Ixworth students inspired by visit from Paralympic and Deaflympic athletes

Students at Ixworth Free School have enjoyed an inspiring, action-packed day with Paralympic swimmer Ryan Crouch, who competed in the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, and elite deaf football player Fil Kamps who competed in the World Cup and 2017 Deaflympics. The athletes’ visit on December 6 was followed by the School’s annual Achievement Evening, where Ryan Crouch also attended as guest speaker and presented awards to students.

The athletes held a whole-school assembly where they shared their exceptional journeys into sport, inspiring students with stories of determination, strength, and resilience, before hosting a series of fitness sessions with students in Years 7 to 10.

Students of all ages were then presented with certificates and awards by Ryan Crouch at the School’s annual Achievement Evening, which recognised individual achievements in academic subjects, GCSE progress, overcoming adversity and contributions to the local community.

Mark Barrow, Headteacher at Ixworth Free School, said: “We would like to thank Ryan and Fil for both taking the time to visit Ixworth Free School, it has been a fantastic day full of celebration and inspiration for students in all years. It was wonderful to hear stories of great determination and success from the athletes, followed by students celebrating their own successes at our Achievement Evening.”

The athletes’ visit was arranged by Inspired Through Sport who raise money for schools to invest in sport, and support aspiring young athletes on their Olympic and Paralympic journeys. Visit www.inspiredthroughsport.co.uk to find out more.

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Ixworth Free School secures grant for new sports facilities

Ixworth Free School has secured funding for improvements to its sports courts from the Garfield Weston Foundation. A grant of £65,000 will contribute towards the costs of transforming our current sports area into a secure an all-weather court.

The ambitious project will see the current tarmac playground replaced with a multi-sport, all weather, synthetic play area, with Dulok fencing and floodlighting. The new court will increase the School’s capacity to provide high-quality sport and exercise delivery to its students.

The new court will allow the School to drive ahead with its plan to become a central hub for community-based sport and recreational activity, with the facilities open to local community groups and primary schools.

Mark Barrow, Headteacher of Ixworth Free School said: “We want to truly support our local community here at Ixworth and beyond, and these new sports facilities will help us to do that. It is a very exciting development for all local people!”

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Ixworth Free School welcomes visit from local MP and Minister Matt Hancock

It was an exciting start of term at Ixworth Free School as Matt Hancock, Member of Parliament for West Suffolk and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, visited students on Friday 7 September. Mr Hancock enjoyed a tour of the school before meeting students and holding a Q&A session with Year 10 and 11 students, who quizzed the Minister on topics including Artificial Intelligence and Brexit.

In January 2018, figures released by the Department for Education showed Ixworth Free School, which opened in 2014, is one of the top performing schools in Suffolk for student progress, and in the top 10% of schools nationally.

Matt Hancock MP said: “I had a great visit to Ixworth Free School and it was fantastic to see the school doing so well under the leadership of Headteacher Mark Barrow. Ixworth Free School’s results have been impressive and to be in the top 10% of schools nationally for student progress, is testament to the hard work and dedication of both the staff and the pupils. I thoroughly enjoyed my tour of the school and especially liked meeting the Years 10 and 11 pupils. We had an excellent Q&A session – they kept me on my toes.”

Mark Barrow, Headteacher at Ixworth Free School, said: “Thank you to Matt Hancock for taking the time to visit our school; students enjoyed meeting their local MP and learning more about his roles in government. It was also a fantastic opportunity to share the School’s successes and positive outcomes, including this year’s GCSE results, all of which have been achieved since Mr Hancock’s last visit in 2015.”

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Beccles, Ixworth and Saxmundham Free Schools celebrate GCSE results 2018

All three schools in the Seckford Foundation Free Schools Trust have been celebrating their 2018 GCSE results today.

