Pocklington School Wins ‘Young Volunteer’ Award at Pocklington Community Volunteer Awards | Pocklington School | Private Day & Boarding School In East Yorkshire near York

Pocklington School is delighted to have won the ‘Young Volunteer’ Award at the recent Pocklington Community Volunteer Awards, recognising the dedication, empathy and hard work of our Lower Sixth students through the School’s long-running Community Action Programme.

Staff and students were invited to the ceremony by Louise Partridge from Pocklington Rugby in the Community, where the School was announced as the winner of the award for its ongoing commitment to volunteering and community partnerships. The programme runs every Thursday afternoon throughout the academic year and gives students the opportunity to make a genuine difference within the community.

We are very grateful to the many local charities, schools and organisations who so warmly welcome our students and provide meaningful opportunities for them to learn and serve. These include Dementia Forward, Pocklington Rugby Club, Pocklington Tennis Club, Wilberforce Care Home, I Love Zero, Pocklington Fair Trade, Scaife Garth, Barnard’s Charity Shop, and seven local primary schools. Our partnership with Kings Mill School in Driffield has also been particularly inspiring, allowing our students to lead sports sessions for disabled children, helping them to develop empathy, patience and understanding.

The Community Action Programme has been a key part of Sixth Form life at Pocklington School for more than 30 years. Despite changes to the school timetable in recent years, it continues to thrive and remains a defining feature of our commitment to developing responsible, compassionate and community-minded young people.

At the awards ceremony, the following words were shared:

The young people of Pocklington School take part in Community Action once a week, where they work as volunteers to assist many organisations and clubs in our community. From sitting and chatting with members of Dementia Forward, to supporting adults with learning difficulties at Pocklington Tennis Club, and helping with maintenance at Pocklington Rugby Club, their contribution is far-reaching.
They are willing to learn new skills, behave courteously and respectfully, and are a great credit to themselves, their families and their school. Their empathy and exemplary behaviour make a real difference to the people they help, and it is clear that the future is in very good hands.”

The award was presented to Miss Lucy Hornby, Co-Curricular Coordinator, along with pupils past and present who have contributed to the success of the programme.

Reflecting on the award, Miss Hornby said:

We are incredibly proud of our L6 students for receiving the Young Volunteer Award, a well-deserved recognition of their dedication and impact within our community. Our community action programme is built on strong partnerships with wonderful organisations such as Dementia Forward, I Love Zero, Wilberforce Care Home, and Pocklington Rugby in the Community. These collaborations highlight the power of a united community working together to support and uplift one another. This achievement is not only a testament to the hard work and commitment of our students but also a celebration of the collective spirit that makes our community so special.”

Head of School, Becky Lovelock, added:

We are absolutely delighted by this award. The School prioritises this community programme both for the assistance it gives others and for the important character development it offers our young people, helping them grow into the community-focused and selfless individuals of tomorrow.”

Adding to the celebration, the Pocklington School Swing Band, led by Director of Music Sam Austin, also took part in the ceremony, entertaining guests with a lively performance that perfectly captured the spirit of the evening.