The Bicester School take part in Town & Gown 10K event

A total of 160 students and 35 staff members took part in the Town & Gown 10K, marking the school’s largest and most inclusive showing yet, with a further 20 volunteers supporting the day.

The event, organised by Muscular Dystrophy UK and sponsored by Bidwells, raises funds and awareness for the charity while bringing together schools, businesses, and the wider community.

Participation from The Bicester School began in 2022 when a member of staff took part and set out to bring state school students to the start line the following year.

Since then, involvement has increased each year.

Sarah Masterson, PE teacher and assistant SENCo at The Bicester School, said: “For me, effort and belief are everything.

“The Bicester School demonstrated the power of both participation in sport and competition, with Edward Styles winning the Junior 3K race in an outstanding time of 9:55.

“We showed that when people work hard and believe in one another, extraordinary things can happen.”

This year’s record turnout reflected the school’s commitment to inclusion, equality and widening participation, with efforts made to remove barriers and ensure as many students and families could take part as possible.

Year 10 student Amelia said: “I have loved being able to work with other teachers to help prepare for the Town and Gown.

“It’s been nice working on craft projects beyond the normal academic subjects and as a team.

“It is great for building on transferable skills in communication, leadership, organisation and time management too.”

The school’s Ambassadors of Change, a student leadership group, played a key role in promoting the event and encouraging involvement.

Their motto, ‘Together we have it all,’ was displayed on high-visibility jackets worn by supporters on the day.

In addition, the student neurodiversity ambassadors helped design and produce running kits for the event.

The school’s attendance was further supported by Blackstones Plumbing & Heating, helping to ensure a strong and visible presence throughout the event.

Headteacher Sam Knowlton, who is also executive director of school improvement at Activate Learning Education Trust, said: “We are incredibly proud of every student, member of staff and volunteer who represented The Bicester School at this year’s Town & Gown event.

“What makes this achievement so special is not just the number of people involved, but the sense of community behind it.

“We are committed to ensuring all young people feel they belong and have access to opportunities like this, regardless of background or circumstance.”

With its largest-ever team taking part, the school’s turnout embodied its wider ethos of community, opportunity and support for every young person.