2023 - 2024
I am delighted to welcome you to our review of the 2023/24 academic year.
As the following pages demonstrate, it has been a busy year as we welcomed back many of our alumni, Clifton Rosarians (CR), including previous Heads of Clifton High School.
These CRs continue to support current pupils through many career and mentoring initiatives. Their gift of time genuinely gives a true and invaluable insight to them as they begin to think about their next steps beyond our School gates, whether that be further education, apprenticeships or careers. We are hugely grateful for their support.
The work of the Foundation Team continues to grow, especially as we head closer to celebrating our 150 Anniversary in 2027. We have always been enormously grateful to those that support the School and our pupils whether that be through bursaries or strategic projects across the whole School. It always surprises me when talking with alumni members that they were unaware that our swimming pool, Glenday Building and Library were all funded by fundraising initiatives and philanthropy. We quite simply would not be the School we are today without this support.
With my very best wishes,
Mrs Elizabeth Bond Director of Development
MATCH DAY 2023
We kicked off the academic year with an incredible morning of sport. Congratulations went to the CR team who were the recipients of the first Rosarian Cup against Clifton High School.
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influencer, Rosie has been working with museums and galleries across the country, exploring ways that they can bring their collections to more people through social media. Rosie has accumulated a following of over half a million, focused on the History of Fashion. Her debut book, 'The Royal Wardrobe' was published in June 2023 by Headline Publishing.
GRANDPARENTS’ DAY
The School year started with a Drinks Reception for all parents hosted by The Foundation. It is so important for us to welcome new parents into the Clifton High School community. The Main Hall was full of both new and returning families including several CR parents.
We were delighted to host our annual Grandparents’ Tea and Cake in our Main Hall to celebrate Grandparents’ Day in October 2023. Pupils from across the School enjoyed sharing activities with their grandparents and, in turn, they found out what they had been up to during School recently. Our grandparents play a huge part in the life of Clifton High School and it was a pleasure to welcome them on-site.
FOUNDATION SHOP
WORLD BOOK DAY
As part of our 2024 World Book Day celebrations, we welcomed back to Clifton High School, Anna Hoghton (CR 2009). Anna spoke to our Year 5 pupils about her becoming an author and her two novels, ‘The Mask of Aribella’ and ‘Orla and the Wild Hunt’.
We launched our online shop through our Foundation website, selling a range of branded School merchandise and seasonal items, such as Christmas trees and Christmas cards.
We are also thrilled to sell limited edition prints and note cards of School House by Former Head of Art, Mr Trevor Haddrell.
To visit our online shop please click here.
What a lovely morning we had with former Clifton High School Infant and Junior School Heads, Mr Tony Richards and Mr Wynne Sharman. It was wonderful to reminisce and to share with them our plans for our 150 Anniversary. We look forward to welcoming them both back to future events leading up our celebratory year in 2027.
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SIXTH FORM BREAKFASTS
Clifton Rosarians continue to support the next generation of Sixth Form students through our expanding programme of careers and mentoring opportunities. During the termly Sixth Form Breakfasts, CRs share their experiences of life after Sixth Form, Higher Education and Careers.
At the the start of the academic year, we were joined by Kate Francis (CR 2001), Gemma Penhorwood (CR 2014) and Lucy Snow (CR 2021). Kate shared an invaluable insight into life as a solicitor and how best to pursue a career in Law. Gemma’s career has focused on the Equine world, specialising in Equestrian performance and Paralympian dressage riders. Gemma also lecturers at Hartpury University. Our final guest was Lucy Snow, who is in her final year at Cardiff University studying Medical Engineering. Lucy’s degree has included a placement year where she worked for ‘Limbs and Things’ specialising in
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Philippa with Mr Manolis Psarros
For our last Sixth Form Breakfast 2024, we were thrilled to welcome back, Vikki Rodwell (CR 2013), Harriet De Winton (CR 2003) and Barney Picton (CR 2019). Vikki is now as Sustainability Consultant in the Construction Industry, Harriet an Author and Artist, and former Head Boy, Barney is a Paramedic.
From volunteering at events, to supporting our Sixth Form students through careers and peer mentoring, our CRs demonstrate that a Clifton High journey does not end when you leave School. For many, it is the start of a very special relationship. If you would like to support the next generation of pupils by returning to School to talk about Higher Education and Careers, please email Mrs Kate McKee (née Hepburn CR 1996) kmkee@cliftonhigh.co.uk. We would love to hear from you.
We welcomed back Matty ScarrattJones (CR 2023), Anna Freire Camacho (CR 2016) and Philippa Dodsworth (CR 2005). Philippa returned to talk to our Sixth Form students about her incredible career within the Ministry Of Defense, working in the accountancy sector. Matty shared his apprenticeship journey with First Great Western and the joys of heading straight into work from School, whilst Anna rounded up the talk with an insight into Performing Arts and her career as a Stage Manager.
Mrs Helen Tabb with Vikki
Gemma
THE DIFFERENCE YOU HAVE MADE
Following a degree in Law and a Masters in Psychology, Jade Brooks-Read (CR 2006) found her passion in the realms of Business Psychology and Organisational Development. During her time at Clifton High School, Jade was a bursary recipient.
FOUNDATION PIANO CONCERT
A huge thank you to all our amazing pianists and Dr Ikuko Inoguchi, Clifton High School’s Musician in Residence, for a truly inspirational piano concert during the Autumn Term. It was lovely to see so many CRs in the audience, supporting our pupils.
