We are proud to run what is consistently one of the most successful annual school charity appeals in the country. Each year, the school community selects the charity that will be the focus for our fundraising over the academic year. And the sums raised are remarkable.
In 2023, we presented a cheque to Providence Row for £103,830, and in 2024 we raised £132,160.86 for World Child Cancer.
Pupil-led fundraising
The work is led by a committee of Junior Sixth Form (Year 12) pupils who organise a wide range of events, support the work of forms across the School in their own fundraising ventures, and keep account of the money raised. There are prizes for the most impressive individual fundraisers and trophies for the most successful forms. Our appeal provides brilliant experience for pupils across the School; whether that is the initiative of a group of Year 8 pupils, providing live Christmas music for commuters at Blackfriars station or the leadership of our Year 12 pupils on the committee.
Our model for charitable fundraising is also an important vehicle for education. In recent years, we have supported charities that work in the areas of international health inequality, youth mental health, criminal justice, homelessness and infant mortality. In every instance, the work of our charity is a source of learning for our pupils, and a powerful way to live up to our aspirations as a community that is Kind, Aware and Ready.
Across our community, everyone – pupils, parents, staff and governors – gets involved, and we all take great pride in the sums raised. In recent years, Mr Bird himself has jumped out of a plane, and climbed the Three Peaks, raising many thousands of pounds in the process!
Not only has Charity Committee helped me to feel a part of the School community and make new and lasting friendships, it's making a serious positive impact on our chosen charity!
