We are proud to announce that this term’s School charity is The Farming Community Network (FCN)

January 12th 2026

We are proud to announce that this term’s School charity is The Farming Community Network (FCN). Founded in 1995, FCN supports farmers and everyone working in agriculture. In Monday’s assembly in St Mary’s Church, local rep Maureen Trott spoke passionately about the pressures farmers face and how FCN helps ensure no one feels alone. She said: “The Farming Community Network (FCN) walks with people in agriculture through difficult times and in preparing for changes ahead. We all have to deal with pressures - you may have pressures of expectation and exams, or the pressures of winning a match. You have your school and families to help you deal with pressures and we can help farmers deal with theirs.

“We run a confidential helpline which is open 365 days a year, we run community events to bring farmers together, and we work with other charities to help support farmers. This is where your fundraising will come in and the more you raise, the more we can do. Your fundraising will also help to promote FCN within the community.”

U6th Form pupil and School Prefect, Will H, also addressed pupils and staff. He said: “I come from a farming family and have seen the stress members of the farming community experience due to the daily hardships of the profession, as well as greater pressures such as those exerted by the government. It is important that we place a focus on helping and giving back to those in the local community.

“Therefore this term, we welcome the Farming Community Network as our charity, which we will raise money for throughout the term, from the Portland Half Marathon and 10k run, to Mufti days and Bake Sales. We look forward to supporting this charity this term.”

From community events and wellbeing support to training and a confidential helpline open 365 days a year (which Maureen is a part of), FCN is a fantastic charity and we are delighted to be supporting it.