🎶 What an incredible day bringing our Trust together through music!
It was fantastic to welcome 150 singers from Marches Academy Trust schools to St Oswald’s, Oswestry for an inspiring African Gospel Singing workshop. A huge thank you to all the children who joined us – you were all absolutely brilliant! 🌟
The energy in the room was amazing, with children not only enjoying a wide range of songs but also learning about their meaning and importance within African culture. The atmosphere was full of joy, confidence and celebration, with everyone encouraged to take part and express themselves.
We also loved hearing this reflection from Emily: “We really enjoyed yesterday. We got to sing all sorts of different songs and learnt about what the songs actually mean to African culture. The people were very full of life and so was the crowd. You didn’t have to feel embarrassed to have a good time. Me and my friend even got a special shout out for our effort and interest in the event. It was genuinely a great experience and I would 100% go again.”
👏 What a fantastic experience for everyone involved!
The 2026 FA Cup Final takes place today, as Chelsea face Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in a huge showdown between two of English football’s biggest clubs.
With history on the line and silverware at stake, fans can expect passion, quality and plenty of drama under the famous arch.
Kick off is at 3.00pm BST, with millions tuning in across the country to watch football’s oldest cup competition reach its thrilling finale.
Who will lift the trophy and etch their name into FA Cup history?
Our Wave System is all about understanding, trust and the right support at the right time 🌊💙
This short animation explains how we notice, respond and support children when they need a little extra help, whether that is emotionally, socially or with learning.
Every child moves through waves differently, and our approach helps staff work together to make sure no one is missed and every child feels safe, supported and ready to learn.
Watch the video to see how the Wave System works and how we support children and families every step of the way.
For more information, please visit marchesacademytrust.co.uk.
We are so proud of everyone connected to Grove School who took part in the Market Drayton 10k and Fun Run 💚
Over 2,000 runners registered across the main race and fun run, creating an incredible atmosphere and showing just how powerful community events can be. So far, an amazing £450 has been raised for Macmillan, helping to support people living with cancer.
There was also a brilliant act of generosity, with 600 T‑shirts donated by runners. These will be washed and sent to Kenya to support New Hope Support, extending the impact of the day far beyond Shropshire.
A huge thank you to all runners, supporters, volunteers and organisers for making this such a positive and inspiring event.
Mental Health Awareness Week is a chance for all of us to pause, reflect and take action to support our mental wellbeing 💚
This year’s theme is Action, reminding us that even small steps can make a real difference. That might be checking in with someone, making time to talk, getting outside for fresh air, or asking for help when we need it.
Within our schools and communities, we are committed to creating safe, supportive environments where children, staff and families feel listened to, valued and cared for. Looking after our mental health matters just as much as our physical health, and we all have a role to play.
Take a moment this week to find one positive action that works for you and encourage others to do the same.
Find support, resources and ways to get involved by visiting Mental Health Awareness Week >mentalhealth.org.uk.
New 2G Sports Pitch in Market Drayton Set to Transform Sport, Health and Community Use
Grove School in Market Drayton and project partners are celebrating the installation of a new floodlit 2G multi-sport pitch this year, creating an important new facility that will serve education, community sport and local clubs for years to come.
The all-weather pitch has been designed to support a wide range of sports and activities and will be available throughout the school day, after school and during evenings and weekends, ensuring inclusive access for children, families, clubs and community groups across Market Drayton and the surrounding area.
Developed by the Marches Academy Trust in partnership with Grove School, Strategic Leisure, Market Drayton Town Council, Active Market Drayton and Shropshire Council, the facility addresses a longstanding lack of artificial sports provision locally. It will enable the school to deliver a broad and high quality physical education curriculum, expand extracurricular opportunities and provide a welcoming base for community sport, fitness and wellbeing activities.
The pitch will operate under a formal Community Use Agreement, ensuring it remains available for all practicable sports, accessible to the whole community and affordable for users. Clear arrangements are in development for programming, safeguarding, pricing, lighting and long-term maintenance, ensuring the facility is sustainable and protected for future generations.
Research underpinning the project highlights the significant health and wellbeing benefits of regular physical activity. The new pitch will support increased participation, improve mental and physical wellbeing and help bring people together through sport, particularly benefiting children and young people across the local area.
The project has been made possible thanks to the generous support of multiple funding partners. Funding for the new 2G pitch has been provided by Shropshire Council through its Community Infrastructure Levy, Drayton Action for Health, Market Drayton Town Council, the Marches Academy Trust and Market Drayton Community Amateur Sports Club.
All of this worked is underpinned by the work of the Active Market Drayton Group. The group is looking at supporting several clubs and facilities across the Town so people can continue to be physically active. The group includes, Shropshire Council, Grove School/Marches Academy Trust, Market Drayton Town Council, Strategic Leisure, Energize, Market Drayton Community Amateur Sports Club, Shropshire Community Leisure Trust, Maurice Chandler, Shropshire Cricket, Market Drayton Sports Association, Market Drayton Patient Participation Group and Drayton Action for Health.
