Stowmarket High School opens prom bank to help students

Stowmarket High School students will be able to get various items for their prom at the end of the year.

It will be full of dresses, suits, bow ties, shoes, cufflinks and jewellery.

The idea came about when a member of staff, Toni Doherty, was having a chat with some year 11 students who were worried about being able to keep up with other students in their year, in terms of how they were going to pay for travel and clothing.

Some of the items the school has already had donated in just a few days (Image: Stowmarket High School)

She said: "It's not possible for some families, so I spoke to a couple of my colleagues and thrashed around a couple of ideas and it came about through that.

"Everyone is behind the idea and our headteacher is behind the idea because she is very big on helping students to feel included and making everything as equal as possible, for everybody to have access."

Headteacher, Ms Lucie Hernandez, said: "Inclusiveness doesn't just stop in the classroom at Stowmarket High, I believe that everyone should have the chance to go to prom and create memories that will last them a lifetime."

Ms Lucie Hernandez, the schools headteacher. (Image: Stowmarket High School)

The school has already received donations following Facebook posts asking for items, and they have also linked up with charity The Mix in Stowmarket who have agreed to be a drop-off point.

They will also have a few events throughout the year to allow students the chance to try on items throughout the year and take when needed, and then after the proms, they are hopeful the items will be returned so it can become more of a rolling event each year to help students.

A Facebook page has been set up for all those who wish to donate or look at items, as well as an email to contact.

Toni Doherty (Image: Stowmarket High School)