The first ever Giving Day at King Edward’s School, Bath, which brought together pupils, staff, parents, Old Edwardians and supporters in a joyful celebration of the KES community’s spirit and generosity, has raised an extraordinary £126,287 to support the school’s means-tested Bursary Programme and two new outdoor spaces for learning and wellbeing.
Giving Day saw the whole school community come together to take part in celebratory events, from a Danceathon at the Pre-Prep and talent shows, quizzes and carnival-style games at the Junior School, to an ‘It’s a Knockout’ race at the Senior School, where members of staff donned inflatable animal costumes to the delight of pupils.
Across the whole school everyone endeavoured to run, hike or row 1,552 miles in honour of the school’s founding year (1552). Also proving hugely popular was the Headmaster’s Challenge, which saw him face 126 football penalties whilst in goal!
The school also saw its largest ever collection for Bath Foodbank, with well over the target of 1,552 items donated by the KES community.
The day ended with the Wroughton Lecture given by Old Edwardian, Natalie Hewit, who spoke about the making of her film, Endurance, which tells of the discovery of the wreck of Shackleton’s famous ship in Antarctica.
The £126,287 raised will go towards the school’s means-tested Bursary Programme and two outdoor projects that will see a new outdoor classroom for Pre-Prep and Junior pupils located near the Junior School and a wellbeing and social space installed outside the Senior School’s new Academic and Pastoral Building which is opening after half term.
Commenting on the occasion, Martin Boden, Headmaster, said, “Giving Day was a joyful affirmation of everything that makes King Edward’s so special. To see our pupils, staff, parents and Old Edwardians come together with such energy and generosity was truly heartening.
“The funds raised will open doors and create opportunities for others through our Bursary Programme and enable the creation of two new outdoor spaces that will enrich learning and wellbeing for years to come. I am deeply grateful to our whole community for their kindness, spirit and belief in the transformative power of a KES education.”
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