The prospect of returning to school for the first time since March may be daunting for some, but Tottenham Hotspur have helped ease the pathway for local youngsters.
Spurs opened the doors to its Tottenham Hotspur Stadium throughout the pandemic by hosting hospital services, drive-through COVID-19 testing and a food distribution hub.
And they stepped up again to support their community with a unique summer school for the most economically disadvantaged students affected by the prolonged school closures due to the pandemic.
Nominated by their teachers, participating youngsters from Haringey, may of whom receive free school meals, have taken part in a range of activities to prepare them for the crucial transition into Year 11.
"We know that this will make a huge difference to their readiness to be back in their own schools"
And the programme, delivered by Highgate School in partnership with the London Academy of Excellence Tottenham (LAET) - a state-funded Sixth Form based within the Club’s stadium development scheme - has proved invaluable.
"It has been wonderful to see," Adam Pettitt, head of Highgate School, told the official club website.
"The turnout has been phenomenal and every day the pupils are choosing to be here in their summer holiday and are engaging fully in academic life - brushing up on old skills and learning new ones.
"We know that this will make a huge difference to their readiness to be back in their own schools in September and our teachers and staff are also thrilled to be back in the classroom again - doing what they do best - teaching rich and inspiring lessons to real-life pupils!”
The sessions took place within the stadium's vast street-food Market Place emporium and included a wide range of topics and activities.
In addition to learning during a key stage of their education, the students discussed key social issues affecting their daily lives, including policing and drug culture. They also took part in careers and employability workshops along with sessions designed to introduce them to new skills and hobbies, including textile craft and circus skills.
Donna-Maria Cullen, Tottenham Hotspur's executive director, believes that this latest offering of support by Spurs reflects its strong community links.
"The club is rooted within its local community and we are pleased to have been able to offer our stadium for a number of different uses during the current pandemic," she said.
"We have always placed a huge amount of importance on the education of our local young people and have been delighted to support Highgate School and LAET in providing this unique opportunity to students who need it most at such a crucial time."
