Bring the Joy: Nene Education Trust’s Whole Child Project takes centre stage

What began as a chance conversation in 2018 has evolved into an inspiring eight-year journey celebrating creativity, confidence and pupil voice across Nene Education Trust schools.

The Whole Child Project was born from a discussion between Matt Coleman, then Director of Primary Education of Nene Education Trust, and Leigh Wolmarans, CEO and Artistic Director of Silhouette Youth Theatre. United by a shared belief in the importance of creative education and developing the whole child, they imagined a programme that would give children opportunities beyond the traditional curriculum.

That vision has since empowered hundreds of pupils to explore their talents, express themselves creatively and share their experiences with others. At its heart, the project champions pupil voice, encouraging children to step outside their comfort zones and discover new ways to shine.

This year’s production, on 30th June 2026, was a spectacular performance at The Castle Theatre in Wellingborough. Working closely with Silhouette Youth Theatre, pupils created and performed Bring the Joy, an energetic production inspired by three beloved classics: Matilda, Oliver Twist and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

And bring joy they certainly did.

From the moment the curtain rose, the audience was captivated by the talent, confidence and stage presence of the young performers. Through vibrant song, dance and drama, pupils delivered a performance that entertained, inspired and demonstrated the transformative power of the arts.

The reaction from the audience was overwhelmingly positive. One attendee described the show as feeling “like a professional production”, adding that there was “not one stand-out school” because every child performed “fantastically”.

Another audience member simply summed up the evening in three words: “So much joy!”

Perhaps the most powerful feedback came from a member of one of the Trust’s Local Governing Bodies, who reflected on the atmosphere inside the theatre:

“Wow! What a wonderful evening it was. A real joy to see so many young people on stage and not one of them looking nervous or apprehensive, just joyful.

Sitting in the audience surrounded by parents, there was an atmosphere of support too, not just for their child but for all of them.

It really was a pleasure. It reinforces why I’m so pleased to be associated with NET. I hope all the trustees managed to see and appreciate the side of education that too often is lost amongst the academic pressures.”

The Whole Child Project continues to demonstrate that education is about far more than academic achievement alone. By nurturing creativity, confidence, teamwork and self-expression, Nene Education Trust is helping young people develop the skills and character they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Eight years on from that original conversation, the message of the Whole Child Project remains clear: when children are given the opportunity to find their voice, remarkable things happen. And as this year's production proved, the result is nothing short of joyful.

Closing the performance, Matt Coleman, Interim CEO, praised the children for their confidence and dedication and said, following a minute long standing ovation from in the theatre: “You have sung your hearts out tonight, danced with confidence, and reminded every one of us of something that adults sometimes forget: this was about children being children, having fun and being brave enough to step onto a stage in front of hundreds of people, bringing happiness to everyone in this theatre.  I believe that schools are at their very best, when home and schools work together and I want to thank parents and carers for entrusting your children to us every day.”