Four primary schools in Bradford have secured £2,500 each to develop food-growing spaces and outdoor learning programmes aimed at boosting pupils’ confidence, skills and environmental awareness.
Westminster Church of England Primary Academy, Heaton St Barnabas C of E Primary School, Carrwood Primary School and Girlington Primary School were selected to take part in the initiative, delivered by Grow to School CIC.
The funding has been provided through the Manjit Wolstenholme Fund via GiveBradford, supporting projects that promote opportunity and social mobility among young people.
Over the next year, Grow to School will work with one year group in each school to create nature-rich food-growing areas. Pupils and staff will use the Growbag Primary Toolkit — a structured, curriculum-linked programme designed to build gardening skills while supporting science learning and outdoor education.
The initiative aims to introduce practical food-growing experiences to children who may have limited access to green space or knowledge of how food is produced.
Melissa Myers, Lead Teacher at Carrwood Primary School, said the project would have lasting impact.
“Many of our pupils come from households where food growing is not a common practice,” she said. “Introducing them to this experience will broaden their understanding of food production while promoting healthy lifestyles, environmental awareness and practical life skills.”
The Manjit Wolstenholme Fund was established to support children from less privileged backgrounds with the potential to become future leaders. Manjit Wolstenholme was the youngest woman to head an investment bank and the first woman of ethnic origin to chair a FTSE 100 company.
Ama Chaney, Director of Grow to School, said the organisation had been encouraged by the enthusiasm shown by participating schools.
“We are excited to be working with the four schools in Bradford,” she said. “Their commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for children that benefit families and the wider community is inspiring.”
Grow to School is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company providing outdoor learning programmes, training and resources for schools.
The project forms part of a wider effort across the district to reconnect young people with nature while strengthening classroom learning through hands-on experience.
