Magnus Church of England Academy Students welcomed Tom Dickinson from Tom Talks into their academy for sessions focused on practical strategies for improving mental health and wellbeing, as well as the importance of making positive life choices.
Speaking to an assembly, and also smaller groups of students, Tom spoke openly about his own struggles after losing his 22‑year‑old brother to suicide in 2015. He explained that living through that grief ultimately pushed him to support others with their mental health, sharing the insights he’s gained along the way.
Tom said, “My aim is to raise awareness around mental health, and to encourage young people to talk to and support each other. Most of all, to understand that it is okay not to be okay. I want young people to have the necessary tools, habits and systems, -and the mindset they need to enable them to do whatever it is they want to achieve with their life.”
Tom said he hoped that his experiences would be relatable, “It is important to me because I lost my brother to suicide in 2015, and I quickly found myself in a very dark place. But I am lucky, I managed to get through to the other side. Following this struggle, a school in Sheffield asked me to speak to their students, which I eventually did in 2019, and that was the beginning of Tom Talks. When I did that, I felt like it was what I had been put here to do.”
Tom said that by sharing the strategies he has developed, he hopes to help others who are struggling to navigate mental health issues. “I really want to build resilience in young people, and to use my story to show that I have pulled myself back from the depths of despair, and that if I can do it, then others can too.
“I am just a normal lad from Barnsley, and I think my message reaches students because of that. I hope it makes it easy for them to relate to me and to gain something from my experience.”
Miss Georgia Andrews is Pastoral Support Base Manager and Deputy DSL at Magnus C of E Academy. She said Tom’s visit was arranged after a local couple, moved by the tragic loss of their own son to suicide, generously offered to fund wellbeing sessions for students at Magnus.
Miss Andrews said, “I am deeply grateful to Jane Beardsley and Mark Gamble for their powerful initiative to make conversations about mental health more accessible for all. When they approached me and shared their story of tragically losing their son to suicide, I was profoundly moved by their courage and their commitment to creating positive change. Through their charity, Paul’s Pit Stop, they have offered secondary schools the opportunity to host fully funded assemblies and workshops delivered by Tom Talks, a passionate mental health advocate who speaks openly about his own journey and the loss of his brother to suicide.
“It is vital that our students hear the message that it is perfectly okay not to be okay. Tom’s session has opened the door to more honest, compassionate conversations about mental health within our school community, and we are incredibly thankful for the impact it has already made.”
Every year 7 Magnus student receives the gift of a book for Christmas
Author Tom Percival visited year 7 students at Magnus Church of England Academy this week.
Speaking to students, the author revealed his journey to becoming a published writer and discussed the ideas behind his latest book, The Wrong Shoes.
Tom said, “My visit to Magnus C of E Academy has been great and the students have been really engaged. We have been discussing my book The Wrong Shoes, which at its core is about resilience and overcoming challenge, -of not giving up, even when things feel impossible. It’s about trying to make the right choices, whatever challenges you are experiencing.”
Tom also spoke to students about pursuing their own dreams. “It doesn’t matter if its music, writing, or football, -it takes effort, and it is hard to get good at anything. So, we talked about the importance of resilience, of failing, -and improving on your failures. That mindset is applicable to almost everything you face in life, not just work skills, but also friendships and relationships or hobbies. I really hope my talk inspires students not only to develop resilience, but also to develop a love of reading and of engaging with books.”
Magnus C of E Academy Assistant Principal, Sarah Harper, said, “We are honoured to have Tom join us for the event and to talk to Year 7 about his experiences as a published author and his inspiration for the book. At Magnus we value the impact reading can have on our students, it’s so important that they get the opportunity to hear from a published author, to understand what inspired them, see where that creativity stems from and where that creativity can lead.”
Year 7 students who received a copy of Tom’s book, courtesy of Magnus C of E Academy, were able to get their books signed by the author. Tom said, “I think it’s a wonderful idea that Magnus gift a book to every year 7 student. I do a lot of work with the National Literacy Trust, and a key objective is accessibility to books, and for everyone to have books within their reach, it is a huge part of encouraging children to read.”
Lilly-Mai Portas is in Year 7 and was enthusiastic about the gift, she said, “I have already started reading the book during lunch and enjoyed listening to the author talk about the story this morning. He talked to us about when he was young and also about what the book itself is based on.”
