Since 2018, 20 Year 11 students have taken on a unique challenge: cycling from London to Paris in just one weekend to raise money for The Children’s Trust, the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injuries.

Project London to Paris was founded by former Deputy Headteacher Ben Rackley, who was inspired by the story of BMX rider Jamie McKechnie. In 2011, Jamie was the victim of a ‘one-punch’ assault in South London, suffering a life-changing traumatic brain injury. After spending a year in neuro-rehabilitation, he began his long road to recovery – a journey that continues today. In 2014, he celebrated the milestone of being able to ride his beloved BMX again. Jamie’s story is just one of many that demonstrates the life-changing impact of the work carried out by The Children’s Trust.

This year, for the first time, we are teaming up with Wreake Valley Academy for London to Paris 2025, making this our first-ever collaborative fundraising challenge. I feel immensely privileged to continue this tradition alongside our dedicated team of 25–26 Year 11 students, proudly representing Gartree.

- Ed Ablett, Assistant Headteacher