It was with a mix of excitement and trepidation therefore that we embarked on our second Giving Day this week on 17 and 18 April, again with the aim of welcoming more able and talented young people from our community as a part of the RGS Family.

Throughout our Giving Day, we asked all members of the RGS community; pupils, parents, staff, alumni and friends of the School, to come together, get involved and to support at whatever level they were able. As is the RGS way, the School Family responded with enthusiasm and in huge numbers to lend their support, and we are absolutely delighted to announce that, at the time of writing, over £150,000 has been raised. This is a huge achievement and significantly surpasses last year’s very impressive total of £112,000.

Here at our Schools, pupils took part in a range of fun challenges which in turn released £2,000 of funds pledged by alumni should they successfully complete them. Pupils created the longest conga lines ever at RGS, they got active and went House-to-House in a 21.5minute active challenge, led by Alice Ottleian, Sue Foord, and pupils donated over £2,550 through wearing green home clothes. We were absolutely overwhelmed by the response to the 1291 Food Bank Challenge and the RGS Family came together in force for this incredibly worthy cause, with over 2,200 items being donated – staggering! This alone, exhibits the charitable ethos and willingness to support our community that is embedded in our RGS values and culture, and is something of which we all can be very proud. Seeing the items delivered to the Food Bank today by pupils was immensely heart-warming.

The Donor Wall on our Giving Day website showed donations coming from around the world and included some incredibly moving testimonials and comments about our School. We wanted to share a few with you here:

“We have been extremely grateful for the Bursary Award our son received and he is making the most of it for as long as he is able to. He loves RGS and everyone made him feel welcome”.

“From the Fantastic Headmaster, hardworking staff members, to the kitchen staff, RGSW is full of kind individuals who go above and beyond to support our children at all levels. The School has allowed my kids to get an amazing education and learn new things to enrich them. Thanks to all at RGSW”.

“Bursaries make it possible for children from all backgrounds to attend RGS which is important for them and the School”.

“As George Hinkley said, ‘Education is the key which will unlock the door of opportunity for you’. Receiving a Bursary is the best gift a young person can receive”.

“Very grateful for the opportunities the School gave me. Inspiring teachers and life-long friends made”

So, we close the 2024 Giving Day on an amazing high, and with huge gratitude to each and every one of you who took part or donated to support the pupils and Bursary Awards here at RGS.

Thank You.

The Foundation Office Team

It’s not too late to give if you still wish to donate. You can do so here: https://givingday.rgsw.org.uk/