News & Stories

Students from Brookmead Academy recently took part in an inspiring sustainability and prom dress upcycling workshop at De Montfort University as part of the school’s Good Life Schools Project.

The project aims to create a more sustainable and affordable prom experience by launching a Prom Library — a collection of donated prom dresses, suits, and accessories that Year 11 students can borrow completely free of charge before returning them for future students to enjoy.

During the workshop, students explored creative ways to promote the initiative and share their message with the wider community. They learned valuable skills in advertising, storytelling, and digital content creation, using videos, posters, scripts, and the design platform Canva to help bring their ideas to life.  

Alongside the media and marketing activities, students also took part in a hands-on upcycling session. Using donated prom outfits and scrap materials, they worked with PhD students from De Montfort University to repair, redesign, and add creative decorative touches to dresses and suits. The session encouraged students to think sustainably while expressing their individuality and creativity through fashion.

The day was made even more special with a visit from the BBC, who came along to capture the workshop and interview students about their experiences. Excitement filled the room as students proudly showcased their designs, shared their ideas, and spoke passionately about making prom more accessible and environmentally friendly.  

Students enjoyed the opportunity to learn new skills while contributing to a project that could make a real difference for future year groups.

“I want to make sure that the future year elevens and even more of the year eleven's [this year] get to go to prom without having to spend so much money on a one-time thing and be able to rent the dresses and suits and accessories like a library book."
Denisa, Brookmead Academy

“I think it's important [to reuse dresses and suits] because it reduces the amount of clothes that go into that can't be worn again and they and in landfill.”  
Jude, Brookmead Academy  

We would like to say a huge thank you to De Montfort University for hosting such an engaging community partnership workshop, and to all of the university students and staff who supported the event and helped make the afternoon such a success.  

As the Prom Library project continues to grow, the school hopes it will not only reduce waste and financial pressure on families but also inspire young people to think differently about sustainability, fashion, and community support.