Top marks for Newmarket Academy project

A visit to one of London’s top hotels was among the highlights of a year of activities organised as part of the Newmarket Academy Godolphin Beacon project.

The five-year £250,000 initiative which is being backed by Sheikh Mohammed, head of the Godolphin racing organisation, which is Newmarket’s largest employer, is being run jointly the education charity Racing to School.

It has two key goals: to expand the aspiration and ambition of every academy student by showing them a diversity of career pathways and to provide them with the tools required to pursue these ambitions.

The racing industry was a common thread throughout nearly 30 events which formed the second year of the programme, with both Newmarket and Huntingdon Racecourses supporting the project, along with other local businesses and organisations.

But the programme was not limited to racing, with one of the most coveted activities among the students being the visit to the five-star Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel in London.

This gave them a unique behind-the-scenes insight into an international, 24-hour business and how the distinct hospitality teams combine to offer guests the best of the best.

The trip is already pencilled in again for next year.

Overall, 29 events were delivered to around 500 pupils covering a diverse range of subjects from maths, business studies and art, to careers advice, food technology and travel and tourism.

Practical support through mock interviews was also provided to a group of 18 SEND students and some for whom English is a second language.

Academy principal Nick Froy said: “We are delighted with the way that the project has grown this year.

“We have been able to provide greater coverage, and more bespoke intervention . It has been a fantastic success bringing an incredible range of benefits to the students at the academy ranging from greater awareness and ambition to confidence and global understanding.”