Four Devon charities chosen by Isca Academy in Exeter

Isca Academy in Exeter will fundraise for Dream-A-Way, Devon Wildlife Trust, FORCE, and Devon Mind.

The students vote each year on which charities they want to support.

This vote gives them ownership of the fundraising efforts and makes their efforts more meaningful and relevant.

Apollo House will be fundraising for Dream-A-Way, a charity that supports children and adults with disabilities in Devon.

The charity provides grants for holidays and fun days out.

Maia House has chosen to support the Devon Wildlife Trust.

This charity, which has been in operation for 60 years, is dedicated to protecting wildlife and wild areas in Devon.

Minerva House has chosen Friends of the Oncology and Radiotherapy Centre, Exeter (FORCE).

This charity, which was established in 1987, provides support and information for cancer patients.

Saturn House will be raising funds for Devon Mind.

This charity provides support and information for people in Devon who are experiencing mental health problems.

The school has already started its fundraising efforts with a bake sale that raised over £200.

They have also held a non-uniform day, where students were asked to donate an item for a Christmas hamper instead of money.

All donations were given to Children and Family Health Devon to support their Christmas Hamper Project.

The project provides essential items and gifts for young people and care leavers under Devon and Torbay Social Care.

Headteacher at Isca Academy, Vicki Joyce, said: "It’s great to involve the students in selecting their house charities every year and it’s so lovely that we will be fundraising for such vital local causes.

The school held a non-uniform day, where students were asked to donate an item for a Christmas hamper instead of money (Image: Isca Academy)

"We will soon be appointing student leaders as Charity Representatives who will help further drive forward our fundraising efforts.

"I know the whole school community is looking forward to raising money for these important charities and it’s no bad thing that the houses start to get competitive over who can raise the most."

David Alder, from Devon Wildlife Trust, said: "We are thrilled and extremely grateful that Maia House has chosen Devon Wildlife Trust as its house charity.

"It is so good to see young people taking action for nature and we hope that their connection with nature continues."

The school's fundraising efforts are set to continue throughout the academic year.