Prom night for all after donations from community

The school has made prom accessible to all students

Dozens of students have been able to enjoy a "special night" at the prom after hundreds of outfits were donated to a school.

Broadoak Academy in Weston-super-Mare had its prom on Thursday after setting up a shop to help teenagers who were struggling financially.

Students were able to book an appointment to try on more than 550 dresses and suits which were donated by the local community.

"Everyone gets an equal opportunity regardless of how advantaged they are," said pupil, Jared.

Staff overheard students saying prom was "a no go" due to affordability

The idea came after Broadoak Academy staff members Bella Charman and Chloe Garty overheard students saying prom was "a no go" due to their parents not being able to afford it.

"That's when we thought we'd team together to make a difference," said Ms Charman.

"Prom is something that will stay in the memories of students for a long time and everyone should have the opportunity to go.

"It feels very emotional seeing everyone in their outfits, I feel proud and grateful for all the support we've been given."

There were more than 550 donations to the prom shop

The family of a teenager who died before attending prom kicked off donations by giving the shop 70 dresses.

Lucy, 16, from Newport, contracted sepsis and died in 2018, the day before her first exams, and her family set up the Lucy Ellis Foundation charity to help underprivileged children and teenagers.

The prom shop went on to receive hundreds of dresses, suits, shoes, bags and accessories from businesses and people in the local community, which students rented for the evening.

Lucy and Amelia were able to attend prom thanks to the shop

"When I visited the prom shop, I picked out four dresses – all of different styles – I knew straight away which was the right one," said pupil Amelia.

"It's such a good idea, I struggled a lot to afford the prom, so it was really helpful having so many dresses to choose from.

"It’s really nice to know they will be used again, so someone will create new memories in the same dress."

Some of the pupils also received a free makeover at the Beauty Spot South West.

Staff from the salon volunteered their time to do hair and makeup

"We've made the girls look glamorous," said Hannah Love, co-owner of the salon.

"We get so excited to give people confidence and make them feel the best they can be, it’s really nice to see how big prom has become for young people but because of what we are doing, we can make it accessible to everyone."

Research by the Child Poverty Action Group has found some teenagers are being priced out of school celebrations - like prom - due to the rising cost of living.

More than 35 students rented outfits from the prom shop

Pupil Lucy said: "I really enjoyed spending the evening with my friends.

"The prom shop was really good, such a wide range of dresses and as soon as you pick one it's yours.

"It was a special night and great to have my makeup done too."

More than 35 students wore outfits rented from the shop.

"The success of the shop really sums up Broadoak Academy, it’s a really inclusive school," added Ms Charman.

"The local community, the staff, and everyone came together to leave students with long-lasting memories."