Fellow year 7 student Fatima Haymoun said, “I enjoyed the talk this morning. I was interested to know what the book meant to Tom and can see that he really cares about his stories. I really like his books. I think I would like to have a go at writing a book one day, but I would ask for support from others who have already written books before, just to make sure I wrote the best book I could!”
Year 7 student Sumayyah Adesope said, “Reading is a hobby of mine and I have always wanted to own a book by this author, -not one I have to return to the library! I was really happy when I found out we would be getting a copy. I think reading is really important, and I borrow books from the library all the time, it helps you in all of your subjects.”
Heather Jackson (Magnus Learning Resource Centre Manager) said, “We are delighted to once again present our Year 7 students with a book this Christmas, with the hope that it inspires them to continue reading throughout their journey at Magnus. Our gift of a book celebrates the importance of reading in a student’s journey. It helps them grow, learn, and flourish, supporting our vision to develop individuals of good character.”
Magnus C of E Academy Assistant Principal, Sarah Harper, added, “We are proud of the attitudes and behaviour of Year 7 throughout the event and very impressed with the questions they asked of Tom after his talk. Well done Year 7 and we hope they enjoy reading their new book over the Christmas break!”
“The school is a beacon radiating hope within the wider community. This unique relationship between the school and wider community is transformational.” SIAMS inspection 2025
Magnus Church of England Academy has received a glowing report following their latest Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools Report (SIAMS), with the inspection’s outcome bringing extra cheer during the academy’s Christmas festivities.
The report states, “The motto of ‘Character, Excellence and Community’ is lived out through the school’s Christian teachings. This provides a clear purpose to the work of this church school. The highly inclusive culture within the school, which stems from the Christian vision, has changed lives. Consequently, students thrive as they discover their God-given uniqueness.”
Inspectors said, “The Magnus vision, deeply rooted in bible teachings, drives the school’s unwavering commitment to transformational acts that shape lives and inspire purpose for the school community. For example, through the school’s firm belief in everyone’s ability to have a fresh start and flourish through perseverance. Even in times of challenge, leaders are guided by their shared purpose to be a community rooted in love. Barriers such as disadvantage are carefully considered and addressed, ensuring that students can flourish.”
Anna Martin is Principal of Magnus C of E Academy, and she said receiving the news during the Christmas period felt like an extra special gift. “I am delighted to share our outstanding SIAMS report with the Magnus community. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, governors, and the wider school community, -thank you for your continued support and partnership on this journey.
“We are so proud that our incredible school has received the recognition it rightly deserves. Together, we are building a school where every student is valued, challenged, and empowered to live life to the full.”
The report said, “Daily inclusive and inspirational opportunities for worship both within and beyond the school day enables students to think deeply and find space. The school is a beacon radiating hope within the wider community. This unique relationship between the school and wider community is transformational. The quality of the religious education (RE) curriculum is exceptional. As a result, the well-embedded religious and worldviews approach ensures that students take an informed approach to issues of faith and morality.”
Commenting on the academy’s approach to its vision, justice and responsibility, inspectors said, “The school fosters a culture of care, where supporting and standing up for others is central. Through the Eco-Club, students drive meaningful environmental change. The cadet service empowers them to lead and serve their community. Leaders at Magnus are deeply committed to supporting students within the school while continually looking outward.”
Finally, inspectors said that the academy’s unwavering commitment to its vision, enables members of the school community to live life to the full, and guides the school’s purpose, stating, “Students and staff recognise the difference Magnus has made to their lives. This is evident through returning students who are keen to support current students in their service to others. Students and staff feel genuinely valued through the vision instilling an ethos of making a difference to others. They share how, during deeply challenging personal times, they found comfort and strength in the unwavering support of their team.”
Magnus Church of England Academy has been spreading festive cheer during its annual Christmas Carol Concert and market.
Two concert performances were held on the theme of Love, featuring seasonal music and readings by students who performed to gathered families and friends of the academy.
A Christmas market was also held following the evening Carol service, and special guests, the Newark and Sherwood Concert Band and Development Band, entertained the crowds with seasonal favourites whilst academy visitors enjoyed the stalls.
