Oldham parents and students delighted at a ‘pop-up’ prom shop held in time for end of year celebrations

Oasis Academy Oldham's prom celebrations are set to be held next week, and after a brilliant response to the academy’s plea for prom dresses, the event is now sure to prove a memorable hit after staff and the local community donated dresses, ties, suits, shoes, and other accessories to students whose families have been impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.

Cover Supervisor Ms L Skeffington at the academy had the original idea to appeal for donations of prom dresses and suits on Facebook ahead of the big date on the 22^nd of June. Ms Skeffington highlighted that donations would be most welcome due to the high expenses of prom outfits and accessories.

Ms Skeffington said: "It was such a beautiful moment; students were crying of happiness that they’ve been presented with an opportunity like this. I left this building feeling so proud and emotional that we were able to as a whole school and as a local community, to give back to our students and their families."

"We have been so lucky to have had so many generous donations from our amazing community. Most of them were donated by local members of the public, as well as a couple of local businesses such as Pennine Pen Animal Rescue CIO who donated 30 dresses to us, and boutiques around the area.”

Assistant Principal for Inclusion, Ms Z Obeng posted pictures of the overwhelming number of dresses received by the academy for students online, and received a great amount of positive responses from the local community.

"Thank you to everyone that has taken the time to contact or come into the academy to donate some fabulous outfits and accessories."

The students had between 8^th of June and 12^th of June to view the pop-up prom shop to pick their outfits for prom.

"We were in tears watching pupils pick out their perfect outfits."