Sarah Finch, CEO of the Marches Academy Trust, said: “This new 2G pitch is a fantastic investment in both our children and our wider community. It will give young people access to high-quality sport within their school day while also opening up opportunities for local clubs, families and residents to be active, connect and thrive together. We are extremely grateful to our funding partners whose belief in this project has made it possible.”
James Owen, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Housing for Shropshire Council said: “This facility will really make a difference to the residents of Market Drayton. Having a modern, multisport pitch locally available removes many barriers to participation and creates opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy sport in a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment. I hope it will be used to the fullest!”
Councillor Tom Dainty, Market Drayton East & Rural added: The new 2G pitch at Grove School is about far more than sport alone. It is a long‑term investment in health, wellbeing and community pride, providing a shared space where education, clubs and local residents can come together. Market Drayton has been long overdue a facility like this so I’m delighted that all the partners could come together for the benefit of the town and its residents”
The Marches Academy Trust, Grove School and Shropshire Council would like to thank all funding partners and supporters for their commitment to improving health, wellbeing and sporting opportunity in Market Drayton. Once completed, a full timetable of school, club and community use will be published so that everyone can benefit from this exciting new facility.
We are proud to launch our new Learning for Life animation, showcasing the incredible support available to children and young people through The Wave system and The Shore.
The animation brings to life how our schools create nurturing, inclusive environments where learners feel supported, valued and empowered to thrive, from tailored learning to emotional and social support. Together, we are shaping brighter futures.
🎓 Year 10 students at Grove School recently took part in a T Level assembly and Q&A delivered by Jackie Bradnick, Partnership Manager with the Strategic Development Network.
The session gave young people a really helpful insight into T Levels, what they involve and how they can support future education and career pathways, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and explore options 😊
To find out more about T Levels and the subjects available, visit 👉 www.tlevels.gov.uk/
🎶 What an incredible day bringing our Trust together through music!
It was fantastic to welcome 150 singers from Marches Academy Trust schools to St Oswald’s, Oswestry for an inspiring African Gospel Singing workshop. A huge thank you to all the children who joined us – you were all absolutely brilliant! 🌟
The energy in the room was amazing, with children not only enjoying a wide range of songs but also learning about their meaning and importance within African culture. The atmosphere was full of joy, confidence and celebration, with everyone encouraged to take part and express themselves.
We also loved hearing this reflection from Emily:
“We really enjoyed yesterday. We got to sing all sorts of different songs and learnt about what the songs actually mean to African culture. The people were very full of life and so was the crowd. You didn’t have to feel embarrassed to have a good time. Me and my friend even got a special shout out for our effort and interest in the event. It was genuinely a great experience and I would 100% go again.”
👏 What a fantastic experience for everyone involved!
#MarchesAcademyTrust #MusicMatters #SchoolCommunity #ShropshireSchools #Proud #LoveOfLearning #CreativeCurriculum ... See MoreSee Less
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Wembley is calling ⚽🏆
The 2026 FA Cup Final takes place today, as Chelsea face Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in a huge showdown between two of English football’s biggest clubs.
With history on the line and silverware at stake, fans can expect passion, quality and plenty of drama under the famous arch.
Kick off is at 3.00pm BST, with millions tuning in across the country to watch football’s oldest cup competition reach its thrilling finale.
Who will lift the trophy and etch their name into FA Cup history?
#FACupFinal #FAcup #Wembley #Chelsea #ManchesterCity #CupFinalFever ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Our Wave System is all about understanding, trust and the right support at the right time 🌊💙
This short animation explains how we notice, respond and support children when they need a little extra help, whether that is emotionally, socially or with learning.
Every child moves through waves differently, and our approach helps staff work together to make sure no one is missed and every child feels safe, supported and ready to learn.
Watch the video to see how the Wave System works and how we support children and families every step of the way.
For more information, please visit marchesacademytrust.co.uk.
#SupportingChildren #wellbeingmatters #everychildcounts ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
We are so proud of everyone connected to Grove School who took part in the Market Drayton 10k and Fun Run 💚
Over 2,000 runners registered across the main race and fun run, creating an incredible atmosphere and showing just how powerful community events can be. So far, an amazing £450 has been raised for Macmillan, helping to support people living with cancer.
There was also a brilliant act of generosity, with 600 T‑shirts donated by runners. These will be washed and sent to Kenya to support New Hope Support, extending the impact of the day far beyond Shropshire.
A huge thank you to all runners, supporters, volunteers and organisers for making this such a positive and inspiring event.
#groveschool #CommunityPride #marketdrayton10k #supportingothers #macmillan #GlobalImpact ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Mental Health Awareness Week is a chance for all of us to pause, reflect and take action to support our mental wellbeing 💚
This year’s theme is Action, reminding us that even small steps can make a real difference. That might be checking in with someone, making time to talk, getting outside for fresh air, or asking for help when we need it.
Within our schools and communities, we are committed to creating safe, supportive environments where children, staff and families feel listened to, valued and cared for. Looking after our mental health matters just as much as our physical health, and we all have a role to play.