Jackie Thacker is Leader of Youth and Community Music at Magnus C of E Academy and she said, “Our Christmas bonanza, featuring a joyful Carol Concert and bustling Christmas Market was the perfect catalyst for bringing our school community together in festive celebration.
“As tradition, our talented Year 7 students took centre stage across two concerts, joined by inspiring performances from the Magnus Swing Band, Magnus Academy Voices, and the Musical Theatre Group. These concerts stood as a true testament to the dedication and artistry of our students, beautifully united under the theme of Love.
“Meanwhile, the market and Christmas café not only offered a chance to gather and indulge, but also highlighted local artists, businesses, and our growing connections within our town. We were especially honoured to welcome musicians from the Newark and Sherwood Concert Band and Development Band, whose performances enriched our extended market.
“For me, the event was a triumph of music, faith, and community, -but above all, of Love, at what is truly a magical time of year.”
Anna Martin, Magnus C of E Academy Principal said, “This year’s carol service, featuring amongst others, our year 7’s performance, was a joyful celebration and inspired the festive spirit in everyone gathered. We are incredibly proud of our young people, and their wonderful performances truly demonstrated their talents and enthusiasm.
“I would like to extend our grateful thanks to our friends and families who supported the event. A huge thanks is due to our performing students, -to our own fantastic musicians, alongside those of the Newark and Sherwood Concert Band and Development Band, who made this such a magical Carol Concert.”
Magnus Church of England Academy celebrated the achievements of its students in their annual Magnus Awards event.
Awards were given in each year group for the academy’s values of Determination, Integrity, Ambition, Humility and Compassion; in addition to subject and 100% attendance awards. Special Awards for sports, character, excellence, community, and alumni were also given, and a commendable member of the Magnus Combined Cadet Force (CCF), Freddie Phillips, received the prestigious Sir Andrew Pulford Award, and was presented with a ceremonial sword.
Photograph: Student Beatrice Cullen (Year 10) was multiple award winner and performed a solo dance at the event. (Photo: Lou Brimble)
Anna Martin is Executive Principal of Magnus C of E Academy, and she said, “It has been a fantastic day, celebrating our students’ accomplishments over the past year. Each award represents more than just achievement; it reflects the way our students have lived out these values. Students who demonstrate our values persevere with determination, show integrity, demonstrate compassion, or lead with humility, and they embody the very essence of being rooted and grounded in love and faith. It’s about growing in confidence, resilience, and empathy, all qualities that will serve our students throughout their lives and enable them to contribute positively to our school and local community.”
Anna Martin said the event was a fitting celebration to end the school term. “This year we have witnessed not only academic achievements but also remarkable personal growth. Many students have shown resilience in the face of challenges, creativity in problem-solving, and leadership in service to others and these qualities are equally worthy of celebration.
“They say it takes a village to raise a child, and I would like to take a moment to recognise the vital role our parents, carers, governors and wider school community play in this journey. Your support, encouragement, and partnership enable us to create an environment where students can thrive as both individuals and students.”
Student Izzy Kirtley is in year 8 and said, “I received the 100% Attendance Award, the Integrity Value Award, and I also received the Excellence Award. I feel so proud, and I honestly didn’t know I was going to win this Excellence Award until half an hour before! It was such a nice surprise.”
Student Freddie Phillips is in Year 10 and was presented with The Sir Andrew Pulford Award by Flight Sergeant Davy Yates.
Davy explained the award’s significance saying, “The Sir Andrew Pulford Award is given out each year to just one member of our Magnus Combined Cadet Force who has really shone in all they do. Not only standing out in things like attendance, but also in their attitude and commitment, how they deport themselves, their leadership skills and also how they support and incorporate new students. This year’s winner is deserving of this recognition, and Freddie should be very proud of receiving this prestigious award.”
Freddie Phillips made repeated trips to the stage during the event to collect accolades, and said he was very proud to have received the Sir Andrew Pulford Award, given each year to a member of Magnus Combined Cadet Force.
Freddie said, “I know I have worked hard this year, and I feel like that has really paid off. I really love it here at Magnus, and when I was looking around at schools the CCF was what really stood out to me. I have always been interested in aviation, and my father was in the infantry, so we have a strong military background in my family. I am very happy to have been chosen for the award.”