A remarkable £1 million has been raised by Thinking Lettings, the trading subsidiary of Thinking Schools Academy Trust (TSAT), with profits planned to be spent on supporting schools and having a positive impact on thousands of pupils.
By opening school facilities for private hire outside of the school day, money can be raised and then put to good use across our regions.
The lettings which have supported this incredible achievement include the hire of sports pitches for local football teams, evening lets of school halls for community classes, and classroom space for training and development opportunities.
The money raised by Thinking Lettings is vital to support the good work of our schools in their mission to Transform Life Chances; the profits are directly reinvested into our schools across the South West, South, and South East of England where there is most need. The money raised will make a real difference to pupils and their learning environments. Successful projects which have been completed from the profits raised include brand-new playgrounds, and the developments of a new sensory garden, these funds have helped create inspiring and inclusive spaces that make education more memorable and engaging for young learners.
Lee Miller MBE, Deputy Chief Executive at Thinking Schools Academy Trust, said:
“Reaching £1 million in school hire revenue is a fantastic achievement for our team, but the real success lies in the impact this funding has had on our schools and students.
“Schools are at the heart of our communities, and by maximising the use of their facilities, they are not only creating additional funding streams but also making stronger community connections.
“This milestone is just the beginning, and we are excited to continue supporting schools in their mission to provide outstanding education for all.”
As well as offering lettings, some sites across our regions also benefit from Thinking Fitness gyms, each of which is committed not only to providing a high-quality health and fitness experience but also to reinvesting approximately £300k of income and giving schools access to high-quality gym equipment at no cost.
Across the sector, schools continue to find sustainable ways to generate additional income, ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has access to the best resources and experiences. By hiring out facilities, forming local partnerships, and embracing new funding opportunities, Thinking Schools Academy Trust are taking control of their financial future. These initiatives have helped bridge gaps in traditional funding, providing students with state-of-the-art classrooms, modern technology, and enrichment activities that support their learning journey.
Thinking Lettings remains committed to expanding their lettings programme, ensuring schools and students benefit from these initiative’s to truly Transform Life Chances. Thank you to school leaders and their teams for their support in reaching this milestone.