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Since January, Nottingham Forest Community Trust (NFCT) has been working closely with the Raleigh Education Trust to deliver high-impact programmes across Woodlands, Westbury, Denewood, and Ambleside academies. These initiatives support pupils through sport, education, and personal development, providing opportunities to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Raleigh Education Trust is a multi-academy trust dedicated to providing high-quality education, enrichment opportunities, and pastoral support across Nottinghamshire. By partnering with NFCT, the Trust ensures that pupils have access to additional experiences beyond the classroom, helping them build confidence, develop skills, and achieve their full potential. Together, the organisations are working to provide meaningful, life-changing opportunities for young people across the region.

Through tailored support – delivered as part of established programmes such as Premier League Primary Stars and Premier League Inspires – pupils have engaged in a variety of activities, from physical education and targeted interventions to themed workshops and one-to-one mentoring. This combination of structured learning and enjoyable experiences has already had a positive effect on attendance, pupil confidence, and engagement, creating lasting memories for those involved.

NFCT is proud to work closely with academy trusts across Nottinghamshire, supporting schools and their pupils through additional support in lessons, especially PE, helping to inspire aspiration, improve attitudes to learning, and collaboratively enhance attendance and engagement.

Attendance Initiative

A key element of this partnership has been supporting the Raleigh Education Trust’s attendance initiative. Pupils who demonstrated improved attendance were rewarded with guided tours of the City Ground and Nottingham Forest museum, providing a tangible and exciting incentive to stay engaged with school.

The results so far:

Ambleside Academy: 0.7% reduction in absence rates during the two-week incentive period

Woodlands Academy: 1.9% reduction in absence rates

Westbury Academy: Pupil engagement was positive throughout

In total, approximately 232 pupils have been engaged through these programmes, benefiting from both learning and practical experiences that encourage participation, engagement, and enjoyment.

Physical activity is at the heart of NFCT’s programmes. Pupils participate in a variety of sessions designed to promote fitness, teamwork, and resilience, while also building essential life skills.

Alongside PE sessions, themed workshops and mentoring provide pupils with tailored guidance and support, helping them to set goals, build confidence, and develop skills that extend beyond the classroom. These sessions are designed to complement school learning, giving pupils practical experiences that reinforce educational outcomes.

By working collaboratively with schools, NFCT helps academy trusts deliver additional support in lessons, particularly PE, while also contributing to improved attendance, stronger attitudes to learning, and enhanced pupil aspiration.

Adam’s Story: A Matchday to Remember

Some pupils have had truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Adam, for example, was personally invited to the City Ground by Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood, where he met the first team before the Reds’ home game against Everton.
“This was incredible. I’ve never experienced anything like it,” says Adam. “Being on the pitch, meeting the players, and seeing how the team prepares for a match has inspired me to try even harder in school and in sport.”
Experiences like Adam’s show how NFCT goes beyond traditional learning, providing inspirational moments that motivate and encourage pupils to aim higher in all aspects of their lives.

Looking Ahead

Nottingham Forest Community Trust is committed to helping young people thrive through continued support, engagement, and opportunities. By combining sport, education, personal development, and additional support in lessons, NFCT works closely with academy trusts across Nottinghamshire to:

•Inspire aspiration and confidence in pupils
•Improve attendance and engagement
•Develop positive attitudes to learning
•Create unforgettable experiences that build skills for life

With programmes that are already making a measurable difference, NFCT will continue to expand reach, enhance experiences, and celebrate pupil achievement, ensuring that every young person involved has the chance to develop, succeed, and thrive.