James Wellesley Wesley, Chair of Seckford Foundation Free Schools Trust, said: “We are delighted to see students at all three schools achieve strong performances across the range of subjects but particularly so in traditional academic subjects. English, maths and science had particularly impressive results. We are also confident that, at each of our schools, above average progress was made by our disadvantaged students as well as by high, middle and low ability groups. We congratulate all of our students and wish them every success for the future.”

Beccles Free School

Out of 51 students, 67% achieved at least a Grade 4 in English and maths.

David Lees, Headteacher at Beccles Free School, said: “Congratulations to our students on another year of excellent progress and strong achievements in core academic subjects, which has produced our best ever set of GCSE results. Having joined as Headteacher at Beccles Free School earlier this year, I’m delighted that our strategy for continued improvement has delivered such fantastic outcomes. Our hard-working students, committed staff and supportive parents should be very proud of these achievements and deserve to celebrate their success.”

Seren Saunders is especially happy with her GCSE results, achieving a number of high grades despite battling cystic fibrosis. Seren achieved six GCSEs at grade 7 or higher, with grade 8 in history, English literature and drama. Seren achieved two grades higher than she was expected to achieve when she joined Beccles Free School.

Seren said: “I’m really pleased, I was convinced I hadn’t passed anything, but I actually did really well. The teachers have been amazing at Beccles Free School, I missed some school time because of my illness but everyone has been so supportive. I’m now looking forward to studying French, English literature and drama at East Norfolk Sixth Form College from September.”

Twins Mia and Callum Hopson from Southwold are both over the moon with their GCSE results, achieving top grades in their favourite science subjects. Both are heading to Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form to study maths, chemistry and biology at A-Level from September.

Mia said: “I’m so happy with my results, Callum and I both revised really hard and we’re pleased that we’ve both done so well. I’m over the moon that I got two grade 9s in English language and PE, as well as grade 8 in biology and grade 7 in chemistry as I want to study science at sixth form.”

Head Boy Samuel Florido flew to Belgium on GCSE results day but he still had time to celebrate his excellent grades, including two grade 9s in English and maths, six grade 8s and a grade 7. Among his academic achievements at Beccles Free School, Samuel is also proud to have been captain of the RoboCup team which achieved World Championship victory in 2016.

Ixworth Free School

Out of 37 students, 62% achieved at least a grade 4 in English and maths.

Mark Barrow, Headteacher at Ixworth Free School, said: “It is great to see that students of all abilities have achieved beyond target. They should be extremely proud of their hard work, particularly in traditional academic subjects such as triple science where all candidates achieved a grade 7 or above. I’d like to congratulate our students, teachers and parents for their dedication and commitment. The results are evidence once again of our ability to tailor support and challenge every student. We wish our students every success as they move on to the next stage of their education in a position of great strength.”

High-flyer Maddie Coombes is dreaming of becoming a globe-trotting travel writer or journalist after achieving a superb set of GCSE results. The Ixworth Free School student, from Bardwell, achieved five grade 9 results, including double science, as well as three grade 8s and a grade 7. Maddie is heading to Hills Road Sixth Form College in Cambridge, one of the top sixth forms in the country.

“I can’t believe these results are mine,” she said after an emotional revealing of her results in front of proud mother Suzanne.

“All my hard work has paid off – I’ve been revising since Year 9. Ixworth Free School has been absolutely great with their support, I went to every revision class during the holidays and weekends. I revised so hard and gave up socialising and not getting distracted by social media. In my future career I can see myself travelling around the world and writing about historic places, or perhaps being a journalist as I’ve always been interested in that.”

Her tearful mother Suzanne added: “I’m so proud of Maddie. She worked so hard, but you never know how it’s going to go on exam day.”

A dream career in science is now a huge step closer for Ixworth Free School student Ed Harley. The 16-year-old, from Great Barton, achieved three grade 9s in chemistry, physics and history, as well as three grade 8s, three grade 5s, an A* and an A.

Ed said: “I’m over the moon with my results. It’s much better than what I expected. The support from Ixworth Free School was amazing, all of us really reaped the benefits of the extra revision and study sessions.

