THEY haven't needed to put on their smart shoes, ties and blazers for almost two months, but pupils at North West Academies Trust schools across Chester and elsewhere were delighted to don their uniforms at home to raise thousands of pounds for good causes.

The vast majority of children have been learning at home since March 23, as the country tackles the coronavirus crisis.

While staff adapted quickly to stay in touch online and ensure all pupils' education journey continues apace, there has been no need for school uniforms, packed lunches or PE kits.

But when they were asked to dress up to earn sponsorship cash, there was no hesitation from the youngsters at Grosvenor Park Academy, St Martin’s Academy and Acresfield Primary School in Chester; Oak View Academy, Weaverham Primary Academy and Delamere CofE Academy in Mid Cheshire, and Ellesmere Primary School, Shropshire.

Now the cash is flowing in, with the total is expected to be well in excess of £2,500.

The Hospice of the Good Shepherd, SPACE, Mind, St Luke’s Hospice, the Mid Cheshire Food Bank and the Ellesmere Food Bank are among the charities who will receive donations.

Richard Clark, head of school at Grosvenor Park, said: “We wanted to raise money for the charities in need of extra support at the moment, and the children are always proud to wear their school uniform. I thought it would be nice to raise money and give children the opportunity to get dressed as they would on a normal Wednesday in term time.

“The teachers miss seeing them every day, so it was great to see them looking so smart with the school’s crest on their blazers and jumpers.

"Hopefully it won’t be too long before our children are able to wear their uniforms in the classroom again.”

The children sent in pictures of themselves wearing their school uniforms at home, and donated via the Just Giving online platform.

The schools are part of Chester-based North West Academies Trust (NWAT), which is one of the highest performing trusts in the country and oversees Cheshire West’s two top performing primaries.

Steve Docking, CEO of NWAT, said: “The current crisis has tested our schools to their limit and I couldn’t be prouder of the way they have responded.

“Extensive home learning provision was available from the very first day of lockdown, and every day I see something from our staff and children that makes me feel proud.

“By working closely together to share ideas and best practice, I truly believe we are giving our children the best possible education during lockdown.

“The hard work will continue as we prepare to welcome larger numbers of children back into our schools in June, and we are focused and determined to continue our outstanding provision.”

Donations to the schools’ chosen charities can be made through the following links:

Grosvenor Park Academy are raising money for The Hospice of the Good Shepherd: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Grosvenorpark-HospiceoftheGoodShepherd

St Martin’s Academy are raising money for SPACE: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/st-martins-s-academy

Acresfield Primary School are raising money for Mind https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/acresfield-primary-school

Oak View Academy are raising money for St Luke’s Hospice: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/oak-view-academy

Weaverham Primary Academy are raising money for St Luke’s Hospice: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/weaverham-primary-academy

Delamere CofE Academy are raising money for Mid Cheshire Foodbank: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/delamere-c-of-e-academy

Ellesmere Primary School are raising money for The Ellesmere Food Bank https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ellesmere-primary