- Heathrow appoints two new primary schools to receive year-round dedicated support
- Bedfont Primary School and Stanwell Fields Primary School will benefit from volunteering, school improvements and access to community funds
- Heathrow pledges to grow its school partnership programme to 10 schools by 2030
Heathrow has today announced two new primary schools will receive year-round dedicated support as part of its local schools partnership.
Bedfont Primary School, in Hounslow, and Stanwell Fields Primary School, in Surrey, have been selected to join five other local schools in getting tailored outreach and volunteering.
There are huge benefits to having the UK’s largest single site of employment nearby, but airport operations can also have an impact on neighbours. This is why Heathrow has committed to its Giving Back Programme, ensuring the airport, and the tens of thousands of people who work there, maintain a positive connection with the community.
Heathrow colleagues play an active role in each partner school, helping to fill school governor vacancies and volunteering in the classroom. Activities include one-to-one guided reading, interactive workshops in line with the curriculum and helping children understand how they can access the world of work at the airport as they grow up.
Beyond the classroom, Heathrow’s Community Rangers use their expertise in landscaping and woodwork to improve school facilities, alongside interactive sustainability workshops. Schools can also access the airport’s Take Off Fund, helping to pay for community projects that improve the quality of life for Heathrow’s nearest neighbours.
Heathrow’s Director of Communities and Sustainability, Becky Coffin, said: “Some of my most rewarding days at work are when I spend time with our partner schools, seeing the difference it makes when we reach out and say, ‘how can we help this week’. We are delighted to welcome Bedfont and Stanwell Fields primaries to this unique programme and look forward to getting to know their pupils and teachers.”
Bedfont Primary School’s Headteacher, Gemma Donnelly, said: “As one of our nearest neighbours, Heathrow plays a significant role in providing industry, opportunities and support to our local community. We are excited about the variety of initiatives this partnership will bring, including workshops for our children, visits to the airport, and support for key projects within our school. It is wonderful to see Heathrow’s commitment to giving back to the community, and we look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have for our pupils.”
Existing partner schools are Colnbrook CofE Primary School, Harmondsworth Primary School, Heathrow Primary School, Pippins Primary School and William Byrd Primary School.
Heathrow has pledged to continue to expand the programme up to 10 partner schools by 2030, as part of its wider Giving Back Programme. By the end of the decade airport colleagues will have given back to at least one million local people, ranging from school support to career advice, alongside fundraising for local causes and improving community facilities.