Take a moment this week to find one positive action that works for you and encourage others to do the same.
Find support, resources and ways to get involved by visiting Mental Health Awareness Week >mentalhealth.org.uk.
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #EveryActionCounts #LookAfterYourMentalHealth ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
New 2G Sports Pitch in Market Drayton Set to Transform Sport, Health and Community Use
Grove School in Market Drayton and project partners are celebrating the installation of a new floodlit 2G multi-sport pitch this year, creating an important new facility that will serve education, community sport and local clubs for years to come.
The all-weather pitch has been designed to support a wide range of sports and activities and will be available throughout the school day, after school and during evenings and weekends, ensuring inclusive access for children, families, clubs and community groups across Market Drayton and the surrounding area.
Developed by the Marches Academy Trust in partnership with Grove School, Strategic Leisure, Market Drayton Town Council, Active Market Drayton and Shropshire Council, the facility addresses a longstanding lack of artificial sports provision locally. It will enable the school to deliver a broad and high quality physical education curriculum, expand extracurricular opportunities and provide a welcoming base for community sport, fitness and wellbeing activities.
The pitch will operate under a formal Community Use Agreement, ensuring it remains available for all practicable sports, accessible to the whole community and affordable for users. Clear arrangements are in development for programming, safeguarding, pricing, lighting and long-term maintenance, ensuring the facility is sustainable and protected for future generations.
Research underpinning the project highlights the significant health and wellbeing benefits of regular physical activity. The new pitch will support increased participation, improve mental and physical wellbeing and help bring people together through sport, particularly benefiting children and young people across the local area.
The project has been made possible thanks to the generous support of multiple funding partners. Funding for the new 2G pitch has been provided by Shropshire Council through its Community Infrastructure Levy, Drayton Action for Health, Market Drayton Town Council, the Marches Academy Trust and Market Drayton Community Amateur Sports Club.
All of this worked is underpinned by the work of the Active Market Drayton Group. The group is looking at supporting several clubs and facilities across the Town so people can continue to be physically active. The group includes, Shropshire Council, Grove School/Marches Academy Trust, Market Drayton Town Council, Strategic Leisure, Energize, Market Drayton Community Amateur Sports Club, Shropshire Community Leisure Trust, Maurice Chandler, Shropshire Cricket, Market Drayton Sports Association, Market Drayton Patient Participation Group and Drayton Action for Health.
Sarah Finch, CEO of the Marches Academy Trust, said: “This new 2G pitch is a fantastic investment in both our children and our wider community. It will give young people access to high-quality sport within their school day while also opening up opportunities for local clubs, families and residents to be active, connect and thrive together. We are extremely grateful to our funding partners whose belief in this project has made it possible.”
James Owen, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Housing for Shropshire Council said: “This facility will really make a difference to the residents of Market Drayton. Having a modern, multisport pitch locally available removes many barriers to participation and creates opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy sport in a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment. I hope it will be used to the fullest!”
Councillor Tom Dainty, Market Drayton East & Rural added: The new 2G pitch at Grove School is about far more than sport alone. It is a long‑term investment in health, wellbeing and community pride, providing a shared space where education, clubs and local residents can come together. Market Drayton has been long overdue a facility like this so I’m delighted that all the partners could come together for the benefit of the town and its residents”
The Marches Academy Trust, Grove School and Shropshire Council would like to thank all funding partners and supporters for their commitment to improving health, wellbeing and sporting opportunity in Market Drayton. Once completed, a full timetable of school, club and community use will be published so that everyone can benefit from this exciting new facility.
#Community #WorkingTogether #Sport #Health #Wellbeing ... See MoreSee Less
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Join us at Grove School for our upcoming Car Boot Sale on Sunday 26 April 🛍️
It is set to be a great community event with plenty of stalls, bargains and refreshments, so do come along and support the day.
If you would like to book a pitch, please email
📧 [email protected]
More information can be found on the flyer below.
We look forward to welcoming you.
#groveschool #carbootsale #CommunityEvent #marketdrayton #supportlocal ... See MoreSee Less
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✨ Our Learning for Life animation✨
We are proud to launch our new Learning for Life animation, showcasing the incredible support available to children and young people through The Wave system and The Shore.
The animation brings to life how our schools create nurturing, inclusive environments where learners feel supported, valued and empowered to thrive, from tailored learning to emotional and social support. Together, we are shaping brighter futures.
👉 Watch the animation and see how we make a real difference: marchesacademytrust.co.uk.
#MarchesAcademyTrust #LearningForLife #TheWave #theshore #wellbeingmatters #StudentSupport #BrighterFutures ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🎓 Year 10 students at Grove School recently took part in a T Level assembly and Q&A delivered by Jackie Bradnick, Partnership Manager with the Strategic Development Network.
The session gave young people a really helpful insight into T Levels, what they involve and how they can support future education and career pathways, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and explore options 😊
To find out more about T Levels and the subjects available, visit 👉 www.tlevels.gov.uk/
#GroveSchool #TLevels #CareersEducation #Year10 #FuturePathways ... See MoreSee Less
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