Supporting pupils in Islington: Pakeman Primary School

Pakeman Primary School, located in Islington, North London, serves a community facing severe economic hardship. Sitting within one of London’s most deprived neighbourhoods, over 50% of its students qualify for Pupil Premium – twice the national average. Alarmingly, around 50% of families at the school live in temporary or emergency accommodation, struggling to meet even the most basic needs.

For many of these families, the school is more than just a place of learning—it is a trusted refuge in times of crisis. When parents and caregivers have nowhere else to turn, they seek support from the school’s dedicated Family Support Workers, who work tirelessly to provide pastoral care and guidance. However, many of these families need more than advice—they need urgent, tangible help to purchase essentials like beds, bedding, school uniforms, and white goods.

To address this urgent need, we have provided funding to The Lifeline Project, a crisis fund that allows the school’s FSWs to directly support families living in emergency housing.

The school said:

“We split the funding to purchase food vouchers and lifeline essentials such as uniforms, bedding, travel and cooking items. It has alleviated some of the pressing needs which families face when they are rehoused at short notice and do not have the money for food or travel to school. Having The Lifeline Project means that we are able to respond quickly and flexibly to the immediate needs of families living in emergency or temporary accommodation. We cannot thank you enough!”

By supporting this initiative, we are helping to provide stability, dignity, and relief to families in desperate need. No child should have to go without essentials, and through The Lifeline Project, Pakeman Primary School is making sure that when families need help the most, it is there.

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Every penny donated goes directly into helping those in need. 🙏💙