A SCHOOL PTA has announced plans for its most ambitious fundraiser yet.

The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) of Ilkley Grammar School is in the process of planning Ilkley’s first ever Colour Rush for June 26th this year as a major fundraising event.

Participants in the inaugural Ilkley Colour Rush will be able to run, jog, walk, hop, skip or jump around a lapped course whilst being covered in colourful paint (corn starch powder).

By the time they finish the course on the school playing fields on Coutances Way they will look like a rainbow.

Jane Wearing, Chair of Ilkley Grammar School PTA said: "It’s shaping up to be a fantastic family event and tickets will be available in March.

"In the meantime, the PTA are seeking sponsors to help fund the many up-front costs that are required for such an event. The more that is raised in sponsorship, the more income from the event will be available for the PTA to help support various school projects.

"This year, the PTA is looking to spend the money raised on the further enhancement of the mental health and wellbeing support provided to students who have faced so many challenges during the pandemic.

"There is also the ambition to purchase equipment to support the work of the creative arts department at school (art, music, photography and drama) - an area which struggles to attract funding nationally, but which Ilkley Grammar School is committed to supporting and developing further over the coming years through ever-more ambitious and exciting creative projects."

The PTA works to raise additional funds for school that enhance the enrichment and education of students. Extra funds also support a range of projects that the school would otherwise struggle to hold within existing budgets.

Each year the PTA run a series of fundraising activities such as Curry & Quiz Night, Auction of Promises and Car Boot Sales.

In past years the PTA has funded:

The IGS Bursary (available to provide financial assistance to students who otherwise would not be able to afford to participate in trips and enrichment opportunities);

The provision of dining furniture for the dining hall in the new Armitage building;

The refurbishment of various areas of school;

Duke of Edinburgh award equipment; and Special Educational Needs resources.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the inaugural Ilkley Colour Rush, please contact the PTA via pta@ilkleygs.co.uk for further information.