“The government has done a lot to promote STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths), it’s so important to encourage more people into STEM careers. I’ve always had a natural interest in STEM subjects and it is definitely a future career option for me.”

Ed was awarded a scholarship at Woodbridge School to study maths, further maths, physics, and chemistry.

Ixworth Free School’s top performer, Lizi Bolton, achieved an exceptional six grade 9s, one grade 8 and an A* grade. Lizi is also heading to Hills Road Sixth Form College in Cambridge to study maths, further maths, physics and chemistry at A-Level.

Saxmundham Free School

Out of 59 students, 63% achieved at least a Grade 4 in English and maths.

David Lees, Headteacher at Saxmundham Free School, said: “It has been another year of fantastic progress for our Year 11 students, who should be very proud of themselves. The

achievement in traditional academic subjects is a reflection of our students’ hard work, the commitment of our teachers and support of our parents. We’re pleased that our students leave us as well-rounded, resilient individuals who are ready to move on to their next step in education.”

Lauren Child, previous Head Girl at Saxmundham Free School, is particularly pleased with her results, as she is one step closer to achieving her dream career of becoming a doctor. Lauren achieved 10 GCSEs at grades 7 and above – including a grade 9 in geography and grade 8 in English, maths, biology and history. Lauren also completed her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award at the school.

Lauren said: “I’m really happy with my results, especially my grade 9 in geography which I didn’t expect. I’m now looking forward to studying chemistry, biology, maths and French at Woodbridge School Sixth Form. I’ve always wanted to be a doctor so I’m aiming to study medicine at university after A-Levels.”

16-year-old Jamie Roberts is celebrating his GCSEs after scoring a top grade 9 in English alongside five grade 8s and two grade 7s. Jamie’s progress at Saxmundham Free School meant he achieved three grades higher than expected when he joined in Year 7. Jamie has been awarded a bursary placement at Woodbridge School where he will be studying biology, chemistry, physics and classics at A-Level. Aside from academic subjects, Jamie achieved the rank of Lance Corporal at the school’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF).

Jamie said: “I’m very surprised with my results, they’re even better than I could have hoped. I’ve really enjoyed Saxmundham Free School, particularly the CCF, and now I’m looking forward to working hard at sixth-form to achieve the best grades I can at A-Level.”

Twins Maddy and Evie Salter are both delighted with their results – achieving 20 GCSEs between them at grade 4 and above. Maddy is especially proud of her grade 9 in English language and grade 8 in music – she’s heading to Suffolk One to follow a career as a musician by studying music, music performance and film at A-Level.

Maddy said: “I play guitar, bass, drums, piano and ukulele so I’m over the moon that I have grades to follow my passion for music at college.”

Her twin sister Evie is thrilled with her two grade 7s in English language and literature. Evie is off to Farlingaye High School to study art, PE, French and sociology, with the dream of becoming fluent in French, or following her love of dance and ballet.

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Seckford Foundation Free Schools Trust celebrates all 3 schools in top 10 position

The Seckford Foundation Free Schools Trust (the Trust), which runs Beccles, Saxmundham and Ixworth Free Schools, is celebrating its Progress 8 performance table positions with all three schools in the top 10 out of 92 secondary schools in Suffolk for the progress all students have made since age 11. The league table position follows the release of provisional Progress 8 performance data today (12 October 2017) by the Department for Education.

Saxmundham Free School is fifth in the league table with a Progress 8 score of 0.48, whilst Beccles Free School is joint sixth with a score of 0.46, and Ixworth Free School is eighth with a score of 0.45. All students at the Trust’s three schools progressed to achieve half a grade higher than was predicted at age 11 in every GCSE subject.

Saxmundham Free School did particularly well with 89% of students achieving a good pass in English, and 73% achieving a good pass in maths.  Following remarks 45% of students achieved a strong pass in English and maths.

