Shoppers at a village Co-op convenience store have raised money by opting to donate dividends earned on their purchases to Nethersole Church of England Academy to help stock its new library.

Tamworth Informed reports that headteacher Jo Alexander has said that the donations have come just at the right time as the school’s funds are low, and its library was in dire need of a major refresh.

“The library is currently an underused space that requires new books and furniture. The vision is to make it a fully working library whilst also being a learning space for groups,” said Mrs Alexander.

“We have not been able to hold our usual fundraising events due to visitors on site being limited. Also, with some families struggling financially due to furlough and self-isolating this has had a big impact on what we feel we can ask from parents.”

The donations were received in the form of a grant from Tamworth Co-operative Society’s Community Dividend Fund, which this year has seen all of its branches paired with a different school to support.

In total, over £10,000 has been handed out, and payments were made earlier than usual due to the pressure on education budgets.

Mrs Alexander said that the Community Dividend Fund scheme is hugely beneficial, and the school values such donations, as they can help support initiatives that otherwise would struggle to get off the ground, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.

“The support we have received from the local community is much appreciated by everyone at the school,” she added.

The original Nethersole School opened in 1638 and since then there has always been a school closely associated with nearby Polesworth Abbey. Together with the nursery section, it currently caters for 326 children aged between two and 11.

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