environment and leaders in creating a more sustainable future.

The goal was to develop projects that fostered new connections and strengthened the local fabric. Projects that connected diverse individuals - across ages and backgrounds - to share stories, exchange skills, and build friendships, helping to create a more welcoming and connected place for everyone.

On Friday, 23rd January 2026, the AMT Headingley Stadium was transformed into a hub of inspiration as hundreds of young people from across the Outwood family of schools gathered for the inaugural Outwood ‘Out There’ Awards. Hosted by broadcaster Tanya Arnold, the event celebrated the success of a massive student-led movement that saw over 100 community action projects delivered last summer.

Launched in April 2025 in response to student feedback, the ‘Out There’ initiative was created to showcase that young people are a powerful force for good. Students from Years 6 to 13 spent their summer holidays delivering a wide range of community projects, including revitalising green spaces, volunteering at food banks, and hosting intergenerational events in care homes.

The programme’s success was recently recognised on a wider stage, winning the Community Impact Award at the Connect Yorkshire Business Awards for its work in strengthening local bonds.

Lee Wilson, CEO of ĂŰĚŇapp (OGAT), said:

“The success of the 'Out There' projects has been a source of great pride for us. We watched our students step up to demonstrate leadership, confidence, and resilience, all while making a genuine contribution to their local areas. 

“They are not just learning about community; they are actively building the kind of inclusive environments they want to be a part of. These students are our future leaders, and witnessing their dedication can give us great confidence in the positive impact they will have on the world.”

The ceremony saw the crowning of the ‘Gold’, ‘Silver’ and ‘Bronze’ winners for each of the programme’s six categories, each designed to address specific societal needs. All ‘Gold’ winners are now in the running for the title of ‘Out There National Winner’.

Build Relationships: Awarded to those who fostered new connections across diverse backgrounds and ages.

• Gold winner: Team NPC - ĂŰĚŇapp Carlton, Barnsley

• Silver winner: Hearts Connected: One Smile At A Time - Outwood Primary Academy Bell Lane, Pontefract

• Bronze winner: Three Peas In A Pod - ĂŰĚŇapp Valley, Worksop

Sustainability Superstars: Recognising projects focused on environmental improvements and sustainable living.

• Gold winner: Besties - Outwood Grange Academy, Wakefield

• Silver winner: The Divas - ĂŰĚŇapp Bydales, Redcar

• Bronze winner: Bin It To Win It - ĂŰĚŇapp Ormesby, Middlesbrough

Boost Community Wellbeing: Celebrating 'wellbeing warriors' who promoted physical and mental health.

• Gold winner: Team Community - ĂŰĚŇapp Carlton, Barnsley

• Silver winner: The Brumby Rockets - Outwood Primary Academy Brumby, Scunthorpe

• Bronze winner: Student Voice FC - ĂŰĚŇapp Acklam, Middlesbrough

Build an Inclusive Community: Honouring 'inclusion innovators' who broke down barriers to ensure everyone feels valued.

• Gold winner: This Is Me - ĂŰĚŇapp Hasland Hall, Chesterfield

• Silver winner: Night Owls - Outwood Grange Academy, Wakefield

• Bronze winner: Bee - ĂŰĚŇapp Easingwold, York

Make Your Community Safer: Awarded to 'community superheroes' who enhanced local security and safety awareness.

• Gold winner: Helping Hands - Outwood Grange Academy, Wakefield

• Silver winner: Your Local First Aid Bookworms - ĂŰĚŇapp Hasland Hall, Chesterfield

• Bronze winner: The Fire Smart Squad - ĂŰĚŇapp Adwick, Doncaster

Innovate: Recognising creative thinkers who developed novel, tangible solutions to local challenges.

• Gold: Sprout Cards - ĂŰĚŇapp Haydock, St Helens

• Silver: 3 Boys; 3 Bikes - ĂŰĚŇapp Ripon, Ripon

• Bronze: Outwood Unplugged - ĂŰĚŇapp Ormesby, Middlesbrough
  

All winners will now receive experience prizes. ‘Bronze’ winners will enjoy a trip to The Crystal Maze in Manchester, while ‘Silver’ winners get a day trip to Alton Towers theme park, complete with VIP and queue jump passes. On Friday, 13th February, 2026, ‘Gold’ winners will enjoy an all expenses paid trip to London, where they will scale the O2 Arena. Once at the top, the ‘Out There National Winner’ will be announced.

The team crowned as the national winner will enjoy an overnight stay and day passes to Disneyland Paris!

The event was attended by high-profile supporters, including Leeds Rhinos CEO Jamie Jones Buchanan MBE, CEO of the Confederation of School Trusts Leora Cruddas CBE, and representatives from The King’s Trust, West Yorkshire Police, and the High Performance Foundation.

