Staff and students from across Olive Academies came together on Thursday, 9 July for Olive Walk 2026, raising an incredible £3,538 in support of Olive Academies Foundation.
The trust-wide fundraising event saw every academy take on its own sponsored walking challenge, with distances up to 10k completed across local communities. Designed to be inclusive of all students, this year’s event brought together over 100 staff and young people for a day of walking, fundraising and fun.
Collectively, participants walked approximately 1.4 million steps. That’s almost the entire length of Great Britain or more than 26 marathons back-to-back or the equivalent of climbing Snowden more than 100 times in distance alone!
Each academy created its own unique experience for students and staff. At OA-Cambridge, participants enjoyed a walk along the River Cam before celebrating with a picnic and ice creams on Jesus Green. OA-Havering completed a walk at St Andrew’s Park, followed by well-earned ice lollies.
Students and staff from OA-Tunbridge Wells took on a walk around Bewl Water before enjoying a picnic, rounders and pedaloes, while OA-Thurrock explored Langdon Hills Country Park and rounded off the day with a picnic and hotdogs.
At OA-Nene Valley, walkers headed to Holkham Beach before relaxing with a picnic and ice cream, while OA-North View completed a walk along Southend Pier followed by a picnic on the beach. Meanwhile, OA-Suffolk took on The Pauper’s Walk through the local area and Onehouse before returning to the academy for a picnic.
Beyond the fundraising total, Olive Walk provided an opportunity for students and staff to spend time together outdoors, build relationships and celebrate being part of the Olive Academies community.
Every pound raised will help the foundation continue to provide enriching opportunities and experiences for children and young people across Olive Academies, supporting engagement in learning, broadening horizons and developing essential life skills.
A huge thank you to all staff, students, families, friends, supporters and donors who contributed to this year’s Olive Walk. Your generosity and enthusiasm have helped make this year’s event a huge success.
