Pupils inspired by rugby star Joe Heyes and welcomed special guests to showcase new learning opportunities
Foxfields Academy proudly celebrated the official opening of its new Coach House Vocational Building with a memorable morning of learning, sport and community spirit.
The event brought together pupils, staff, governors, and Leicestershire County Council representatives to mark an exciting new chapter for the school. England Rugby international Joe Heyes officially opened the facility by cutting the ribbon before spending time with pupils, leading a series of rugby drills and coaching sessions.
Pupils thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet Joe, whose enthusiasm, warmth and engaging approach made a lasting impression. Throughout the morning, he worked closely with the children, demonstrating rugby skills, encouraging teamwork and answering their many questions about professional sport, training and what it takes to represent England on the international stage.
The nearly £800,000 conversion of the disused coach house is part of a broader £3.7m Leicestershire County Council-funded scheme, which also included the creation of a new classroom block to boost capacity at the school.
On the day, visitors were given a tour of the new Vocational Building to see how pupils are developing practical, real-world skills through a wide range of vocational learning opportunities including bricklaying, plastering, electrics, as well as hair and beauty, demonstrating the valuable skills they are developing in a realistic working environment.
Guests also visited Foxfields Academy’s impressive new coffee shop, which forms an integral part of the vocational curriculum. The facility provides pupils with opportunities to gain experience in a wide range of skills, including money handling, stock control, baking, food preparation, customer service and working with members of the public.
The coffee shop has already become a valued resource for both the school and the wider Trust, regularly hosting Trust and school meetings, as well as PTA events. Looking ahead, Foxfields Academy hopes to expand its use further, welcoming local residents and hosting a range of community events that bring people together.
The tour also included the school’s new gym facility, which provides pupils with additional opportunities to stay active, improve their physical wellbeing and develop healthy lifestyle habits. The gym complements the school’s commitment to supporting both the physical and emotional wellbeing of its pupils, alongside their academic and vocational development.
Joe said:
“It was a pleasure to visit Foxfields Academy today and officially open the new vocational building. What an incredible facility for pupils. I enjoyed meeting the children, joining them for some rugby drills, and seeing the impressive animal care provision the school offers too. Foxfields Academy is a fantastic school, and I was delighted to experience firsthand the many opportunities available to its pupils.”
Ashley Caress, Headteacher at Foxfields Academy said:
“The opening of our new Vocational Building marks a significant milestone for our school and our pupils. The funding from Leicestershire County Council made it possible and we are incredibly proud of the opportunities these facilities provide, helping young people develop practical skills, confidence and independence, preparing them for adulthood and future employment.
“We can’t thank Joe enough for taking the time out to share this special occasion with us. Joe was brilliant with the pupils, involving everyone in the rugby sessions and answering their questions. Thanks also to Brandon from Noise Academy for coming in today to provide the pupils with the opportunity to unlock their creativity on the DJ decks . It’s been wonderful to see our visitors experiencing the exceptional work that takes place at Foxfields every day and seeing our pupils so engaged in their learning.”
Sharon Cooke, Director of children and families at Leicestershire County Council, said:
“It’s wonderful to see this fantastic new facility officially open at Foxfields Academy. The transformed Coach House provides an inspiring space where pupils can build confidence, develop practical skills and gain valuable experiences that will support them throughout their lives.
“This investment is part of our wider commitment to strengthening SEND provision across Leicestershire and ensuring more children and young people can access the specialist opportunities they need to prepare for adulthood, further education and future employment.”
The new Vocational Building represents a significant investment in providing high-quality vocational education and practical learning experiences. From construction and bricklaying to hospitality, customer service and health and wellbeing, the facilities will help equip pupils with valuable life and employment skills for years to come.
The official opening highlighted not only the impressive new facilities but also the enthusiasm, talent and potential of the pupils who will benefit from them for generations to come.
Foxfields Academy is a specialist all-through school for pupils aged 4-16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, as well as Autism and ADHD. Located on the outskirts of Blaby, Leicestershire.
