As part of the Ark Sports Day Challenge, we have decided to collectively walk 200km in 2 weeks (1 - 15 July). All money raised will go to support the Ark School's Coronavirus Appeal - supporting more than 27,000 students across our network.

Homes are less equal than schools. Students from low income households are impacted much more significantly; there is vast inequity between those who have access to computers and a proper learning space to study, to those that do not. Therefore, we expect there to be a huge variance in how much students have been able to learn since schools have closed. This cohort risks losing all their hard earned progress in their exams next year, unfairly affecting their choices for the future. This crisis has affected everyone in its own way. For some children whose families have suffered illness or financial distress, there will be a big need for wellbeing support when they return to school.

Our schools are working hard to support these children and their families - we're raising money to help. Any donation you make will provide support in three areas:

• Access to technology to ensure students have 1:1 learning opportunities and can learn at home
• Academic programmes to close the increased learning gap as a result of the school closures
• Wellbeing and mental health support for those students who require it

Thank you for your support!

H&M xx