Ixworth Free School’s first set of GCSE results this year resulted in third place position in the league table for students who achieved the English Baccalaureate (EBacc). Ixworth Free School is also fifth in the table for its Attainment 8 score of 50.5, which shows how well students have performed across eight key GCSE subjects including English and maths.

The Progress 8 measure shows how much progress a Year 11 GCSE student has made since the start of secondary school and is designed to ensure schools are pushing each student to reach their individual potential.

The Trust has a strong curriculum focus on maths and English, with students achieving approximately one whole grade higher than expected in English at Saxmundham and Beccles Free Schools. This is the first year where students have spent five full years of secondary education at Saxmundham and Beccles Free Schools since they opened in 2012, and the first year that Ixworth Free School students have received GCSE results since opening in 2014.

Graham Watson of the Seckford Foundation Free Schools Trust said: “We are incredibly proud to see that students across all three schools in the Trust have made fantastic progress during their time at our schools, and we expect our Progress 8 scores to rise further when the validated data is released in January. We are thrilled to be in the top 10 for student progress amongst schools across the county, especially since this is the first year where we are seeing results from students who joined Saxmundham and Beccles Free Schools in Year 7.

“The Progress 8 scores are testament to our strength of teaching in key subjects like maths and English, our small and friendly school environments, and the variety of enrichment opportunities available for all students. Our ethos at the Trust is to equip students with the widest range of skills needed to prepare them for life beyond school, so we are delighted to see that all our Year 11 leavers this year have gone on to their chosen college, sixth-form or an Apprenticeship.

“We believe Progress 8 is the fairest measure when comparing schools, and it should be a key consideration for parents when choosing a school for their children.”

The results published today by the Department for Education are un-validated because they haven’t taken into account any GCSE papers which schools sent back for remarking. The official tables will be published in January 2018.

For more information about the Seckford Foundation Free Schools Trust, visit www.sffst.org.uk.

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Regional award recognises dignity and compassion at Seckford Care

Seckford Care, which includes the Seckford Almshouses very-sheltered accommodation and Jubilee House care home in Woodbridge, has been recognised at the annual Suffolk Care Awards. The regional awards presentation was held at Trinity Park in Ipswich on September 29, with the aim of shining a light on Suffolk’s best examples of adult social care.

Seckford Care, which is part of the Seckford Foundation, was presented with the award for ‘End of Life Care’ after judges praised the team for demonstrating a holistic and dignified approach. National care watchdog, Care Quality Commission (CQC), has previously praised Seckford Care for providing ‘Outstanding’ end of life care, with residents experiencing a “comfortable and dignified death in line with their and their families’ wishes”.

Sarah Kopferschmitt, Head of Care at Seckford Care, said: “It is absolutely fantastic to receive recognition at the Suffolk Care Awards – the whole team is incredibly proud! We provide very person-centred care for the people living here, staff know the key details that make a positive difference to a person’s day and we work hard that this continues through to the end of life experience, ensuring that this is as peaceful and dignified as possible. The team are committed and passionate about going the extra mile to meet everyone’s wishes.”

The Suffolk Care Awards, now in their second year, are hosted by The Suffolk Brokerage and the Suffolk Association of Independent Care Providers. The awards recognise the vital work of carers and care providers across the Suffolk community, with 10 award categories including innovative dementia care, food and catering, and creative activities.

Seckford Care provides residential care at Jubilee House, very-sheltered accommodation at The Seckford Almshouses and day care activities at the Seckford Day Club. Jubilee House and the Seckford Almshouses have both been awarded the highest rating, ‘Outstanding’, by CQC. For more information visit www.seckfordalmshouses.org.uk or call 01394 386 520.

 

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Beccles, Ixworth and Saxmundham Free Schools celebrate GCSE results 2017

All three schools in the Seckford Foundation Free Schools Trust have been celebrating their 2017 GCSE achievements.

