How the Honorary Alderman David Gemmell OBE Education Fund Is Giving Hull Kids a Deeper Learning Experience

When it comes to hands-on learning, nothing quite beats getting out of the classroom and into a place where you can see, touch, and experience the world. That’s exactly what happened for Stepney Primary School in Hull, who recently became the first-ever recipients of the Honorary Alderman David Gemmell OBE Education Fund to visit The Deep—one of the UK’s most impressive aquariums.

What’s This Education Fund All About?

The fund was set up by The Deep in memory of Honorary Alderman David Gemmell OBE (1940–2024). David Gemmell was more than just a passionate advocate for Hull; he was the mastermind behind The Deep, helping turn it from an ambitious idea into a world-class attraction that’s welcomed nearly 10 million visitors since opening almost 30 years ago.

He sadly passed away at the end of March 2024, but his vision for making learning accessible and exciting lives on. To honour his memory, The Deep now awards this special fund each year to a Hull school, giving them the chance to enjoy a self-guided tour and an educational workshop at the aquarium—plus up to £250 towards travel costs.

Stepney Primary School’s Unforgettable Visit

The lucky first recipients of the fund were Stepney Primary School, whose Key Stage 1 and 2 classes got to spend the day at The Deep. The kids didn’t just wander around looking at fish tanks; they took part in interactive workshops all about the impact of plastics on the ocean. Through storytelling and hands-on activities, they learned about ocean pollution in a way that felt fun and real—exactly the kind of thing David Gemmell would have loved.

After the workshops, the students got to explore the aquarium itself, soaking in all the weird and wonderful marine life The Deep has to offer. It’s not every day you get to stare a shark in the eye or watch stingrays glide past like living kites.

Why This Matters So Much

For many kids in Hull, visiting The Deep would be a dream that’s just out of reach. But thanks to this education fund, that’s changing. Joanne Atkinson, Headteacher at Stepney Primary School, put it perfectly:

“We are incredibly grateful to the Honorary Alderman David Gemmell OBE Education Fund for making this trip possible. Without this generous support, it would simply be out of reach for our children to visit The Deep and experience this fantastic learning opportunity.”

And it’s not just about seeing cool fish. It’s about making learning exciting and accessible, especially when it ties into important issues like marine conservation.

Katy Duke, Chief Executive Officer at The Deep, added:

“David was dedicated to The Deep’s commitment to marine conservation and education. To recognise David’s unwavering support for our charity, we are proud to have established the Honorary Alderman David Gemmell OBE Education Fund in his memory.”

“This year, we are delighted to be welcoming Stepney Primary School, and look forward to funding future educational visits for Hull schools in David’s honour.”

What’s Next?

The plan is for The Deep to keep offering this fund to a new Hull school every year. That’s more kids learning about conservation, more students getting inspired to care about the environment, and more young people remembering a day out they’ll never forget.

The Honorary Alderman David Gemmell OBE Education Fund is a fitting tribute to a man who cared deeply about Hull and its future. And for the kids of Stepney Primary School, it’s already making waves.