Partnerships Day 2026 Brings Together More Than 500 Young People from Across Southampton

King Edward VI School's annual Partnerships Day once again proved the power of collaboration and community, as more than 500 young people from across Southampton came together for a day of shared learning and enrichment. 

At the heart of the event were 157 Year 10 pupils, who stepped into leadership roles to welcome, support and mentor visiting children from Wordsworth Primary School, Sholing Junior School, and Thornhill Primary School. Working alongside 40 members of staff, they helped deliver a varied programme of activities for 370 visiting pupils, creating opportunities to learn and build confidence together. 

Throughout the day, visiting pupils took part in a wide range of interactive workshops across Science, Sport, English, Music and Modern Foreign Languages. Designed and led with the support of our Year 10s, the sessions encouraged creativity and teamwork, with more than 1,500 individual workshop places delivered across the programme. 

Sport remained a key part of the day, with pupils enjoying a full programme of physical activity at Solent University Sports Hall after wet weather plans were put into action. More than 60 pupils from partner schools' schools took part.

Children from Kings Copse Primary School were also invited to watch a special matinée performance of the recent lower school production Around the World in 80 Days.

"Thank you so much for today. Our children absolutely loved the production of Around the World in 80 Days. We were all utterly captivated by the fantastic choreography, the gymnastic talent, the brilliant acting and the sheer professionalism of the performers. It was a massive surprise to find out that we were watching Years 7, 8 and 9 and not Years 10 and 11! The vast majority of our children have never been to the theatre, so many thanks for making their first experience so memorable and enjoyable. Congratulations to all involved in the production, they should all be very proud!" 

Ali, Kings Copse Primary School teacher

The lunchtime enrichment programme was equally vibrant, transforming the school into a hub of activity. Pupils rotated through a carousel featuring circus skills, creative arts and face painting, ensuring everyone had the opportunity to try something new. Across five rotations, 20 separate activity sessions were delivered. 

A defining feature of Partnerships Day is the role played by our Year 10 pupils, who welcomed visitors, led activities and supported younger children throughout the day. Their enthusiasm and maturity helped create a friendly and inclusive atmosphere across the wide range of workshops and events. 

Bringing together pupils from King Edward VI School and our partner primary schools, Partnerships Day 2026 was a fantastic example of schools working together. The variety of activities on offer ensured there was something for everyone, making it an enjoyable and memorable day for all involved. 

You can read more about our school partnerships here.