Asda launches Cashpot for Schools initiative with ambassador Joe Wicks to raise money for primary schools — including schools in Newark

A supermarket’s new initiative, with ambassador Joe Wicks, is set to help support primary schools.

As nine in ten teachers say schools are reliant on parents for financial support, Asda has launched its new Cashpot for Schools initiative, fronted by the fronted by PE and fitness guru, which will see up to £7.5million donated to primary schools across the country through its Asda Rewards loyalty programme.

Customers simply select their primary school of choice within the Asda Rewards app and scan it every time they shop, and the supermarket will donate 0.5% of the value of their basket to their chosen school.

Asda will also kickstart each school’s Cashpot with £50 once they register for the initiative, and add an additional £1 to the school pot for every customer who signs up. Asda is anticipating around £500 to be raised for each school taking part.

Many primary schools in the Newark area and surrounding villages are included in the scheme, including John Hunt Academy, Barnby Road Academy, Chuter Ede Primary School, and Coddington C of E Primary and Nursery School.

According to the data, a lack of schools’ funding is seeing parents having to bridge the financial gap, with 87% being asked by their child's school to donate money, and more than half being asked to donate multiple times a year — despite 26% of parents feeling financially unable to contribute extra funds.

Nine in ten teachers say that a lack of funding has impacted learning and student experience at their school, with the most significantly underfunded needs being school trips (64%), books and learning materials (52%), and sports equipment (50%).

Fronting the campaign, father of four Joe Wicks said: “I know first-hand from the work I’ve done in schools just how much of a difference Cashpot for Schools is going to make to kids across the country.

“I feel incredibly proud to be part of such an important initiative with Asda, working with a partner that is as committed to supporting families as I am. From sports facilities to nutrition, Asda shoppers’ donations will have a huge impact on primary schools around the country — and after all, who doesn’t want the very best for their kids.”

Asda is working in partnership with Parentkind — a dedicated charity for PTA fundraisers across the UK — to ensure all primary schools can benefit from the initiative.

By working with Parentkind, Asda is able to ensure all primary school PTA bank details are registered with the charity so the money raised can be donated directly to the school once the campaign closes.