As Assistant Head (Partnerships) at Denstone College, Chris Farman is focused on strengthening relationships between the College and wider community.
Chris oversees initiatives that provide mutual benefit, ensuring that our outreach work supports young people beyond our own student body. Whether through educational support, enrichment programmes, or extracurricular activities, our aim is to make a lasting impact on the community we serve.
Denstone College has a strong tradition of engaging with local schools and community groups to address social and educational needs. One of our key collaborations involves working with state schools to provide academic enrichment sessions. These workshops offer students access to specialist facilities and teaching that may not be readily available in their own schools.
Sport is another key area where we work alongside local schools. Our coaching staff regularly run training sessions for primary and secondary school students, particularly in cricket and hockey, helping to develop skills, teamwork, and confidence. We have also partnered with numerous local charities to provide a range of support.
Beyond education, Denstone College has been actively involved in community service projects. For example, our students take part in environmental initiatives, such as tree-planting and conservation work, as well as volunteering at food banks and homeless shelters. These experiences not only benefit the wider community but also instil a strong sense of social responsibility in our students.
The feedback from local schools and community groups has been overwhelmingly positive. Teachers from partner schools have highlighted the academic support programmes as instrumental in raising attainment and inspiring students to aim higher.
Moving forward, we are committed to further strengthening these collaborations, seeking new ways to support and uplift the local community. At Denstone College, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom, and through our partnerships, we can help build a brighter future for all young people, regardless of their background.