Julie Slater, Chief Executive Principal at OGAT, added:

“I am beyond proud of our young people. They wanted to step up to make a difference in their local communities, and they most certainly have. Today, we have seen the exceptional commitment that young people have made; they care about their communities, and they recognise the positive impact of volunteering on their own mental health and wellbeing. We have now launched Out There 2026, and we are confident that our schools will deliver over a thousand community projects across the north of England.”

The programme was supported by sponsors Leeds Rhinos, YPO, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, She Can Prosper, Connect Yorkshire, Banana Moon Clothing and Awaken Education.

If you are interested in sponsoring the ‘Out There’ programme for 2026, or you have a community project which you’d like students to help with, please visit outthere.outwood.com

As part of the Outwood Institute of Education’s High Potential Leadership Programme, participants have now completed their first core unit, ‘Being a Leader’. This unit is designed to establish a shared language and understanding of leadership that will underpin learning, coaching and development across the full 18-month programme.

Rather than focusing on operational leadership, the unit deliberately creates space for leaders to explore leadership identity, moral purpose and responsibility. Participants were encouraged to reflect on how leadership is experienced by others, how authority is built and sustained, and how leaders respond when under pressure.

The first half-day session was delivered by Contender Charlie, who explored leadership through the lens of Shakespeare’s Henry V. Using the play as a case study, participants examined themes such as legitimacy, courage, influence, communication, and the weight of leadership decision-making. The session challenged leaders to consider how belief is created, how values are demonstrated through action, and how leaders lead others through uncertainty.

Participants described this session as thought-provoking and highly engaging, valuing the opportunity to examine leadership in a way that was reflective, emotionally resonant and intellectually demanding.

The second half-day session was delivered by Julie Slater, Tarjinder Gill and Matthew Vickers and focused on leadership within the Outwood context. This session supported participants in clarifying leadership expectations at different stages and reflecting on the responsibilities that come with leading within the Trust.

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants highlighting the depth of reflection and the opportunity to think beyond day-to-day practice.

“The session challenged how I think about leadership responsibility and the impact of my decisions on others.”

“Using Henry V as a lens made leadership feel real, complex and human; it stayed with me long after the session.”

“Having time to step back and reflect on who I am as a leader, rather than just what I do, was incredibly valuable.”

“The balance between external challenge and Outwood context helped me connect big ideas to my own leadership role.”

The first unit has set a strong and purposeful tone for the High Potential Leadership Programme, establishing reflection, challenge and shared understanding as key features as participants continue through the next stages of the programme.

Outwood Primary Academy Alne has been appointed as a Lead School for music in North Yorkshire, a prestigious designation mandated by the Department for Education (DfE) and overseen by Arts Council England (ACE).

As part of the national network of Music Hubs, Outwood Primary Academy Alne will now serve as a strategic partner within the Local Authority. The academy will play a pivotal role in championing music education, boosting collaboration, and elevating the quality of co-curricular music provision for students across the region.

The DfE requires Music Hubs to identify Lead Schools that demonstrate exceptional commitment to the arts. The school has been chosen because it “exemplifies high-quality music provision and teaching.”

The music provision at the school offers significant curriculum time for music, extra-curricular opportunities, inclusive provision and professional development for teachers. In this new role, Outwood Primary Academy Alne will support the wider Hub network by:

• Sharing best practices for high-quality music pedagogy and curriculum design.

• Supporting the growth of co-curricular music activities in neighbouring schools.

• Engaging with the Arts Council England vision to ensure every child has access to a rich musical education.

The appointment follows a rigorous selection process and reflects the school’s existing reputation for musical excellence.

Michelle Dawson, principal at Outwood Primary Academy Alne, commented:

“We are thrilled to be named a Music Hub Lead School. It recognises the hard work of experienced, dedicated colleagues who always go above and beyond to deliver exceptional music provision. We look forward to working alongside our partners to ensure that music remains at the heart of our community and continues to inspire children across the area.”

ĂŰĚŇapp Foxhills has been recognised as one of the nation's highest-engaged schools following the release of the Autumn 2025 national census data from The Engagement Platform (TEP).

The school has been awarded a series of special recognition badges for scoring significantly higher than the national average, highlighting the academy as one of the best places to work in the education sector.

Most notably, the school ranked in the top five per cent of schools in the country for two key areas - how included staff feel, and the quality of its leadership. The academy was also ranked in the top ten per cent nationally for staff satisfaction and how well employees are managed.

These scores are a result of the TEP survey, a national survey conducted across schools in Autumn 2025. To qualify for these awards, a school must receive high scores in conjunction with a high level of staff participation, to ensure that the results accurately reflect the team's true feelings and views.

