Outwood Academy Danum students secure £15,000 of funding

The Student Parliament at Outwood Academy Danum has secured a major investment to transform student wellbeing. 

The students successfully bid for £15,000 from the Outwood Student Voice Innovation Fund. This fund, which has £350,000 available in grants across the Outwood Family of Schools, was created by Outwood Grange Academies Trust to put the power of change directly into the hands of students.

The grant falls into the "Large Grants" category (projects over £7,500) and will be used to install two "wellbeing pods" on school grounds. These specialised, quiet rooms are designed to provide a calm sanctuary for students who may be feeling stressed or anxious, overwhelmed by the busy school environment or in need of a safe, "quiet zone" to regulate and relax.  

By securing this funding, the students have met the fund's core criteria of Student Empowerment and Belonging, creating a lasting resource that will benefit the school community for years to come. 

The students' commitment to the school community extends beyond the school gates. Members of the Student Parliament recently organised a litter pick in local woodlands, clearing away rubbish to protect local wildlife and ensure the area remains a vibrant space for the public, preserving the beauty of the Doncaster area. The Student Parliament continues to meet weekly to develop innovative projects.

Elliot Kelly, assistant principal at the school, praised the students for their initiative, saying:

"We are so proud of our Student Parliament. They didn't just talk about problems; they found ways to fix them. Winning £15,000 is an amazing achievement! It shows that when young people are given a chance, they can do great things for their friends and their wider community."

The Student Voice Innovation Fund supports student-led projects across the Outwood family of schools that focus on community, empowerment, and scalability. Applications are reviewed by a panel of Trust experts to ensure projects create a meaningful, lasting impact on the student experience.