Aspire2 aims for all children in Reading to have an equal opportunity to access enrichment activities, that develop skills that are essential to successful, happy, fulfilled lives.
About us
The schools we support
The schools in the Whitley Excellence Cluster that we support are: Reading Girls School, The John Madejski Academy, The Avenue School, Geoffrey Field Junior School, Geoffrey Field Infant School, Christ the King Primary School, Whitley Park Primary and Nursery School, The Ridgeway Primary School, New Christ Church Primary School, Palmer Academy and Blagdon Nursery. Approximately 4,000 children attend these schools.
How we work
Aspire2 is a small local charity that supports children and families across Whitley to experience activities and trips that would otherwise be out of reach. The charity is managed by a board of Trustees who are appointed from the local community, schools, services, and local organisations. We are also lucky to have Partners working with us, who provide additional expertise and help.
Our aim
The aim of the charity is to ensure the sustainability of enrichment activities in the WEC and keep activities and projects running for the children and families in the area that they would not otherwise be able to experience.
How we support Whitley
The eleven schools in Whitley form the Whitley Excellence Cluster (WEC), which enables the schools to work closely together and support each other. Aspire2 supports these WEC schools. Funds raised by the charity support a range of activities including residential and day trips to Ufton Court, where our children explore outdoor education, outreach programmes with Reading University, arts and cultural experiences and activities and community events.
Our history
Aspire2 was established as a registered charity in 2007 by the headteachers, governors, and members of the community in the 11 collaborating South Reading schools that form the “Whitley Excellence Cluster” (WEC). Originally WEC received funding directly from the Department of Education as part of the national Excellence in Cities initiative. When funding from the government’s Excellence in Cities initiative ended, local parents started a pressure group, “Save WEC”, which fought to keep the activities and projects running for the children and families in the area. Aspire2 is working with these parents to harness that energy and enthusiasm and channel it into enriching and improving the lives of Whitley families.
Whitley
Whitley is a vibrant community in the South of Reading. It is a large residential settlement originally created for workers in a time of industrial boom. Other organisations operating in Whitley such as the Community Cafe, Youth Centre and Community Museum create a very close-knit community within the Whitley area.
Here are some of Whitley’s claims to fame:
Ricky Gervais, the well-known comedian, actor, film director and producer, musician and writer was born and bred in Whitley!
Midge Ure, a popular musician, lived briefly on Hexham Road in 1974 whilst a member of the band Slik.
Team Members
Our team
Nina works part time with us, along side a team of Trustees and partners. We also work closely with an active and committed range of supporters.
If you are interested in becoming a trustee and can spare a couple of hours of your time every month or so, please take a look at our recruitment pack. You could make a positive difference for hundreds of children in Whitley.
Nina Bailey
Charity Development Manager (part time)
Charlie Clare
Chair of Trustees
Jacky Steele
Vice Chair of Trustees
David Shepherd
Treasurer (New Christchurch Primary School)
Martin Salter
Trustee
Frances Lancaster
Trustee (Geoffrey Field Junior School)
Molli Cleaver
Trustee (University of Reading)
Talia Hicky
Trustee (Hartland High)
Mary Waite
Partner
Kate Thomson
Partner (Reading Girls School)
Headteachers WEC schools
Partners