Former pupils return as Pool Academy throws open its field

The choir under the marquee had barely finished their first number before the tombola queue started forming behind them, and by mid-afternoon the whole of Pool Academy‘s field had turned into something closer to a village fete than a school car park. Students, families, neighbours and more than a few faces who hadn’t set foot on site in years all turned out for the school’s Festival on the Field, an afternoon built entirely around the community the academy sits in.

Talent on stage

Music and performances ran throughout the day, with young musicians and dancers taking their turn under the marquee in front of a crowd that spilled out across the grass. Around them, the rest of the field filled up with games, a tombola, face painting and stalls, giving people of every age something to queue for.

Games, tombola and a soaking for the brave

One of the day’s bigger draws needed no introduction. Plymouth Argyle made a special appearance at the festival, a rare sight on a school field in Pool and one that had queues of its own by the afternoon.

Elsewhere, the games leaned into the kind of chaos that only works in the sunshine. A water-soaking board challenge left more than one willing volunteer drenched through a hole cut into a hand-painted sunflower, while glitter face paint and homemade obstacle games kept the younger end of the crowd busy from one side of the field to the other.

Old faces back for a Pool reunion

What set the day apart, though, was who turned up. Festival on the Field also welcomed back former Pool Academy students, giving the wider Pool community a proper chance to reconnect rather than just pass each other on the school run. Staff spent the afternoon on the ground with visitors, and it showed. Guests repeatedly commented on how warmly they were welcomed by students, and on just how strong the sense of community felt across the site.

“A celebration of the community we are so proud to be part of”

Nick Ward, Principal at Pool Academy, said the event captured exactly what the school had been building towards.

“What a brilliant day! Festival on the Field was a celebration of the community we are so proud to be part of. Seeing students, families, neighbours and former students all coming together and enjoying the day was incredibly special.”

“We are always proud of the way our students represent Pool Academy, and it was wonderful to see them welcoming visitors, sharing their talents and helping to create such a wonderful atmosphere.”

By the time the last performers had stepped down from the marquee stage, the field was still full, tombola tickets and all.