London, U.K., 22 July 2024 – Stone Soup Academy today announced Experian and National Literacy Trust have donated a full range of books that will ensure the library is fully stocked, ready for the students and new school year.
Stone Soup Academy is an alternative provision free school Academy situated in the centre of Nottingham in the historic Lace Market. With this donation, students will get a chance to improve their literacy skills and access new and innovative worlds through a range of graphic novels, novels targeted at different ages, non-fiction books and reading packs.
Kerrie Henton, Principal of Stone Soup said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Experian and National Literacy Trust in the development of literacy for the young people at Stone Soup Academy. Our aim is to create a centre of excellence for alternative provision education rooted in innovation and technology and one that supports some of the most vulnerable young people in Nottingham. We continue to push the boundaries and work with key partners to make things possible.”
Data analysis by Experian, based on the socioeconomic factors identified by the National Literacy Trust to be most closely associated with low literacy, indicates that Nottingham North, the constituency in which Stone Soup Academy is located, is one of the most at risk areas to low literacy in the country.
Tim Judge, Head of School Programmes, National Literacy Trust, said: “We know that when young people have access to books and enjoy reading, it can make a big difference to so many areas of their lives, from boosting their confidence and wellbeing to improving their literacy skills and future outcomes. But too many young people are missing out on these benefits, particularly in communities where low literacy and poverty are having the greatest impact. That’s why we’re so pleased to be able to support Stone Soup Academy to give more young people the opportunity to discover the power of books, develop their literacy skills and ultimately change their life stories.”
Richard Donovan, Head of Corporate Responsibility, Experian UK&I added: “Stone Soup Academy provides critical support to young people outside of mainstream education in Nottingham. We hope by helping stock Stone Soup’s library that their students will find a book to fall in love with and access the resources they need to flourish. We look forward to being able to support Stone Soup Academy in the future as part of our ongoing commitment to drive improved socio-economic outcomes within our communities.”
Stone Soup Academy has been established for over ten years and works with local schools and local authorities to ensure that students who fail to thrive in a mainstream school environment have a genuine educational alternative. Students can join the Academy in years 9, 10 and 11 with over 100 young people currently attending. It also relies on the continued support of companies including John Lewis as well as local businesses and academic organisations including Nottingham College. Most recently, Stone Soup Academy also opened its second site, Milbie House. This is a high spec learning environment with an immersive suit, cinema, gym and games room. Across the academy there is technology in every classroom and they are able to deliver a broad and rich curriculum enabling their young people to achieve great things. Stone Soup Academy are truly creating unimagined futures for the young people of Nottingham.
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Media contact:
Vicki Cook, Head of Corporate and B2B PR, Experian UK&I
Tel: +44 7977 798 173 / Email: vicki.cook@experian.com
About Experian
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