Anthem Volunteer of the Year Award, Winners 2025
During National Volunteer Week, we are delighted to shine a light on the invaluable contributions of those who generously give their time, enthusiasm, and skills to our school communities.
We have been delighted to see so many individuals nominated for this year’s awards, and each nomination has highlighted the unique contributions our volunteers make.
David Moran, Interim CEO, and Timi, our founding Timi Champion, had the joyous task of reviewing the nominations and undertaking the difficult job of choosing our winners.
We are delighted to announce the Anthem Volunteer of the Year Award winners.
Governance Volunteer Award:
- Rachael Norman, St Mark’s CofE Academy.
School Volunteer Award:
- Christine Bratt and Alfie, the therapy dog, The Deepings School.
- Jenny Prescott and Marleys Aart Foundation, Queensbury Academy.
Rachael Norman, St Mark’s CofE Academy.
Rachael has been a constant source of support to the whole St Mark's community during her 8 years as Chair. Her service throughout this time has been exemplary and has been a key driving force in the development and success of St Mark's on its major journey of transformation over this time.
Her contributions extend beyond St Mark’s, reaching other schools across Anthem, supporting GDCs, contributing to champion forums and supporting the network of ACC Chairs.
Rachael is utterly aligned to the school’s vision and values and has had an immeasurable impact through her contributions to many GDCs, her provision of expert guidance relating to many Ofsted and SIAMs inspections, and through her commitment and dedication to the wider school community.
She has brought relentless passion, commitment and dedication and given generously of her time and expertise.
Jenny Prescott and Marleys Aart Foundation, Queensbury Academy.
Marley’s Aart Foundation is a charity that holds a deeply special place in the hearts of Queensbury Academy. Created by Marley’s mother, Jennifer, in memory of her son, a former student who tragically took his own life, the foundation is committed to supporting and protecting child mental health through the power of art therapy. Over the past 18 months, Jennifer has generously funded highly skilled art therapy practitioners to work with some of the school’s most vulnerable students, doing so entirely at no cost to the school. In addition, Year 7 students were given the opportunity to take part in a foundation-funded introductory art therapy session focused on the theme of belonging when they joined us in September.
The school team feel incredibly fortunate to benefit from the passion and dedication of Jennifer and her team, whose work continues to make a lasting impact on their school community.
Christine Bratt and Alfie, the therapy dog, The Deepings School.
Christine and her Pets As Therapy dog, Alfie, visit The Deepings School twice a week. Their service is part of the school’s intervention programme, supporting students with a range of additional needs.
Alfie has his very own spot in the Learning Development area and is a canine best friend to the students. He loves being read to and is also happy to be cared for, or just have a presence in the room. Christine, his doting owner, is as lovely as Alfie, offering a calm and consistent approach.
Their presence means a great deal to many across the school community, who are very grateful for the support they provide.
Discover All the Award Nominations in Our Videos:
Governance Volunteer Nominees
School Volunteer Nominees