Aldersley High School launches groundbreaking Rising Stars Programme with PSG Academy West Midlands
Aldersley High School has officially launched the Rising Stars Programme in collaboration with PSG Academy West Midlands, the Trust’s Sixth Form football academy based at Moreton School. Inspired by the values of professional sport but rooted in personal development and academic growth, the Rising Stars Programme is a unique 30-week mentoring initiative for students in Years 7 to 10.
Students will be mentored by Sixth Form students from the PSG Academy West Midlands, each session is designed to build life-changing skills, from confidence, resilience and teamwork to critical thinking, communication, and leadership.
“The biggest thing I'm looking forward to is learning from the students I'll be working with,” said Mikhail one of the PSG mentors. “I feel that the advice I can give will inspire them as they move through this year, and I know I'll be learning a lot from them in return.”
A Culture of Aspiration
Over the course of the academic year, students will complete reflection journals, develop legacy projects, and gain a deeper understanding of their future pathways, whether in sport, education, or employment. The Rising Stars students have really earned their place. 113 students applied in total, this was narrowed down to 30 who were invited to interview after writing their own covering letter. They then went through an interview with a panel of four, and the final group was chosen based on their own effort and performance.
While the PSG name brings international recognition, the focus is entirely local: raising aspirations, improving engagement, and building a culture of ambition across Amethyst schools.
“Our new Rising Stars programme is all about growth, for everyone involved.” said Mr Spicer, who is leading the programme. “For our younger students, this is a chance to learn from someone who's just a few steps ahead of them on the path—getting advice on everything from developing their skills to navigating their academic careers. For our 16–19 year-olds, this is an opportunity to step into a leadership role. They'll learn what it means to be a mentor and a role model, all while refining their own understanding and values. We’re excited to see the positive impact this will have on every student.”
Part of a Bigger Vision
The PSG Academy West Midlands, based at Moreton School, is home to the Trust’s Sixth Form football pathway, offering a blend of academic excellence and elite sports training. The Rising Stars Programme extends that ethos into Key Stage 3 and 4, ensuring a clear, values-driven journey from Year 7 through to Sixth Form and beyond.
Manny Singh Kang, a local legend in Wolverhampton and Ambassador to the Rising Stars Programme continues to inspire with messages of resilience, reflection, and real-world success. At the parent launch evening, he reminded families: “Great people never stop learning. If you do good things, you bring people with you. Even in tough moments, stay the kind of person others want to follow.”
What’s Next
The Rising Stars journey will culminate in a formal graduation event where students showcase their growth, present their legacy work, and celebrate their achievements with family and peers. The programme is already being looked at as a model for wider rollout across the Amethyst Academies Trust.