James Wellesley Wesley, Chair of Seckford Foundation Free Schools Trust Board, said:

“We are very pleased with the progress that students have made across Beccles, Ixworth and Saxmundham Free Schools where all three schools are celebrating their results today. Our ethos is about providing a foundation for life and all our students are progressing into their chosen destinations for further education. We congratulate them and wish them every success for the future.”

Ixworth Free School, which opened in 2014, has celebrated its first set of GCSE results this year. Out of 35 GCSE students in total, 71% achieved at least a Grade 4 in English and maths. Niki King, Headteacher at Ixworth Free School, said: “I am very proud of the progress that students have made since the school opened in 2014. It is excellent to see a number of top grades of 8 and 9 have been achieved with the newly reformed GCSEs. We wish all our students success for the future as they progress on to further education.”

Top achievers at Ixworth Free School include John Neaverson, who achieved two 9 grades (equivalent to A**), one A* and seven A’s. John, who lives in Ixworth and was Head Boy at the school, has won a place at Hills Road Sixth Form College in Cambridge. He said: “I am delighted and really excited to be able to go on to study for A levels in politics, history and economics.”

Blythe Brunt from Ixworth Free School, who lives in Bardwell, achieved one grade 9, a grade 6, one A*, three A’s and four B’s. She is shortly moving to London with her parents and said: “I am really pleased with my results. I want to get into costume design and I’ll be going onto study for A levels at a sixth form college in London in subjects including Art and Textiles.”

At Saxmundham Free School, 65% of the 37 GCSE students achieved at least a Grade 4 in English and maths. David Lees, Headteacher at Saxmundham Free School, said: “It is fantastic to see the strong progress made by our students, particularly in English and maths. This is our first group of students who started and completed their secondary education at Saxmundham Free School, and I would like to congratulate them all for their hard work and wish them every success for their future.”

Top achievers at Saxmundham Free School included Mark Spicer, age 16, who was thrilled with his grade 8 in English and maths, which is equivalent to an A* grade, as well as achieving two A*’s, three A’s and three B’s at GCSE. Mark, who has attended Saxmundham Free School since Year 7, is looking forward to studying at One sixth-form college in Ipswich where he’ll work towards A Level qualifications in accountancy, maths, economics and ancient history.

Mark said: “I’m really pleased with my results and I’m looking forward to going to One sixth-form college next month. Eventually I want to work as a banker in either London or New York, which is exciting.”

16-year-old Faye Hickey-Martin from Saxmundham Free School was delighted with her grade 7 in English and maths. She also achieved two A*s and five As, and has secured a place at Colchester Royal Grammar School from September, where she’ll study maths, physics, French and geography. Faye has enjoyed her time at Saxmundham Free School since joining in Year 9. Outside of school, Faye has an interesting hobby of flying micro-planes, which she hopes to progress with a career as pilot after finishing her A Levels.

Edward Paulley from Saxmundham Free School was very pleased with his grade 8 in maths and grade 6 in English, as well as 2A*s and four As. Edward was Deputy Head Boy at Saxmundham Free School last year and he also took part in the Combined Cadet Force for 2 years. Edward is looking forward to studying history, economics and politics at A Level at Thomas Mills High School.

 

At Beccles Free School 61% of the 33 students achieved at least a Grade 4 in English and maths. Nigel Youngman, Headteacher at Beccles Free School, said: “I am delighted with the progress that our students have made and we are very pleased that many students have achieved top grades of 7, 8 and 9 (equivalent to A, A* or higher). The results reflect the hard work of our students, the commitment of our staff and supportive parents.”

 

Lily Taylor, age 16 from Lowestoft, was delighted with her GCSE results, particularly her grade 9 (equivalent to an A**) in English language, which she worked really hard to achieve. Lily also achieved a grade 7 in English literature, a grade 8 in maths plus four A*s, one A and one B. Her favourite subject is geography, which she’s looking forward to studying at A Level at East Norfolk College next month, as well as studying biology, maths and law.

Lily joined Beccles Free School in Year 10 and was Head Girl this year. She said: “I’ve had a great experience at Beccles Free School, everyone has been really supportive and my two siblings are looking forward to starting school here in September.”

