Community Effort: Friends of Hewett Academy Secure Funding for Student Uniforms

A partnership between Hewett Academy, its parents' group, and a top Norfolk charity group has cut the costs of school uniform at the start of the new school year.  

The Friends of Hewett Academy, a parent-led registered charity, has continued its amazing work, and been awarded a £10,000 grant by the Norfolk Community Foundation as part of its ‘community-based hardship fund’. This has helped provide a full uniform set to 100 Hewett Academy pupils, ensuring that they can start the new school year in new, smart uniforms. 

Rebecca Atkinson, Chair of the Friends of Hewett Academy said: 

"Friends of Hewett are delighted to continue to support the Hewett Academy and ensure that every child has the uniform they need to feel proud and well presented for the school day. Over the years we have raised nearly £400,000 to support the school, pupils and their families and help Hewett Academy become the unique and inclusive school it is today."  

Overall, 100 £100 vouchers for Stevensons were provided to families via the grant, given to those who were identified as pupil premium in the new Year 7 cohort, and those who could benefit from additional support. One of the parents who received a voucher said:

“The help we received from the Friends of Hewett Academy was invaluable. I have three children at school and only work part time. The process was extremely efficient. I received an email from the office at Hewett telling us that we were eligible. I then went to Stevensons and chose the items we needed. The friendly lady at the till already had my daughter's details and we walked away with her new uniform.” 

Principal Antony Little said:

“Schools are more than just about learning; we are a community and here to help each other.  Over the last four years the volunteers who make up Friends of Hewett Academy have done great work in ensuring that everyone can feel part of our community.”  

 

“However, we also recognise the costs that school uniforms can have and so the work of the ‘Friends of Hewett Academy’ has been instrumental in tackling that.” 

Claire Cullens, Chief Executive of Norfolk Community Foundation, said:

"Norfolk Community Foundation is delighted to support this much needed project that will make a real difference in the community. We wish them every success with their work."

If you’d like to find out more information about Friends of Hewett Academy please see www.thehewettacademy.org, or contact 07870880129 or friendsofhewett@gmail.com. For further information on applying for funding go to Norfolk Community Foundation’s website www.norfolkfoundation.com. 

Header image: stock image of Hewett Academy pupils wearing school uniform