Vote for us in World's Best School prizes!
We’re incredibly proud to share some exciting news — One Degree Academy has been selected as a Top 10 finalist for the World’s Best School Prize for Overcoming Adversity! We’d love your help in spreading the word about this global recognition by voting for us in the Community Choice Awards. #WBS
Support us
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, One Degree Academy continues to achieve exemplary results and change the lives of families. The work we do with our disadvantaged families and students means they are twice as likely to achieve (86%) the expected standard or greater depth in reading, writing, and mathematics combined—significantly surpassing the national average of just 46% for disadvantaged students.
We rely on donations and your support to enable us to achieve this.
Offer your time, knowledge and expertise: Complete this form here to provide us with more information.
We welcome visits from our supporters and the wider education community to see first-hand how your support makes a difference. Click Here to arrange your visit.
Reuben De Souza
Giving time regularly to One Degree Academy
Reuben De Souza, a technology enthusiast and committed parent volunteer, has become an invaluable asset to One Degree Academy. With a professional background in IT and a passion for education, Reuben generously gives his time to support the academy’s mission of empowering disadvantaged learners.
Christopher Samsa
Sharing Expertise to Support Wellbeing at OneDegree Academy
After visiting the academy and witnessing its commitment to nurturing both academic and personal growth, Christopher was inspired to offer his expertise free of charge to support the school’s mission.
Rachel Pendered
Significant financial donation
Rachel Pendered, an entrepreneur and passionate advocate for education, visited OneDegree Academy and was deeply moved by its mission to empower disadvantaged learners. Her experience inspired her to make a significant donation, driven by a clear purpose: to help enable the most vulnerable students to succeed.
A recent example of how we have used donations
The One Degree bus provides free transport to school for some of our families.
Reuben De Souza, a technology enthusiast and committed parent volunteer, has become an invaluable asset to One Degree Academy. With a professional background in IT and a passion for education, Reuben generously gives his time to support the academy’s mission of empowering disadvantaged learners.
Reuben’s approach to volunteering is both thoughtful and strategic. He recognises the strengths of the academy’s teachers and focuses on identifying tasks that can save them time, allowing staff to concentrate on what they do best—teaching.
Whether it’s setting up chairs after an event, assisting with technical setups, or exploring innovative ways to improve the academy’s website, Reuben’s efforts are always aimed at reducing the administrative burden on ODA staff. Reuben also uses his tech strengths to support other parents, holding regular drop in sessions to help ODA parents with their own tech and ODA devices.
Reuben’s motivation stems from his desire to contribute meaningfully to his community. As a parent, he has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of OneDegree Academy’s approach to education.
Through his selfless contributions, Reuben exemplifies how individual dedication can amplify an institution’s success. His support not only eases the workload for staff but also enriches the ODA community. Reuben’s story is a testament to the power of community-driven action in shaping brighter futures.
After visiting the academy and witnessing its commitment to nurturing both academic and personal growth, Christopher was inspired to offer his expertise free of charge to support the school’s mission.
Christopher’s professional background includes extensive experience in delivering workshops and training programmes focused on positive psychology, resilience, and mental wellbeing. Recognising the challenges faced by both students and staff in today’s fast-paced world, he saw an opportunity to make a meaningful impact at OneDegree Academy.
Since his initial visit, Christopher has delivered workshops tailored to the needs of the academy’s community. For students, his sessions focus on building resilience, fostering a growth mindset, and developing strategies to manage stress and anxiety.
For staff, he provides tools and techniques to enhance their own wellbeing, enabling them to better support their students while maintaining their own mental health.
Christopher’s workshops are not only practical but also deeply engaging, combining evidence-based practices with interactive activities that resonate with participants. His approach aligns perfectly with the academy’s holistic ethos, which prioritises the wellbeing of its community as a foundation for academic success.
Christopher’s motivation stems from his belief in the transformative power of positive psychology. By sharing his expertise, he aims to equip students and staff with the skills they need to thrive, both inside and outside the classroom. His work at OneDegree Academy is an example of how incredible professionals can support the work of a school.
Rachel Pendered, an entrepreneur and passionate advocate for education, visited OneDegree Academy and was deeply moved by its mission to empower disadvantaged learners. Her experience inspired her to make a significant donation, driven by a clear purpose: to help enable the most vulnerable students to succeed.
During her visit, Rachel witnessed the Academy’s dedication to creating an inclusive and nurturing environment. She was struck by the resilience of the students and the staff’s unwavering commitment to ensuring every child could thrive, regardless of their background. OneDegree Academy stood out as a beacon of excellence, fostering a sense of community and love that left Rachel in awe. She remarked, “I am in awe of your amazing Academy,” capturing her admiration for its transformative work.
Recognising the critical need for resources to sustain and expand the Academy’s impact, Rachel was inspired to contribute generously. Her donation reflects her belief in the power of education to break cycles of disadvantage and create a more equitable future. Her donation has enabled the Academy to open it’s farm and offer free nursery care to disadvantaged families.
Rachel’s generosity is a testament to her faith in OneDegree Academy’s vision. Her story highlights how personal experiences can inspire meaningful action and underscores the importance of supporting institutions that make a tangible difference.