Carrongrange High School in Grangemouth is celebrating the arrival of a brand-new Variety Sunshine Coach, made possible thanks to Variety, the Children’s Charity, the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, and fundraising efforts by the Carrongrange school community.

Carrongrange High School is the only secondary school in Grangemouth catering exclusively for students with moderate, severe, and complex additional support needs. With small class sizes and a highly specialised curriculum, the school provides personalised care to help each student reach their full potential.

The new specially adapted Sunshine Coach will enable the school’s 150 students, including more than 20 wheelchair users, to access off-site learning, engage with the community, and take part in enriching experiences to support their development.

The presentation event included a special show and tell session from teachers and students, outlining their plans for the coach, and a tour of the school for guests.

Iain Forbes, Vice Chair of Variety Scotland said:
“Carrongrange High School is an incredible school, where staff are deeply committed to doing their absolute best for every pupil. This new coach, which includes a tail lift, will ensure that all pupils, regardless of mobility, will be able to take part in activities outside the classroom. We’re incredibly grateful to the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation for their generous support in sponsoring the coach – the 54th Sunshine Coach they have funded.”

Janine Proudlock, Headteacher of Carrongrange High School, added:
“The whole Carrongrange community came together to support this project. Through enterprise and fundraising, parent 10K runs and West Highland Way walks, we have given our very special young people access to opportunities and experiences that others sometimes take for granted. With thanks to Variety Club and the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, we can all now explore our local community and develop understanding, communication and connection with the wider world around us.”

Representatives from the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, added:

“Today, the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation are delighted to be handing over a brand-new, Variety Sunshine Coach to Carrongrange High School in Grangemouth, Scotland.

We are proud to be making this donation, which will be the first of four Variety Sunshine Coaches that we will be donating this year. This follows the celebration of our 50th Variety Sunshine Coach, donated to Westcroft School in Wolverhampton, last year. 

The difference that this will make to the children will be phenomenal, opening up opportunities for learning and helping the children to feel more included, demonstrating long term positive impact. We are proud to be supporting local communities across the UK this way. We look forward to learning more about its impact over the years to come.”

Laurence Guinness, Chief Executive of Variety, the Children’s Charity said:

“Variety’s Sunshine Coach Programme has been a beacon of hope for disabled and disadvantaged children across the UK. With support from the St. James’ Place Charitable Foundation, our specially adapted sunshine coaches have been breaking down barriers and opening doors to a world of opportunities for so many children.

Our Sunshine Coach programme provides vulnerable children with educational and recreational activities they would otherwise be excluded from. By supporting this programme, you’re not just funding vehicles; you’re driving change to create brighter futures. This is vital for the children we support with the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, given that over 600,000 disabled children live in poverty. 

From the bottom of our hearts we applaud and thank you for everything you do for children.”