A new partnership has been announced between Godolphin, the global thoroughbred horseracing and breeding operation founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the Newmarket Academy, a coeducational secondary school and sixth form, located in Newmarket, Suffolk.
Entitled the ‘Newmarket Academy Godolphin Beacon Project’ (NAGBP), the five year collaboration, which includes a £250,000 investment, represents a significant commitment from Godolphin, under the direction of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, to the Newmarket Academy. The project aims to enhance learning experiences for all students at the Academy and to enable its pupils access a wide range of career pathways.
Facilitated and managed by Racing To School, a charity that supports young people’s learning and development, the project will provide bespoke support for students in each year group ranging from learning days in the local community and within local industries, to personalised career guidance on applying for a range of job opportunities.
Speaking at the launch, Nick Froy, Principal of the Newmarket Academy, said: “The partnership represents Newmarket Academy’s commitment to placing itself at the heart of the community, and the contribution being made to the Academy by Godolphin extend the life chances and choices of the young people of Newmarket. I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and to Godolphin for supporting this wonderful initiative”.
Commenting on the partnership, Hugh Anderson, Managing Director for Godolphin in the UK and Dubai, said: “This is an exciting new partnership for both Godolphin and the Academy which will boost education and employment opportunities among young people in Newmarket. It offers unique behind the scenes access, making the learning experience a special one which students want to engage in and represents His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s on-going commitment to Newmarket and those who live in the communities within which we work”.
“The Racing to School programme will support the learning and development of the Academy pupils and is designed to work alongside their curriculum subjects. The racing industry offers wonderful variety, opportunities and challenges for young people to improve their skills and plot their later careers,” said John Blake, representing the charity.
The partnership starts this week with ‘Maths In Action’ activity days at Newmarket racecourse and in the first week of October, students from the Newmarket Academy will participate in Dubai Future Champions Education Week.