We’re absolutely delighted to have won the BBC Make a Difference Award for the Community Group category!

Having run for 15 years, the Refugee Homework Club has helped many children and families in collaboration with the Reading Refugee Support Group. This well-deserved award is for all volunteers, past and present.

After attending the glitzy BBC awards ceremony on Thursday 24 September, Mr Hills, alongside Sabrina and Elsa in Upper VI, went back on the air on BBC Radio Berkshire to reflect on the win. They were even featured on BBC1’s South Today!

Elsa told BBC Radio: “It’s amazing! We are just so grateful and excited to have won. The club is all about helping young people feel supported and I think that this award is such a credit to everyone who volunteered and everyone who will continue to volunteer over the years”.

Sabrina reflected on why she chose to get involved with the club to begin with, sharing that “I like the idea of being able to use my time to do something that can really help someone else. It’s such a good opportunity to support the younger children with their learning whilst also getting to know families in the local community”.

To celebrate the achievement of the Refugee Homework Club, The Abbey hosted a BBC Award Tea Party on Tuesday.

We were delighted to welcome back staff and students who have supported the club over the past 15 years. Former Head, Barbara Stanley and former teachers including Julia Turkington who founded the club, Jennifer Carr and Stephen Dilley. Along with current Sixth Form volunteers, we were also joined by Deborah West from the Refugee Support Group and family members that attend the club.

The Refugee Homework club has left, and continues to leave, a positive and transformative impact within the Reading community. It is such an honour for all volunteers to be recognised and to celebrate all their hard work and dedication.