- Opening of The Bishop of Winchester Academy, Bournemouth - having the courage to be wise 11 October 2010
- Official Opening of All Saints Academy Plymouth 1 October 2010
- Exam success for Church of England Academies 10 September 2010
- 8 Academies delivered by CASL open in September 2010 - on time and on budget 8 September 2010
The Cross of Hope - Transformation rooted in Christian values
The Cross of Hope
When creating the Cross of Hope for CASL, Mark Wilkinson was mindful of the original significance of the cross and saw it linked to the suffering of our broken and neglected communities, and their young people in particular.
- The Cross of Hope was burned from a large rolled steel joist to symbolise the fortitude and underlying strength of the individuals and communities whom CASL serves.
- The Cross has been shot through from both sides showing that faith and aspiration endure and survive opposition and attack.
- The Cross has a base of walnut representing the potential for new growth and the practical and tangible nature of CASL’s work.
- The Cross is crowned with blood red razor wire tipped with gold signifying the triumph of love and forgiveness with their promise of hope and restoration.
The empty cross reminds us of Christ’s resurrection and God’s redemptive power and offer of new life. It is not an end, but a beginning.
CASL’s work – both in 
project management and its extended services – is rooted in the belief that everyone is created in the image of God and that all young people should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential academically, creatively, socially and spiritually. We work with church schools and academies to enable transformational Christian values to be put in action and bear fruit. Just as Jesus shared his ministry with people of all faiths and none, CASL develops and supports life-changing educational choices for everyone regardless of belief.
Mark Wilkinson OBE
Mark is an outstanding designer with a passion for creation and communication. He also has a personal understanding of the importance of CASL’s work for deprived communities and their young people as he struggled at school and is a profound dyslexic.
Mark was awarded with the Order of the British Empire in the 2010 New Year’s Honours List for his services to the Furniture Industry and to Charity. He works for the specialist teaching charity, Dyslexia Action, and has for many years supported skills training and education in furniture making and design.
Mark describes himself as “a child of humble beginnings, who left school unable to read or write”. CASL is delighted that his considerable achievements have been recognised by this honour and is very grateful that his design skills and insight have created an inspirational work of art for us.