Jakk Jackson, age 15, was really pleased with his results despite a challenging year where he has been receiving treatment for a heart complaint at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Jakk achieved a grade 7 in English literature, grade 5 in English language and maths, plus three Bs and two Cs. He’s now off to Lowestoft Sixth Form to study towards a BTEC in Business.

Jakk said: “I’ve worked really hard this year and I’m really happy with my results. The school has been so supportive and I’ve really enjoyed my time here.”

 

 

 

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‘Outstanding’ residential care praised by CQC at Jubilee House in Woodbridge

National care regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), has given the highest praise to Jubilee House care home in Woodbridge, which is run by the Seckford Foundation, for providing ‘Outstanding’ residential care with an “extremely compassionate, attentive and caring” team.

Jubilee House is one of only a very small number of residential care homes in Suffolk to be rated overall ‘Outstanding’ – the highest possible rating – by the CQC. This new accolade follows the ‘Outstanding’ rating given in 2016 by CQC for the Seckford Almshouses very-sheltered flats, which are adjacent to Jubilee House on Seckford Street.

National CQC inspectors, who visited from 4 – 6 April, spoke to Jubilee House staff, residents and families. They praised the care home for being “exceptionally well-led” with a “warm, welcoming and homely atmosphere” and a visible and effective leadership presence. The team at Jubilee House, the reports says, are “passionate and committed” to delivering a high standard of care, which is tailored to meet residents’ needs and preferences.

Inspectors found Jubilee House to provide “outstanding” end-of-life care, with residents receiving comfortable and dignified palliative care that was in line with their and their families’ wishes. The team at Jubilee House are equipped with the right training, knowledge and skills to ensure residents’ individual needs are met.

Inspectors also found that residents at Jubilee House enjoy a fulfilling quality of life and are encouraged to maintain their independence. Inspectors praised the variety of activities on offer at the care home, as well as the ability for residents to pursue their own hobbies and interests with a range of clubs including arts and crafts, gardening, photography and film. Meals are another popular social occasion at Jubilee House, with residents complimenting the quality of food and the flexible menu of freshly cooked dishes each day.

Sarah Kopferschmitt, Head of Care at Seckford Care, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive an ‘Outstanding’ rating from CQC for Jubilee House and we look forward to hosting a special celebration. The residents are at the heart of all that we do here – the team are incredibly passionate and caring, and we will always go the extra mile to ensure residents and their families are supported. We are very proud that our commitment to providing quality care has been recognised.”

Jubilee House provides residential care for up to 25 older people and is located on Seckford Street in Woodbridge, under the same roof as the very-sheltered Seckford Almshouses which has also been rated ‘Outstanding’ by CQC.

The Seckford Foundation’s Seckford Care services provide residential care at Jubilee House, very-sheltered accommodation at the Seckford Almshouses and day care activities at the Seckford Day Club. For more information visit www.seckfordalmshouses.org.uk or call 01394 386 520.

To download the full CQC report for Jubilee House, visit www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-122343186#accordion-1.

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Donation to Woodbridge Library supports town’s young people

The Seckford Foundation has donated £1,000 to create a new permanent collection of informative books for young people at Woodbridge Library. The donation is in recognition of former Farlingaye High School headteacher Sue Hargadon, who retired last year after almost 20 years of outstanding contribution to the School and wider community.

The Sue Hargadon Collection for Young People is free to access and includes fiction and non-fiction titles. The books cover a wide range of subjects relating to personal issues and wellbeing including mental health, cookery, LGBT awareness, being a young carer, career support and university guides. The selection was recommended by Sue Hargadon and will be maintained by Woodbridge Library for future generations.

Helen Scrivener, Woodbridge Library manager, said: “I would like to thank Sue Hargadon and the Seckford Foundation for the opportunity to have this special book collection at Woodbridge Library. We have a diverse range of titles in the collection that will offer help and advice to young people, which will really enhance the selection of books we already have on offer here.”

