Summary
Aiming to welcome new Reception families and foster community spirit, Holy Apostles’ Church of England Primary School PTA partnered with Happy’s Circus to deliver an unforgettable Circus Day full of fun and excitement for pupils, parents, and residents.
- Event Date: Thursday 18th September 2025
- School Name: Holy Apostles’ Church of England Primary School
- Pupils: 210
- Pupil Premium: 10
- Field Size: 124m × 120m
Background
Holy Apostles’ Church of England Primary School is a voluntary aided public school located in a suburban community on the south-western edge of Cheltenham. The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) runs a variety of fundraising and social events throughout the year, including the Summer Fair, Christmas Fair, Colour Run, school discos, parent quiz nights, and Lido Splash events.
On average, the PTA raises around £11,000 each year. For 2025/2026, fundraising is focused on creating a new Spiritual Garden, a calm, reflective outdoor space for pupils to use during and beyond lessons as well as providing STEM equipment, atlases, library books, and support for school trips.
This was the school’s first time hosting a circus, but due to its huge success, dates have already been booked for 2027 and 2028.
Planning
As the school had never hosted a circus before, there were some initial reservations about logistics — particularly around having the circus team on-site overnight. The PTA worked closely with the Head Teacher, Mr. Dan Smith, to develop a comprehensive plan ensuring all requirements were met. To support the circus team, the school provided access to water via the allotments outside tap and hired portable toilets for both the team and attendees.
Planning began early, with the event first discussed from Easter and tickets going on sale in June. Given the school’s one-form entry and focus on inclusivity, tickets were priced affordably at £11 per person (adults and children) to encourage full community participation rather than focusing solely on profit. Tickets were sold online via PTA Events and at the gate using SumUp card payments.
The core PTA team of five members, including the head teacher, led the early planning stages. The school praised Happy’s Circus for being approachable and helpful throughout the build-up, offering valuable advice and support.
The Event
The decision was made to keep the event simple and focused on the circus experience itself, without additional stalls or games.
The arrival of Happy’s Circus was a highlight in itself, with pupils excited to see the Big Top being set up, and the team working efficiently and independently once the initial site briefing took place. The performance delivered a fast-paced, high-energy show featuring international artists and UK comedy acts, captivating children and adults alike.
Food and drink were available, with teachers volunteering to run the bar, selling drinks purchased from a local supermarket, along with doughnuts and sweets. A local food van served burgers, pulled pork, and hot drinks. Everything ran smoothly — even the weather cooperated — and the event finished on time.
Results
- Total raised: £2,045
- Ticket sales: £1,100
- Food and drinks: £1,300
- Sponsorship: None this year
Expenses included portaloo hire for both the circus team and attendees, and a TENs licence to allow the sale of alcohol.
The field remained in excellent condition after the event and the circus departed by 9:15 am the following morning and pupils were back playing on the same field by 10:30 am.
Feedback from parents, staff, and pupils was overwhelmingly positive. Families praised the event’s strong community feel and noted how much the children enjoyed the performance; many were still talking excitedly about their favourite acts the following day.
If the PTA were to change anything next time, they would seek sponsorship to increase profits — but otherwise, they wouldn’t alter a thing.
Conclusion
The Circus Day at Holy Apostles’ CE Primary School was an outstanding success, blending fun, community, and education into one memorable event, helping to strengthen bonds across the entire school community.
The PTA achieved its fundraising goal, supported local engagement, and created memories that will last long after the Big Top came down. With future events already in the calendar, the circus has quickly become a much-anticipated highlight of the Holy Apostles’ school year.
“What a fantastic school event! The feedback from the children and parents was overwhelmingly positive and we all felt as though it really brought the school community together. We can’t wait for their return visit!”
Dan Smith
Head Teacher