Partnerships in Action – Supporting Transitions at Benfield School

At Benfield School, we believe that education is about more than just academics; it’s about preparing our students for the significant transitions in life with confidence, resilience and ambition. That’s why we are so proud of our partnership with the Newcastle United Foundation (NUF), which recently brought national attention through a feature on BBC Match of the Day.

The transition from primary to secondary school, and later from school to the wider world, can be challenging for many young people. As a school, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support and guidance throughout these pivotal moments. Working alongside the Newcastle United Foundation and the Premier League, we have been able to enhance this support even further, ensuring no child feels left behind during these significant life changes.

The innovative transition programme, funded by NUF and the Premier League, is already making a meaningful impact. By offering targeted support and opportunities for students to build resilience, the programme helps them feel prepared and excited about the next steps in their education and beyond.

A recent highlight of this collaboration was the visit by England footballer Lloyd Kelly to Benfield School. During his time with us, he inspired students with his personal story and reinforced the importance of perseverance, teamwork and ambition. This memorable visit demonstrated the transformative power of partnerships in supporting our students’ personal growth and development.

As Mr Martin, our Headteacher, shares:

“It was a real pleasure to welcome both the Match Of The Day cameras, and Lloyd Kelly from Newcastle United’s first team to Benfield School on 14th January. Our visitors witnessed firsthand the amazing work our full-time Newcastle United Foundation staff do on a daily basis with some of our pupils. The transition programme they run helps ensure that our pupils are well prepared and supported as they move from primary into secondary school. The relationships they have developed in such a short period of time with both our pupils and their families is outstanding and is helping the pupils they work with to reach their full potential.”

We are deeply grateful to the Newcastle United Foundation and the Premier League for their ongoing support. The positive impact of their transition programme is already evident in the increased confidence and resilience of our students.

This partnership reflects what makes Benfield School such a special place: a commitment to community, ambition, and excellence. Together, we are not only helping students navigate transitions but also equipping them with the skills, values, and confidence to succeed in whatever they choose to do next.

For more on this inspiring partnership, watch the BBC Match of the Day feature here. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/videos/cp8qvv6y1meo

Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for every student at Benfield.