Stockland Green sudents say ‘yes’ to the dress after community supports prom appeal

Students at Stockland Green School got ‘suited and booted’ for their Prom thanks to the generosity of the community – after dozens of dresses, gowns and clothes were donated.

The Erdington School, which is part of the respected Arthur Terry Learning Partnership, is holding a ‘Masquerade’-themed Prom on Friday 30th June at the Pavillions, in Moor Lane, an event which is being entirely funded by the students of Stockland Green.

But as a school in one of the region’s most economically challenged areas, staff were concerned that the price of Prom outfits would impact too heavily on the families of their Year 11 students.

So, they formed a Prom committee, and sent out an appeal on social media for people to donate unwanted dresses, suits, bags, tiaras, shirts, ties and anything that would help make the Prom a success.

The school was inundated with donations – and on May 10^th and 11^th held two ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ events where students could pick out an outfit for the big night.

Associate Assistant Headteacher Charlotte Vernon said: “Our Head of School, Mrs Goode, tasked me with looking into the Prom, getting the students involved and coming up with ideas.

“So, we formed a committee and started to think about how we could fund the event.

“This is the first prom at Stockland Green since 2018, because of the pandemic, so we really wanted it to come back with a bang, but we were also were very conscious of the cost of living and trying to ensure that all of the students could enjoy the night.

“That’s when we hit on the idea of involving the community.”

At the ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ events, students got to choose from hundreds of dresses and suits, try on tiaras, pick out shoes and grab the right clutch bag to finish of their outfit.

Staff at the school have even offered to do students’ hair and make-up on the big night too.

The school has also had offers of support from local businesses, including discounted dry cleaning, money, balloons, tablecloths, and lights for Prom.

Teacher Emily Badham said giving new life to old, cherished clothes also has a powerful sustainability message.

She said: “We really wanted to leave this Prom with a legacy and make sure it was the first of more events to come in the future. We wanted to ensure that all students are able to have a sustainable prom in future years.

“Think about how many people have prom dresses or bridesmaids’ dresses sat in the back of cupboards, or suits hanging in wardrobes that aren’t needed any more. This is a fantastic, sustainable way of getting future use out of them.”

Computing teacher Leanne Laband explained that the school reached out digitally to see what help might be available.

She said: “Our school serves a deprived area, and a lot of our staff grew around here as well, and the success of the prom means a lot to us and the community – so we just thought ‘let’s reach out and see what they can do’.

“We posted something on Facebook and were blown away by the rection, with more than 150 replies and offers to help and donate. It was a fantastic response.”

Head Boy Charlie O’Neill said: “After being at Stockland Green for five years I’m so happy that one of the last big events of my time here is going to be so special.

“The school understands that right now students may not be able to afford suits and dresses to wear for only one night, and I think it’s incredibly heart-warming to see the community react in this way.”

Head Girl Racheal Osayamwen said: “Prom night should be special, and it’s even more special now because of these events where we can all share the experience of choosing clothes.

“I’m looking forward to the experience of trying on dresses and watching all my friends trying them on. The atmosphere in the school was brilliant.”

Head of School Rebecca Goode said: “I am so proud of how our students and staff have worked to make this Prom happen, and incredibly grateful to the community for their generosity and support.

“Inclusion and caring are among the values we try to instil into our students, and wellbeing is a very important part of what we do – so from the start we wanted this to be Prom for everyone, where no one felt that they couldn’t enjoy the night.

“And, as a school right at the heart of its community, it has been wonderful to see how so many people reacted to our appeal. It makes you feel proud to be part of Stockland Green.”