Restart a Heart Day 2025: Empowering Students with Lifesaving Skills

On Restart a Heart Day 2025, Oulton Academy proudly partnered with Yorkshire Ambulance Service to deliver free CPR training to all of our Year 7 students—a total of 224 young people equipped with a vital, lifesaving skill.

Supported by 13 dedicated members of staff who also got involved, the event was a powerful example of how education can extend beyond the classroom to prepare students for real-world challenges. CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a critical intervention that can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival in the event of cardiac arrest. By learning how to respond confidently in an emergency, our students are now better prepared to make a real difference in their communities.

Assistant Principal Vaughan Marklew commented on the day, “Restart a Heart Day links perfectly with our PSHE curriculum, It’s about more than just learning a skill—it’s about building confidence, responsibility, and a sense of citizenship. We want our students to be ready for the real world, and CPR training is a powerful step in that direction.”

The atmosphere was one of enthusiasm and purpose, with students engaging hands-on in CPR techniques under the guidance of trained professionals. The event not only raised awareness about cardiac health but also reinforced the importance of taking action in emergencies.