Community Champion: Jess Angell
For the next in our Community Champions series, we spoke to Jess Angell, Head of Humanities at River Academy. Jess helped launch the River Academy Community Lectures, a free programme of after-school talks that welcomes students, families, staff, and the wider community into the school each term. Guest academics share their expertise, while students lead the way in welcoming visitors and introducing the sessions.
Jess explained: “It’s brilliant to model to our students that education is a lifelong process, that we are all learners and no matter your age, you can always learn something new.” She values seeing students interact with speakers and community members, helping to build a shared love of learning across the school and beyond.
“Education is a lifelong process, no matter your age, you can always learn something new.”
What stands out most for her is the energy in the room: “Hearing our students ask challenging and interesting questions keeps me motivated. All our speakers have agreed to return, which I think is a real testament to how wonderful the audience were.”
The generosity of the academics has also shaped the programme: “They’ve been fantastic at catering for a wide range of ages and taking time to answer every question thrown at them.”
Jess went on to explain that the lectures reflect the values of Maiden Erlegh Trust “They Aim High and Be Inclusive because they are free and open to all, and we Work Together by involving students, staff, and speakers to make each event a success.”
Looking ahead, the Community Lectures will continue each term, with two events already booked for November 2025. Jess is keen to thank the guest speakers whose generosity makes the programme possible, and we thank Jess for leading work that inspires students and brings our community together.
