Celebrating a successful term

Just before the Christmas break, the Aspire Active Education Group gathered at TOCA Social in Birmingham to celebrate the achievements of the Autumn term and to look ahead to 2025.

Over the Autumn term, we engaged 514,364 children in physical activity across all group areas, including our work in schools, Aspire Active Camps, Aspire Training Solutions, and the Aspire Active Partnership network.  

Recognition and awards

Our highlight of the day was the presentation of awards, which recognised the incredible dedication and hard work of various team members nominated by their peers. These awards underscored the efforts of individuals who have truly gone above and beyond to embody the Aspire values.

Value award winners: 

Lewis McKenzie

In the last term, Lewis has exceeded the expectations of Aspire and the school where he works by providing exceptional service. He has taken on numerous additional responsibilities, including helping other team members with behaviour management strategies. Lewis has shown a strong commitment to these efforts, and we and the school are incredibly grateful for his initiatives, which have positively impacted the school.

Steph Parris 

Since starting in September, Steph has embraced her new role and made significant improvements to our cycling programmes in a short time. She has tackled her tasks with dedication and determination, demonstrating exceptional organisation and data-tracking skills while developing her understanding of our cycling programmes. Thanks to her efforts, we've sold out our offerings for the remainder of the financial year and begun securing summer term bookings in anticipation of a successful tender win. Her commitment to developing the role of Customer Engagement Coordinator truly exemplifies making an impact.​

Adam Nazir

Since starting his work in schools this September, Adam has settled into the role exceptionally well and is committed to enhancing his knowledge and skills as an educator. He remains positive in challenging circumstances, which has been evident over the past term, making a significant impact at his school. His leadership contributed to the pupils winning the most recent sports tournament at Washwood Heath MAT; congratulations!

Ashlee Neilson 

Ashlee has made an impact by showing remarkable determination and resilience this past term. By stepping outside his comfort zone and adjusting his teaching style to better meet the children's needs, he has engaged more pupils in their PE lessons and improved their enjoyment of physical activity. Ashlee's willingness to learn, adapt, and overcome challenges is inspiring.

Andrew Stanton   

Since starting at Aspire, Andrew has consistently worked hard and risen to every challenge with professionalism and determination, making a significant impact by driving innovation with our programmes. Over the past term, Andrew's role has evolved to include additional responsibilities, and he has confidently handled decisions outside his comfort zone. A standout moment was delivering the MAT competition, which he organised with incredible attention to detail, planning, and communication. His efforts exceeded the expectations of the event for the children, schools, and PE Leads, and this dedication has further strengthened relationships with the schools.  

Nikki Clamp 

Nikki constantly makes an impact at Aspire with her hard work, dedication and resilience. Throughout the last term, she has been inspirational in her vital role in Training Solutions by enrolling new apprentices, managing employer communications, candidate interviews, compliance, and induction days. When funding issues arose, Nikki worked tirelessly to secure new funding under tight deadlines, ensuring success for learners, employers, and the team. Her commitment and ability to overcome challenges have been outstanding, exceeding all expectations.

Joolz Hampton 

Joolz has demonstrated incredible passion and professionalism in her work. Over recent months, she has embraced the spirit of teamwork, supporting colleagues and continuously striving to improve the cycling programmes at Aspire. The feedback from schools and children is consistently positive, highlighting her dedication and impact. Joolz has supported fellow team members with warmth and friendliness, significantly impacting the team.

Majed Ali

Over the last term, Majed has shown remarkable growth in his professional attitude, work ethic, and impact within the schools he supports. With outstanding behaviour management skills, excellent rapport with children, and fully booked clubs, his dedication to the educator role is evident. A recent meeting with a parent highlighted his respect, honesty, and unwavering commitment to ensuring children have the best possible experience. He is an inspiration to the children he works with.

Steph Donovan 

Not only in the last term but since joining Aspire, Steph has made an outstanding impression by exceeding expectations and driving innovation across the company. Steph has been inspirational this term, supporting many team members' professional development with boundless enthusiasm, energy, and creativity. Delivering incredible results while navigating the challenges of being in a new team.    

Congratulations:

Special congratulations to Adam Walton on completing his Level 4 Data Analysis apprenticeship. Even before starting his apprenticeship, his work on our data was invaluable. This apprenticeship has led to more significant innovation from Adam, supporting the whole group.

Looking ahead

In 2025, we will continue to strive to foster active, engaged, and healthy communities. Our commitment to expanding our initiatives and positively impacting more lives continues to be our core focus for the Aspire Active Education Group.