Erdington Academy transformed its main hall into a pop-up prom boutique, providing free dresses and suits to students for the upcoming prom in June. The initiative aimed to alleviate financial pressures on families struggling with the cost of living crisis.
Supporting Students in Need
For many families, the cost of a prom ticket at £20 can be a stretch, and spending an additional £200 to £400 on an outfit is often impossible. To ensure all students can participate, the school held a boutique shopping experience complete with rails of dresses, suits, and changing rooms.
Sixty students, including those eligible for Pupil Premium, double disadvantaged, or those who requested to attend, were invited to select their outfits alongside friends and parents.
Removing Barriers
Associate Assistant Principal Miss Logan explained the importance of the event: "When we have things like prom, it's worrying for students because they want to get excited and involved. But without confirmation that parents can afford a ticket, they hesitate. Some students spend £200 to £400 on a dress, but for many, the school already provides breakfast and extra sandwiches to ensure no one goes hungry."
She added: "It's heart-breaking because they come here to learn but face so many barriers. On exam days, teachers have breakfast with students to talk through worries. Some students even take home extra sandwiches if they lack meals at home."
Community Collaboration
Now in its third year, the prom pop-up was organized by the school's Parent, Teacher and Family Association (PTFA). They secured over 100 high-quality donations from the charity Madrina, which supports families by removing financial pressures associated with prom.
Local businesses also contributed, offering raffle prizes for hair, nails, and eyelash appointments. Miss Logan noted: "Some dresses were worth £200 to £300 with labels still on. Seeing students excitedly discussing outfits and taking photos is heart-warming. Prom should be a celebration of who they've become. Reducing barriers makes a real difference."
A Night to Remember
The event ensured that every student could look forward to prom without financial worry. As Miss Logan concluded: "As a community, we want every young person to feel supported and proud on a night they'll remember for years."