Tracy Motson, principal at ĂŰĚŇapp Foxhills, said:

“We are incredibly proud to receive these badges of recognition. This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire school community.

“We often say that ‘Foxhills is a Family’, and these results demonstrate that this is more than just a motto; it is the reality of our daily culture. By ensuring our staff feel valued, included, and well-led, we create a supportive environment that enables them to give their very best to our students.”

The recognition acknowledges the school’s commitment to engagement and the positive impact it is having on staff, students, and the wider community.

Sabiha Laher, community executive principal, added:

“ĂŰĚŇapp Foxhills is, at its heart, a happy school. To be ranked in the top tier nationally for leadership and inclusion really supports that positive culture. We know that happy schools lead to successful students.

“When our staff are satisfied and supported by strong leadership, they are best placed to help our children excel and meet their potential.”

ĂŰĚŇapp Foxhills is committed to putting students first and ensuring that they receive a first-class education. The school was rated as ‘Outstanding’ in all areas by Ofsted in its last inspection.

Outwood Primary Academy Park Hill is celebrating a significant milestone in inclusive education following the successful installation of bespoke sensory rooms, funded by a ÂŁ34,242 grant from Wakefield Council, through the High Needs Capital Grant Project.

The initiative, led by Laura Winterburn, vice principal at the school, addresses the growing need for specialised environments within mainstream education. The new facilities, which opened at the start of the new term, will benefit approximately 50 pupils with complex Special Educational Needs (SEN), providing them with the tools necessary to self-regulate and engage more effectively with their learning.

For many pupils at the school, the standard classroom environment can present significant sensory challenges. The new sensory rooms feature equipment designed to develop joint attention skills, building the foundational ability to share focus on an object or event with another person. The equipment has lots of interactive elements, including lights, sounds and touch and often uses cause and effect strategies to gain and hold attention for varying levels of time.

There is also equipment to help children self-regulate. Children have timetabled access to the rooms at regular intervals in the day to support them in remaining regulated, rather than accessing the space when they are fully dysregulated.

The impact of these rooms extends beyond the school classroom. Regular access to regulation strategies allows pupils to remain regulated throughout their school day, meaning they can still access their learning, and this also supports the transition to home, leading to improved wellbeing for students when they return to their families.

Laura Winterburn, said:

“The difference is immediate. We’ve seen children who typically struggle with focus in a classroom setting enter these rooms and immediately display calm, regulated breathing. One pupil, who usually finds joint attention difficult, was able to engage in turn-taking activities with independence and genuine joy. This resource is something we simply could not have provided without this funding.”

The success of the sensory rooms serves as a blueprint for other schools looking to enhance their provisions through external funding. Highlighting the importance of administrative diligence, Laura Winterburn offers two key pieces of advice for school leaders embarking on grant applications:

• Ensure all stakeholders are aligned and communicating regularly to keep the project moving within the required grant timescales.

• Keep a meticulous paper trail of all clearances and conversations, as these are often essential to have on hand

Outwood Primary Academy Park Hill remains committed to providing an inclusive environment where every child, regardless of their complexity of need, has the opportunity to thrive.

A nine-year-old boy from Yorkshire is running the equivalent of nine marathons in four months to raise money for the charity supporting his family following his dad’s brain tumour diagnosis.

Oliver Smith, from Wombwell, in Barnsley, has been running since he was four, regularly takes part in parkruns and trains with Wakefield Triathlon Club.

He turned nine at the end of December and is now taking his running a step further by attempting to run the distance of nine marathons between January and April – 380km in total or an average of 3.3km a day – which is when his mum, Hannah, is running the London Marathon for the first time.

Oliver, whose parents are both PE teachers, is raising money for The Brain Tumour Charity, which is the largest dedicated funder of research into primary brain tumours globally. It's providing information and support to Oliver's family after his dad, Tom, Assistant Principal at ĂŰĚŇapp Carlton, was diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumour last August.

Tom’s now recuperating following innovative surgery to remove the tumour. He said his first symptoms were problems with his vision.

Tom, 40, said:

“I experienced some blurriness in my left eye, which quickly led to a situation where I couldn't read or pick out people's facial features. Ultimately, I was referred for an MRI scan, which found a 4cm meningioma wrapped around my optic nerve on that side.

“It had clearly been there a long time, which is why it had grown quite big. My consultant was worried that it would start to impact my pituitary gland and optic nerve, which could mean I lost my vision altogether in that eye, so they wanted to operate quickly.”

Tom had a 12-hour operation at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield on 11 December. Surgeons believe they've successfully removed all the tumour and did so via his cheekbone, top of his jaw and eye socket to avoid compromising the integrity of his skull.

