We are calling upon The Debenham High School community (and beyond!!) to support us in raising funds for a new school minibus.

As many of you will already be aware, Debenham High School prides itself on having a wonderfully positive reputation. Our students are high achievers in academia, sport, and the arts. Behaviours and attitudes within the school are OFSTED-rated “Outstanding”. Our teaching staff is exemplary. The list goes on... The same, however, cannot be said about our recently decommissioned school bus!

Having originally been registered in 2006 (before our oldest Year 11 was even born) the school bus became a comedic sight on the school competition circuit. Such a high contrast to the see the (often winning) team of Debenham students, in their smart uniforms and with gleaming medals, get aboard the oldest rusty bus in the car park. But, despite our somewhat endearing connection to this ever-reliable vehicle, the bus failed to pass one of it’s six weekly safety checks with issues complex enough to be deemed “uneconomical for repair”. And so, we have been demoted from old bus to no bus at all.

Although staff at Debenham have been determined to find what little remains in the school budget to hire local vehicles and ensure students have access to some out-of-school events, it pales in comparison to the freedom a school bus would bring to that decision making.

We know a cost-of-living crisis is a difficult time to begin a fundraising campaign, every penny counts now more than ever, but let me tell you what this bus means to us:

- It could begin the competitive career of an Olympic sprinter – a student who may have struggled in the classroom but shines on the track.

- It could bring donations to local food banks and inspire our students to begin a life of philanthropic endeavours.

- It could enable a student to embark on obtaining a Duke of Edinburgh award, finding their inner confidence, and blossoming into the best version of themselves.

- It could transport a group of students eager to compete in the Young Enterprise Challenge and motivate their entrepreneurial minds to go forth and create award-winning new businesses of tomorrow.

And, as in previous years, the bus could also be used by the local community to transport primary schoolchildren, the Scouts and Guides groups as well as our elderly residents and church attendees. Debenham has always prided itself on being a staunch supporter of the local community and offering access to free transport for the betterment of the entire surrounding area brings indeterminate value to so many.

A bus is not just a bus when the passengers have such limitless potential – and we see that greatness in all of our students. We truly believe they deserve to unlock every possible avenue of success and we need your help to ensure they arrive at that destination.

Please help us achieve our goal by giving whatever you can.

Thank you