Havant Academy art students benefit from new laptops donated by The Ridge Foundation

Stuart Taylor • September 23, 2025

Art students at Havant Academy are benefiting from updated technology thanks to the donation of 20 laptops from The Ridge Foundation.

 

The new computers, installed with photo manipulation software and fully set up ahead of the new school year in September, are transforming learning for GCSE students. They replace outdated Chromebooks that were no longer fit for purpose, giving pupils the tools they need to research, create and present their work more effectively.

 

The donation is also freeing up valuable teaching time, as the laptops enable students to print their own work directly rather than waiting in queues for a teacher to do it on their behalf.

 

Tammy Miller, Associate Assistant Headteacher and art teacher at Havant Academy, said: “We are grateful to The Ridge Foundation for this donation, which is already making a huge difference to our students. The laptops are giving them greater independence, enabling them to carry out research, share and edit photos, and print their work easily. It’s helping us to focus more on teaching and supporting creativity in the classroom.”

 

This latest gift continues a long history of support from The Ridge Foundation, which has previously donated over £500,000 worth of contributions including a new minibus, Vodafone data connectivity, a technology hub for students who struggle with traditional classroom learning, and support for the Academy’s awards scheme and prom. A sponsored bike ride also raised over £30,000 for a multi-sensory space to help reduce student anxiety.

 

The Ridge Foundation, established by Darren Ridge and inspired by his own experiences growing up on a council estate, works to help children and young people from challenging backgrounds reach their full potential.

 

Darren attended the school himself when it was known as Wakeford Comprehensive, before going on to found business communications specialist Onecom. Together with Aaron Brown, he later founded Ridown, an investment company with interests in technology businesses.

 

Darren said: “We’re pleased to be continuing to support Havant Academy through the Foundation. Our goal is to remove barriers and give young people the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, and I’m proud that these laptops will support both pupils and teachers in their work.”