Press Coverage

On the eve of Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday, Broom Leys Primary School featured on the BBC’s The One Show as part of a segment exploring how schools across Leicester and Leicestershire have been celebrating this important milestone and recognising one of the country’s most familiar faces.

Leicestershire Matters, the magazine produced by Leicestershire County Council, featured the planting of a significant oak tree at Hallam Fields Primary School in Birstall. Grown from an acorn collected at Bradgate Park, the tree was planted as part of the school’s expansion and has been named the Magic Faraway Tree by pupils, giving them a lasting connection to the local landscape.

Hayley Barnard and Lisa Hicks, Head of School and Assistant Headteacher at Broom Leys Primary School, spoke to Ady Dayman on BBC Radio Leicester about plans to mark Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday. They outlined ideas for a nature‑themed day, including planting fruit, vegetables and sunflowers, as well as creating a new wildflower area named Attenborough Meadow.

The Birstall Post highlighted a joint choir event involving pupils from The Cedars Academy, Hallam Fields Primary School, Highcliffe Primary School and Riverside Primary School. Working with Leicestershire Music, the children rehearsed together in shared workshops before delivering a lively performance, gaining confidence and experiencing what it is like to sing as part of a large combined choir.

Ava – a Year 8 student at The Cedars Academy – spoke to BBC Radio Leicester about her involvement in the 2026 Comic Relief campaign. She shared her excitement about taking part in the official photoshoot and spoke proudly about contributing to a cause that supports people facing hardship. 

Roma Dhameja, Associate Principal at The Castle Rock School, spoke on BBC Radio Leicester about the importance of teaching young people about money. She discussed Lionheart's Personal Development curriculum that covers a wide range of money-themed categories, including financial management, budgeting, credit cards, loans and mortgages. 

Year 10 students at The Castle Rock School took part in a BBC Radio Leicester feature where they discussed pressures linked to body image, fitness trends and the impact of influencers. They spoke about staying grounded, questioning what they see online and the importance of honesty within the digital landscape.

Year 12 A-level Politics students were interviewed by ITV Central News after watching the Chancellor deliver the Autumn Budget. They shared their immediate reactions, connecting their classroom learning with real-world politics. Topics discussed included the proposed tax on electric and hybrid vehicles, plans to support apprenticeships and the sugar tax.

Pupils at Newhall Junior School moved into their brand-new temporary building after October half-term, a landmark moment which was proudly featured in the Burton Mail.

Local MP Dr Jeevun Sandher visited Humphrey Perkins School in Barrow upon Soar, where he toured the school grounds and answered questions from students. The visited was featured in the Loughborough Echo.

Celebrating their commitment to extracurricular initiatives, Broom Leys Primary School has been awarded the Music Mark of Recognition by the national association, Music Mark. This prestigious accolade was proudly featured in a recent issue of the Coalville, Ashby and Swadlincote Times, which highlighted the wide range of musical activities available to pupils at the school.

Students at The Castle Rock School spoke to BBC East Midlands Today about how they have been inspired by local actor Stephen Graham, whose show 'Adolescence' won six awards at the 2025 Emmys. Associate Principal, Roma Dhameja, also discussed the contextual relevance of the show's themes.

Associate Principal at Martin High School, Nina Smith, spoke to BBC Radio Leicester about how schools prepare for GCSE Results Day, ensuring they are equipped to support students in their future endeavours. Two Year 11 students also shared their aspirations after receiving their results.

Riverside Primary School hosted an eye-opening water safety assembly in partnership with local swim school Swim with Jo, an initiative that was filmed for a segment on ITV Central News. As part of Drowning Prevention Week, pupils learned about the dangers of open water and how to stay safe, offering viewers valuable, life-saving advice.

Pupils from Hallam Fields Primary School starred in Ady's Breakfast Club, participating in a number of entertaining segments, alongside their teachers, which were then broadcast across the week. They took on Mrs Sultana and Miss Watchorn in 'Kids vs Teacher,' celebrated their 'Pupil's Pet,' Mrs Ives and spoke about the transition to secondary school.

Pupils from Brocks Hill Primary School starred in Ady's Breakfast Club, participating in a number of entertaining segments, alongside their teachers, which were then broadcast across the week. They took on Mrs Street in 'Kids vs Teacher,' celebrated their 'Pupil's Pet,' Mr Cass and highlighted their incredibly charity work.

Alice King from Beauchamp College and Dilan Savjani from Lionheart Educational Trust discussed the Netflix series 'Adolescence' on BBC Radio Leicester, focusing on social media and mental health themes in their curriculum. Sixth form students also shared insights on emoji use.

Pupils from Broom Leys Primary School starred in Ady's Breakfast Club, participating in a number of entertaining segments, alongside their teachers, which were then broadcast across the week. They took on Mr Prior in 'Kids vs Teacher,' celebrated their 'Pupil's Pet,' Mrs Salter and discussed their fantastic interactive comedy trail, 'The Completely Made-up History of Coalville.'

Cedars Academy student Daniel chatted to the Match of the Day team about the Premier League Kicks Programme of which he's a part. The dedicated Leicester City fan, toured the club's training ground, interviewed goalkeeper Mads Hermansen and spoke about the benefits of participating in the programme.

Speaking live on BBC Radio Leicester, Deputy Headteacher Mr Acton outlined how The Castle Rock School in Coalville were celebrating inspirational men to mark International Men's Day. 

Students from across the Trust gathered to celebrate the environment and raise awareness about Global Warming at our very first Eco Rally. BBC East Midlands interviewed staff and students about how they were to be able to use their voices to bring about positive change.