Tom added:

“I'm quite bruised and puffy and have got a huge scar from one ear to the next, but feel really fortunate that this was a low-grade tumour and we’re clinging on to the positives. I’ve been really shocked by the array of different brain tumours that exist, the different symptoms that people experience and how aggressive they can be.

"The hospital sent us some information about The Brain Tumour Charity, and we’ve spent a lot of time on their website and social media pages, which has been really positive. Hannah and I are both having some counselling, and Oliver wanted to give back - he's just got that kind, loving personality.

"Endurance sports are his thing. I know he's only nine, but he's been running since he was four and endurance activities are just what he does. He finished third in Yorkshire for his age group in 2024, so he's a fit lad, and that's why this running challenge is something he wanted to do. Running is his best discipline, his swimming is coming along nicely, and he's working on his biking too."

The academy claimed the top spot in North Yorkshire for pupils achieving the ‘higher standard’ in reading, writing and maths. On a national scale, the school ranked an impressive 29th out of over 21,000 schools.

The school’s principal, Michelle Dawson, praised the result, saying: “This is a wonderful achievement that reflects the hard work of our children and staff, enabling them to excel and meet their potential.”

At its last inspection, Ofsted graded the school as ‘outstanding’ in all areas.

Over a thousand women and allies have joined together to make their voices heard, support one another’s professional careers, and help shape regional policymaking, it can be announced.

The Women of West Yorkshire Network (WoWY), launched in October 2023 by Mayor Tracy Brabin and her Inclusivity Champion Fatima Khan-Shah, has now surpassed 1,000 members, cementing its role as a powerful and influential community.

Offering an important platform to share ideas and shape regional policymaking on issues such as transport, climate and economic growth, the network is open to everyone committed to gender equality.

Members include individuals from all backgrounds and professional levels, including chief executives, business leaders, academics, charity representatives and community leaders, all united by a shared commitment to make West Yorkshire a fairer region with equal opportunities for all.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“Surpassing a thousand members is a fantastic milestone and an amazing testament to the energy, talent and determination of women and allies across our great region to deliver change.

“Through this innovative network, we’ve committed to bringing together women and girls to make our lives better. We’ve held sessions on careers, caring, entrepreneurship, health, safety, education and much more in-between.

“This feel-good network meets online and in person and is part of our mission to create a movement of change to support the women of West Yorkshire. Join us. All welcome.”

Fatima Khan‑Shah, West Yorkshire’s Inclusivity Champion, said:

“This incredible community is all about connecting women together and building their confidence, both in life and in work.

“Whether you’re a CEO, a community organiser or just a member, WoWY will give you an important platform to connect and promote your work, a direct line into regional policymaking, and a support system from which to learn new skills and draw your strength from.

“Reaching 1,000 members shows the power and influence of our growing collective voice, and the best thing is – we’re only just getting started!”

Over the past year, the Network has:

• Hosted consultation events to inform flagship regional plans, including the Climate and Environment Plan, the Local Transport Plan and the ÂŁ7 billion Local Growth Plan, ensuring women’s voices are at the heart of devolved decision-making.

• Delivered a major networking event attended by over 120 members, led by the Mayor’s Business Advisor Mandy Ridyard, to offer opportunities and insights from business leaders to help more women start-up and scale-up their own enterprises.

• Provided a platform to launch the country’s first-ever Women’s Safety Unity, championed by the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Alison Lowe OBE, as part of International Women’s Day celebrations.

• Empowered female entrepreneurs through a diverse panel at the West Yorkshire Innovation Festival, which focused on opportunities for female founders to secure new investment and grow their businesses.

• Staged the first WoWY Festival at Bradford’s new Darley Street Market, which was attended by nearly 2,000 people on Yorkshire Day and platformed members’ enterprises to the city.

Looking ahead to 2026, WoWY members will have the opportunity to contribute to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy, which will help to inform all of the delivery across its £2 billion Integrated Settlement, from transport and policing to adult skills and business support.

Benefits of joining the Network include access to events and activities, the chance to hear from inspirational business and community leaders, a voice in key policy decisions through a direct line to the Mayor and political leaders, and a chance to grow personal and professional networks among likeminded people.

The 1,000th member to join the WoWY Network, Kerry Noble, Head of Religious Studies & Personal Development at ĂŰĚŇapp Hemsworth, said:

“I have just joined the group and I am looking forward to working together to create an inclusive community.

“I would like to see members of the group from different religious, business and cultural backgrounds come into my academy and speak to students. This is particularly important because of current community trends with misogyny reported in the latest West Yorkshire crime figures.

“Having women speak about their lives and the things that impact them can hopefully create a more inclusive environment where we are all seen as equal, it can also motivate our female students to realise their full potential.”

Women and allies are encouraged to find out more information and get involved with the WoWY Network by visiting the West Yorkshire Combined Authority website.