At the Independence Project, we’re always looking for ways to collaborate with and support our local community, so when we were approached by Tracey Plane the newly appointed Head Teacher of the Sir Geoff Hurst Academy to host a training day for her team, we jumped at the chance to get involved.
The Sir Geoff Hurst Academy, set to open in February, is a much-needed addition to the local area. This special school will provide a nurturing and inclusive environment for its pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and associated challenges. The school also includes residential provision for pupils, ensuring additional support for those who need it most. Named after the legendary Sir Geoff Hurst—England’s hero and the only man to score a hat-trick in a World Cup Final—the academy carries forward a legacy of excellence and determination. It’s even being built on the historic site of Rainsford High School, where Sir Geoff himself once attended.
Tracey contacted us and explained she was searching for a venue where the new team of teachers could come together for training ahead of the school’s grand opening. We were delighted to offer the Independence Project Base as the perfect spot for the day. Not only was this a chance for us to lend a helping hand to a fantastic new school, but it also provided an opportunity for our adult members to get involved in a meaningful way.
Our members worked together to prepare and serve lunch for the teachers, showcasing their impressive cooking skills and hospitality. It was a proud moment for everyone involved, as it highlighted the talents and abilities of our members while fostering a warm, welcoming atmosphere for the Sir Geoff Hurst Academy staff.
The training day was a resounding success, with the teachers leaving feeling more prepared and connected as a team. For our members, the experience was equally valuable—offering them a chance to build confidence, share their skills, and be part of something that will have a lasting impact on the community.
As the Sir Geoff Hurst Academy prepares to open its doors next month, we wish Tracey and her incredible team all the best in their mission to support children and young people with SEMH needs. We are proud to have played a small part in their journey and look forward to seeing the positive difference they’ll make in the lives of their students.
The Independence Project is all about fostering inclusion, opportunity, and collaboration, and this training day was a shining example of what can be achieved when people come together to support one another. Sir Geoff Hurst inspired a nation in 1966, and now his namesake academy is set to inspire and nurture a new generation right here in our community.
We’re honored to have been part of their story and can’t wait to see what the future holds for this exciting new school.
