Pastries, Pens and 150 Storytellers: Our HEroes at Holmer CofE Academy
8th October 2026
There’s something special about a school hall full of dads before the school day has even started. This autumn we headed into Holmer CofE Academy for an Our HEroes breakfast session, and more than 150 dads, grandads, uncles and male carers came along with their children.
The morning started the best way any morning can: with pastries. Over breakfast the room filled with chatter, and before long dads who’d only ever nodded at each other at the school gate were swapping stories and laughing together.
Then came the main event: writing an autumn story together. Each dad and child shared a single sheet of paper and took it in turns to write one line each. The child started the story, the dad added the next line, and back and forth it went.
It was brilliant to watch. Stories were full of crunchy leaves, conker hunts, misty mornings and hedgehogs getting ready for winter, with more than a few plot twists nobody saw coming. Children giggled as their dads tried to steer the story somewhere sensible, and dads were taken by surprise as their children took it somewhere else entirely.
Activities like this matter. Taking turns to write means listening, building on someone else’s idea, and sharing the pen. For many dads it was a rare chance to see their child at work in the classroom. For the children it showed them that their dad cares about what happens at school.
A huge thank you to everyone at Holmer CofE Academy for welcoming us, and to every dad and male carer who came along and joined in.
If you’d like to bring Our HEroes to your school, see how it works and what it costs then get in touch today.
The Power of Dads: How Father Engagement with Schools Boosts Children’s Success
1st June 2026
Strong parental engagement has long been linked to better educational outcomes, and the presence of fathers in school life is increasingly recognised as a powerful contributing factor. When dads actively participate—whether attending parents’ evenings, supporting homework routines, or engaging with teachers—they help reinforce positive attitudes toward learning. This involvement often boosts a child’s confidence, motivation, and behaviour in school, creating a more stable environment for academic success. As secondary schools continue to emphasise holistic support around pupils approaching GCSEs in Summer 2026, the visible and consistent presence of fathers can act as a key driver in helping students remain focused and resilient during exam preparation.
The impact becomes particularly clear in exam performance. Students whose fathers are engaged in their education tend to demonstrate stronger attainment, including improved GCSE results, due to a combination of encouragement, accountability, and emotional support. In households where learning is valued and shared, young people are more likely to set higher goals and maintain productive study habits. While schools and teachers play a crucial role, the role of dads as active partners in the educational journey cannot be overstated. As this summer’s cohort approaches the culmination of their studies, the collective effort between home and school will be more important than ever.
Good luck to those completing their exams this summer!
Investing in Long-term
Leadership Yields Results
On and Off The Pitch
21st May 2026
Both in football and in business, success rarely comes from constant change. More often, it comes from consistency, trust in leadership, and giving a long-term vision time to take hold. Recent examples from Arsenal F.C. and Aston Villa F.C. demonstrate exactly why patience and stability can be such powerful ingredients for growth.
A few seasons ago, both clubs faced criticism and pressure. Arsenal endured difficult periods under manager Mikel Arteta, with questions surrounding performances, recruitment, and direction. Aston Villa experienced similar uncertainty before fully backing Unai Emery and allowing his methods and culture to embed within the club.
Rather than reacting impulsively, both clubs committed to their leadership teams and trusted the process. Over time, that stability has produced clear identities, improved performances, stronger cultures, and consistent progress on and off the pitch. Players understand expectations, staff work toward shared goals, and supporters can see a long-term vision unfolding.
The same principles apply directly to business.
Many organisations fall into the trap of changing strategy too quickly when results are not immediate. Leadership teams are replaced, priorities shift, and employees are left trying to adapt to constant change. While flexibility is important, too much disruption can prevent a business from ever truly building momentum.
Strong leadership needs time to embed. Teams need consistency to build trust, confidence, and accountability. When leaders are given the opportunity to establish culture, systems, and long-term direction, businesses are more likely to create sustainable success rather than short-term wins.
This does not mean accepting poor performance indefinitely. Instead, it means recognising the difference between temporary setbacks and a failing vision. Arsenal and Aston Villa both demonstrated that when leadership is aligned with values, strategy, and culture, patience can become a competitive advantage.
In business, as in football, success is rarely instant. The organisations that often thrive are the ones willing to invest in people, remain consistent in their direction, and allow leadership to truly take root.