Pupils gearing up for their GCSEs at a Nottingham school could get their prom gown for free after staff donated beautiful outfits for them to wear. The ‘prom rail’ at The Wells Academy on Ransom Drive in Mapperley includes some gorgeous evening wear, including brand new gowns and even a suit by top designer Paul Smith - who famously hails from the city.
On top of this, the school principal agreed to help pay for the students' prom tickets. Academy principal George Coles, who joined the 725-student secondary in January, said he was so impressed by students’ enthusiasm after they approached him Dragon’s Den style with fundraising ideas for their prom that he said he would help pay for the tickets.
After their exams, teenagers at The Wells Academy are heading off to the spectacular Goosedale Hall for their prom, which would normally have cost them around £50 for the whole evening – not including their outfits. But after the school stepped in to help fund tickets, pupils will now pick them up for between £5 and £15 depending on what they feel they can afford.
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Staff at The Wells Academy have been donating beautiful outfits for use by students in a bid to promote sustainable fashion and also to help out with the cost of a prom dress or suit – which can be prohibitively costly for teenagers and their families. The school said their students greatly appreciated the support and were looking forward to celebrating with classmates at the end of exam season.
Tré Miller-Jackson said: “I’m excited for the prom – it’s the last great get-together for the students.” Sibastian Palmer said: “I think for some people it’s good to know the prom rail is there just in case, but for some others who are less fortunate than other people and they feel like they don’t have enough funds to get these dresses and clothes, it’s important for them as well.
“I feel this is a great idea, personally. It’s just for everyone. People tend to not feel included but now there’s the prom shop and they can just rent clothes, that keeps the pressure off for them.”
Mr Coles, who himself donated a suit for the prom rail, said: “I was so impressed with the fundraising ideas students had. In the lead-up to their examinations I would prefer them to focus on their studies so I agreed to find the money to be able to subside the tickets. The prom is a real rite of passage and I think it’s very important for students to be able to go and celebrate with friends.”
The Wells Academy has in place many measures to help its year 11 students with their GCSEs, including an extended school day until 4.30pm three days a week, with the option for intensive catch-up study with subjects pupils may feel less confident in. Year 11 student Maria Sajid said she found this very valuable. “It makes it so much easier,” she said, “Especially if you don’t understand something, you can ask the teacher later on.”
Mr Coles said: “Having seen year 11 students at this school coming in during Easter, the focus and commitment from them is amazing. I know they are going to go on to do great things, and I’m excited to find out what!”
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