Announcing Beacon Academy Sponsored Walk 2026

On Friday 15 May 2026, students in Years 7 - 10 at Beacon Academy will be taking part in our annual Sponsored Walk, a key school event that combines community spirit, physical challenge and fundraising.

The Sponsored Walk is a fun 8km route through the beautiful countryside on our doorstep. Reflecting our core values, it gives students the opportunity to make their MARK by working together, supporting one another and striving to achieve their best.

Why we are fundraising:

We are encouraging every student to raise as much sponsorship as possible to help us reach our fundraising target. Funds raised will support:

• The development of outdoor social areas for our students
• Educational resources across the school

We will also be making a donation to our chosen charities: Taylor-Made Dreams and Charlie's Promise. 

How your support makes a difference:

Thanks to funds raised through our 2024-2025 Sponsored Walk, we are delighted to begin the first phase of developing covered outdoor areas, starting in May 2026.

These new spaces will provide shelter for outdoor learning and activities, create inclusive spaces for students to socialise at break and lunchtime, and offer additional seating for students throughout the school day.

Our 2026 Sponsored Walk will help us to continue these phased developments and further enhance our school environment.

Collecting sponsorship online:

Following the success of last year’s event, sponsorship will once again be collected securely using People’s Fundraising. 

All students in Years 7 - 10 and their parents and carers will receive a link to their own personalised fundraising page, which can be easily shared with family and friends to collect sponsorship. Students will receive this email via their school Outlook account.

You can also visit our 2026 Sponsored Walk team page to track our collective progress: Fundraising group - Beacon Academy Sponsored Walk 2026

Please note that Year 11 students will not take part this year, as the event falls within the exam period.

Prize Draws:

To celebrate students' fundraising efforts, there will be one prize winner per year group.

• Each £25 raised = one entry
• Every additional £25 raised = an extra entry

Prizes include:

• Thorpe Park tickets for two
• Dark Master Escape Room voucher for two
• £30 Love2Shop Gift Voucher

On the day: Friday 15 May

Clothing and equipment

Students are permitted to wear non‑school uniform suitable for physical activity. All other school policies regarding jewellery, make‑up and hair colour continue to apply.

We strongly recommend that students:

• Wear trainers and socks due to varying terrain
• Dress appropriately for the weather
• Bring a hat and sunscreen if needed

Clothing that is skimpy or revealing is not appropriate for a school event and will not be permitted. Students who arrive dressed inappropriately will be asked to return home to change.

Timetable and arrangements

• Students will follow their normal timetable for Periods 1 and 2, with the walk beginning after an extended break and registration.
• Students should pack lightly and may leave bags in lockers or tutor rooms before the walk begins. Tutor rooms will not be locked, so valuables should be left at home.
• At break time, students may purchase food and drinks or bring a packed snack as normal.
• Students must bring a filled water bottle with them on the walk. There will be two opportunities to refill bottles along the route.

All usual safeguarding procedures will be in place to supervise and support students throughout the day. Staff will marshal the route, including road crossings, pavements and footpaths. Students will register once during the walk and again on their return to school.

As always, we expect students to behave in an exemplary manner. Any behaviour falling below expectations will result in the appropriate sanction.

End of the day

• Students will sign out in Beeches Main Hall and receive a free pack of sweets.
• After the walk, light snacks will be available to purchase in Café Beech between 1:30pm and 2:00pm.
• Students are expected to finish at approximately 2:00pm, depending on completion times.
• School transport will run as normal at usual times.

Additional Information:

This is a school event for students in Years 7 - 10, supported by staff across Beacon Academy. If your child is unable to participate due to a medical condition or injury, or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mr Cottrell at pcottrell@beacon-academy.org by Wednesday 13 May.

Thank you for your continued support, and good luck to everyone taking part in our 2026 Sponsored Walk!