Year 7 were well-prepared for the challenge of sleeping overnight in the Junior School playground and arrived at school on Friday morning with their kit and some very ambitious cardboard-box constructions.

Excitement was high throughout the evening as Year 7 completed a carousel of challenges and activities run by staff, including dodgeball, football, cricket, a campfire, LEGO in the Wellbeing Hub, and an escape room.

A Chapel Service at 10.30pm offered an opportunity for pupils to pause and reflect on the cause and the charity that our Sleep Out supports. We were fortunate to welcome two visiting speakers from Helping Hands, who spoke to Year 7 about homelessness, the work the charity does to support those in need within the local community, and their own experiences of homelessness. Following the talk, pupils were given time to ask questions, and our speakers commented on their thoughtfulness and engagement with the issues raised.

Soup was served before the pupils settled into their boxes for the challenge of spending a night sleeping outdoors.

Many thanks to the pupils who participated in the Sleep Out. Thanks also to the staff who supervised the event and organised such fantastic activities, to the estates team for their support, and to our catering team.

The event is expected to have raised more than £2,500 for Helping Hands Community Project - a fantastic achievement. Well done to all!