Spencer Academies Trust celebrate Children in Need 2025
Schools across the Spencer Academies Trust were filled with colour, creativity and community spirit last Friday as pupils and staff took part in a range of fun activities to support BBC Children in Need. Here are some moments from the day…
At Highfields Spencer Academy, pupils held a bake sale, decorating cakes that showcased their Houses alongside their school’s RISE values - Respect, Inspire, Success & Empathy. Families, pupils and staff came together to enjoy the treats while raising funds for the charity.
Chetwynd Spencer Academy joined in the fun by inviting children to wear something spotty for the day, with families contributing donations online. Pupils embraced the day with enthusiasm and creativity.
Over at Millside Spencer Academy, they hosted a dress-up day. Students wore something spotty or silly - and Principal Sophia Thorne went above and beyond, leading the way in an inflatable flamingo costume!
Students and staff at Long Field Spencer Academy also embraced dressing up for the occasion, with colourful costumes and spotty accessories filling the corridors.
One of the standout moments across the Trust came from Hilton Spencer Academy, who were chosen as a launch location for BBC Radio Derby’s contribution to Pudsey’s Thousand Mile Three-Legged Challenge. Presenters Becky Measures and Dom Dietrich completed part of their three-legged walk alongside willing members of Hilton’s staff, cheered on by children dressed in yellow and proudly waving banners. The event was broadcast live on BBC Radio Derby, featured on BBC East Midlands Today, and appeared on the BBC One live programme earlier this month. Pudsey Bear himself made a special appearance, several pupils were interviewed for the radio broadcast, and the BBC team later praised the school for its warm welcome, enthusiasm and exceptional support!
Portland Spencer Academy also joined the day’s celebrations by inviting pupils to come dressed in yellow and/or spots. This tied into the year’s ‘Challenge Yourself to 25’ theme, where each class aimed to complete 25 Acts of Kindness. These acts included smiling at someone they didn’t know, helping a younger pupil, picking up litter, sharing a funny and kind joke to make someone smile and writing a kind note to a classmate!
The Trust is incredibly proud of all staff, pupils and families for their generosity and community spirit. Their combined efforts helped raise awareness and vital funds for Children in Need - showing once again the positive impact that can be made when our Spencer academies come together.
Thank you to everyone in our Spencer family for coming together to make Children in Need such a meaningful and memorable day across our Trust.