Community Impact
February 11, 2026
A £1,500 donation was made to a school in Thornton to help fund outdoor chess equipment for its extra-curricular programme.
Friends of St William of York Catholic Primary School received the contribution to support its after-school activities, for the purchase of the chess equipment as it continues its involvement in the Chess in Schools National Programme.
Martin Murphy, Headteacher at St William of York Catholic Primary School, said: “Our Friends group is vital in supporting the school’s aims and ambitions. With reduced funding and greater costs, the ability to access additional funding is crucial in being able to support schools with their provision for children.
“It’s vitally important that charities have access to these additional funding streams as the cost-of-living crisis has severely impacted the capacity of clubs and charities being able to support their local communities.”
St William of York Catholic Primary School is a one-form entry school serving the immediate area of Thornton and the wider community.
It offers a free breakfast club, which it funds itself, and has an average of 60 children attending daily. The school also has an extensive extra-curricular programme with all activities free for the children to attend.
Claire Jarvis, Managing Director at David Wilson Homes North West, said: “We are pleased to support the extra-curricular activities at St William of York Catholic Primary School as it helps children to make friends, develop their personalities and enhance their skills.
“Our Community Fund scheme is designed to help local charities, and we hope the children of Thornton benefit from the donation.”
For more information on how to support the school’s endeavours, visit the website at Friends of St William of York Catholic Primary School.
