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The Phoenix Collegiate awarded prestigious ERS Gold Award during formal event at Lilleshall House

Yesterday evening an exceptionally proud Mike Smith Headteacher and Contingent Commander Sqn Ldr Luke Horobin accepted the prestigious Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award, becoming the first standalone secondary school in the country to receive this highest level of recognition for outstanding support to the Armed Forces community.

By contributor Linzi Jay
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The ERS Gold Award, presented by the UK Ministry of Defence, recognises employers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to supporting members of the Armed Forces, including Reservists, Service Leavers, Cadets, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs), Military Spouses, and Military Families. The award represents the pinnacle of achievement under the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise to ensure that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly.

Headteacher of The Phoenix Collegiate, [Mike Smith], said: “As a former ATC cadet and RAFVR(T) officer I have seen first-hand the positive impact the armed forces can have on an individual and an organisation. It was this experience that inspired me to pursue a career in teaching many years ago.

Since 2017, when we began our mission to broaden our students’ horizons by establishing a CEP500 Royal Navy section, we have grown rapidly. In fact, we are now the fastest growing of all CEP schools, proudly parading Royal Air Force and Royal Marine sections alongside our Royal Navy section. Many of our cadets have gone on to achieve national awards. From January we will also be supporting another local school and its CCF.

Pictured: Mike Smith (Headteacher) and Sqn Ldr Luke Horobin proudly share the certificate with Major Darren Knight who supported the school with this award.
Pictured: Mike Smith (Headteacher) and Sqn Ldr Luke Horobin proudly share the certificate with Major Darren Knight who supported the school with this award.

We were incredibly humbled and honoured to receive the ERS Gold Award from Commodore Tristram Kirkwood OBE ADC at yesterday evenings formal dinner and presentation. This achievement reflects our deep commitment to valuing and supporting members of the Armed Forces community, not just within our school, but throughout the wider community. We believe that the values and discipline associated with military service enrich the lives of our students and staff alike, and we remain dedicated to upholding the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant. Being the first standalone secondary school to receive this honour is a remarkable achievement.”

Squadron Leader Luke Horobin, Phoenix CCF Contingent Commander also commented “Our partnership has equipped our staff and young people with skills, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to values that will serve them and society well into the future. This honour reflects the hard word and dedication of the team here at Phoenix Collegiate. We are all feeling exceptionally proud of this recognition today.”

Pictured: Mike Smith (Headteacher) proudly accepting this achievement.
Pictured: Mike Smith (Headteacher) proudly accepting this achievement.

This landmark recognition comes as a result of years of dedicated work by the school to create a welcoming, supportive, and empowering environment for military-affiliated students, staff, and families. The Phoenix Collegiate has implemented policies and practices that ensure flexibility for reservist staff, strong pastoral care for children of service personnel, and active participation in cadet and veterans’ initiatives.

As the first secondary standalone school to receive the ERS Gold Award, The Phoenix Collegiate stands as a trailblazer in education, highlighting how schools can play a pivotal role in supporting those who serve.