Graham Watson, director of the Seckford Foundation, said: “We are very pleased to offer this donation to Woodbridge Library in recognition of Sue’s outstanding contribution to education. We are also delighted that the Town now has a brilliant local resource for young people who are looking for help, information and guidance on a number of areas. It is the Foundation’s aim to support young people to access important opportunities, resources and services, which enable them to flourish in education and beyond.”

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Seckford Foundation partners with university to launch rural research on Suffolk Day

Young people experiencing income deprivation whilst living in rural parts of Suffolk are at risk of feeling ‘locked in’ and disconnected from education and employment opportunities, new research commissioned by Suffolk charity, the Seckford Foundation, has found. The research, which was conducted by the University of Suffolk, looked at the challenges faced by young people living in rural areas and was launched on the inaugural Suffolk Day on Wednesday, June 21.

It highlights some young people in rural parts of Suffolk are having difficulties regarding financial resource compounded by the complex lives they lead. They are attempting to progress into employment and education at the same time as overcoming rural accessibility issues, and some also had to manage poverty, family caring responsibilities, homelessness, and mental health issues. These complex and compounding challenges resulted in young people having restricted access to opportunities and a sense of being ‘spatially locked-in’ and disconnected. It will also guide the Foundation when forming its priorities in this area in the future.

The experiences of both advantaged and disadvantaged young people were examined and a set of sophisticated statistical techniques were used for the first time on data for Suffolk. This resulted in recommendations for how schools, employers and communities can work together on practical actions to address the current inequalities some young people face.

‘Capability’ and ‘connectivity’ were identified as the most important factors influencing positive outcomes for young people in rural areas, with physical access to local opportunities, attainment of qualifications and employment skills and the financial help, emotional support and useful contacts provided by family and friends making a significant difference where young people are self-determined.

Recommendations of the research include a call to Parish Councils and community organisations to halt and reverse the trend of declining youth provision in rural areas, and the involvement of business organisations and employers in giving talks in schools to broaden young people’s aspirations, cultural awareness and help connect young people to jobs, training and careers knowledge.

Graham Watson, Director, Seckford Foundation, said: “We are very pleased to take part in the first annual Suffolk Day with the launch of our rural progression research, in partnership with the University of Suffolk. We undertook the research to highlight the rural issues that young people face and we hope that it will lead to better support and more opportunities for this county’s young generation.”

Dr Shamser Sinha, researcher at the University of Suffolk, said: “The research has identified income deprivation as an obstacle to progression for disadvantaged young people in rural Suffolk. This is exacerbated by rural accessibility issues, and sometimes also by young people coping with a range of other complications including family caring and financial responsibilities, health issues, and housing insecurity. It also highlights the skills some young people are developing amidst adversity and what the community could do to improve progression for disadvantaged young people.”

30 young people aged 17 to 19 took part in the research through interviews at schools and community groups across the county. The research compliments new analysis of the 2011 Census, the English Indices of Deprivation 2015 and statistics from HEFCE (Higher Education Council for England).

The Seckford Foundation also took the opportunity to launch their Annual Review on Suffolk Day, alongside the rural research.

Roger Finbow, Chairman, Seckford Foundation, said: “2016 was another busy and fulfilling year across the Foundation and I’d like to thank all who contributed to our work over the past year.”

The charity’s highlights over the past 12 months have included achieving an Outstanding rating from the Care Quality Commission for the Seckford Almshouses in Woodbridge, and an Excellent in six areas for Woodbridge School in their Independent Schools’ Inspectorate report. Successes were also highlighted for the Seckford Foundation Free Schools Trust, with Beccles Free School crowned World RoboCup Champions last summer, as well as the Seckford Springboard programme which provides apprenticeships, mentoring and grants to local disadvantaged young people.

To view the full research report click here

To view the Seckford Foundation Annual Review 2016 click here

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