Former Forgotten 40 school recognised globally for overcoming adversity

A SCHOOL, which spent INEOS Forgotten 40 funding on helping to open children’s eyes to the wonders of the world around them, has been recognised globally for its refusal to let circumstances define the children’s futures.

T4 Education was so impressed by Ward Jackson Primary’s approach that it named it as one of the top 10 schools in the world for overcoming adversity.

David Akers was headteacher at the school in Hartlepool when INEOS gifted it £20,000 a year to help alleviate the very worst effects of child poverty.

“There is no doubt that INEOS’ funding helped to change our pupils’ lives,” he said.  

 Under his leadership, the school launched The Ward Jackson Experience, a list of 50+ things every child should experience before they go to high school.

  Many were simple, free and achievable pleasures – learning to ride a bike, watching the sun set or visiting the library – and chosen for exactly those reasons.

  “We wanted to expose the children to what’s possible, so they might be tempted to do things with their own families,” he said.

 Other experiences, though – such as visiting the Lake District, dining in a restaurant or learning to ice skate – were paid for by INEOS.

 “INEOS’ money really helped us to open doors to exploration,” said David.

 Amy Sparkes is now headteacher. She joined the school in January 2025.

  “We are so proud to be recognised for the work we do,” she said. “We don’t want adversity to limit them. Children should not miss out on opportunities because of their circumstances.”

She said The Ward Jackson Experience had helped the children to become more confident and curious about the world around them – and created lasting memories that would help to shape their view of the future. 

T4 Education will choose the winners of its five categories later this year.

 Ward Jackson, one of only two UK schools shortlisted for the overcoming adversity award, will be competing against schools from Brazil, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Turkey and America.

“All these schools come from very different parts of the world, but they share a clear refusal to accept that excellent education is a reserve for some children and not others,” said Vikas Pota, founder and CEO of T4 Education.