Front left to right: Adam Berry, Mark Brenninkmeijer & Paul O'Neill accompanied by Aspire Academy students

Earlier this month, the Fylde Coast Academy Trust welcomed some very special guests to the newly built Aspire Academy on Blackpool Old Road. The visitors were from an international organisation known as Porticus. The two Porticus representatives were Chairman, Mark Brenninkmeijer and Grant Manager, Adam Berry accompanied by the Director of Programmes from Right to Succeed, Paul O’Neill.  This event is part of a programme of visits through Blackpool Challenge and Right to Succeed where senior business leaders are meeting with students and staff in our schools.

The team had an opportunity to discuss aspects of life in Blackpool as well as hopes and dreams of young people.  Discussions with Aspire staff and students included the ongoing collaborative improvement work across the Fylde Coast Academy Trust.  The meeting concluded with a brief tour of the brand-new Aspire Academy site.

Porticus is an international organisation that manages and develops the philanthropic programmes of charitable entities established by Brenninkmeijer family entrepreneurs. They collaborate with partners around the globe to foster human dignity, social justice and sustainability. Working within Porticus’ strategic themes of education, society, faith and care, as well as in the field of economic development and climate change, their aim is to contribute to systemic social change by combining our thematic expertise with our grassroots networks all over the world.

Picture Left to right: John Topping Deputy Principal, Mark Brenninkmeijer, Adam Berry, Paul O’Neill