The concert not only recognised our wonderful musicians, but also a generous legacy gift, from which we were able to purchase new pianos across the whole School, including the Grand Piano in our Main Hall.
Clifton High School helped mould the person I am today; the teachers taught me to be bold, confident and reach for the heights to pursue my dreams. I was given a wonderful opportunity, and I am eternally grateful for the support I was given, as I wouldn't have been able to attend Clifton High School without financial help.
Legacies, no matter the size, are hugely valuable to Clifton High School, and for those who have the foresight to remember us in their will, we have immense gratitude. Remembering the School in your will, enables you to acknowledge the influences that have shaped your life, and secure the future ambitions of our School and our pupils.
We recognise that any gift is deeply personal and that you may wish to specify how your legacy will be used. If you are considering leaving a gift to the School in your will, regardless of whether you consider it to be large or small, we would be pleased to discuss this with you. We appreciate the confidentiality surrounding your intentions, however, it is often useful for the School to understand your plans, to ensure we are able to show your gratitude and talk to you about the impact your gift could make.
To recognise and thank you for your generosity, all those who notify us of their wish to leave a gift to the School will automatically become a member of the 1877 Club, named after our School's founding year. As a member of the 1877 Club you will receive invitations to special occasions including an annual 1877 Club event as well as specific communications to keep you updated on the enormous impact legacy-giving has at Clifton High School.
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To find out more about leaving a gift to Clifton High School in your will and the 1877 Club, please click here.
CHRISTMAS FAIR
The festive season began with our annual Christmas Fair. The School was full of families enjoying the stalls and activities, including the bouncy snow dome, face painting and stalls. Thank you to all parents, pupils and staff members that gave up their time to help across the Fair.
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WELCOME TO OUR NEW FOUNDATION TRUSTEES
As a registered charity, the Clifton High School Foundation is guided by a Trustee Board who oversees our direction and governance. During the year we were joined by two CRs to support our work.
Catherine Allin (CR 2016) is a graduate from Cardiff University, with a degree in Spanish. Following her Undergraduate Degree, Catherine proceeded to complete a Master’s Degree in International Business Management from Newcastle University and is now working for an international organisation in Bristol as a Risk Analyst.
I feel very honoured to have been invited to join the Foundation. For me, it is really important to give back to the School that so positively impacted me, and it’s a privilege to work with a great team full of incredible expertise and knowledge.
As a Rosarian who has happy memories of her Clifton High schooldays, it was a great honour to be invited to join the Foundation as a Trustee. I take seriously the opportunity to support deserving pupils who would otherwise not benefit from the unique experience of a Clifton High School education. With my fellow, likeminded Trustees and the Development Team, I am proud we make a difference to many young people’s lives and the future of the School.
Mr Luke Goodman with Paul
Catherine
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When Clifton High School opened its doors in 1877, the first pupil on the register was Elizabeth (Bessie) Percival. The School instilled in Bessie a passion for art; she became an accomplished artist in oils and water colours, exhibiting many of her works at the Royal Academy. Bessie describes her time at School as a 'dream of delight'.
Her legacy continues in our Percival Gift Scheme which supports strategic projects across the whole School and enables us to provide bursaries in the Senior School and Sixth Form. Collective giving through the Percival Gift Scheme assures our community, parents, friends and the Clifton Rosarians of the benefit their donations have made, and continue to make to the School and its pupils. Donors may give monthly, quarterly or annually and through the Government's Gift Aid scheme, your donation could be worth so much more, at no extra cost to you. A huge thank you to all those parents who signed up to the scheme through the Spring Term’s bill and to our donors within our wider School community who donate to the School through this scheme.
As former parents, we appreciate that our children were fortunate to attend Clifton High School and to benefit from the excellent education they received. We are, therefore, delighted to support the School through the Percival Gift Scheme, knowing that our contribution is enabling more pupils to be able to attend this very special School.
If you would like to support the next generation of pupils through the Percival Gift Scheme, please click here.
CLASS OF 1963
We were delighted to welcome back the Class of 1963 for their diamond reunion at School. The CRs had an update on the School from Mr Luke Goodman, followed by a tour and lunch in the Main Hall. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing their stories about life at Clifton High School in the 1960s including the “dreaded Davey fire escape. ” Thankfully our fire practice is a little less hairraising these days!
There was a familiar face in the wings at this year ’ s School production of Grease at The Redgrave Theatre, as the cast were joined by Anna Freire Camacho (CR 2014) as Stage Manager.
THE WALTERS SIXTH FORM CENTRE
Former Head of School, Mrs Joyce Walters returned to Clifton High School for a tour of our new Sixth Form Centre named in her honour. Joined by many of her former pupils, Mrs Walters spent time catching up with former colleagues, parents and friends of the School.
CAREERS IN HEALTHCARE
Thank you so much to parents, CRs and friends of Clifton High School who gave up their time to join us for our Senior Careers in Healthcare event. Specialists from the fields of dentistry, emergency medicine, oncology. radiography, pharmacy, psychology, reconstructive science and speech and language therapy were on-hand to talk to pupils and their families about their respective careers. Working with our Head of Higher Education and Careers, Mr Richard Parry, the evening formed part of the School’s extensive careers programme including career education and employer talks.
A huge thank you to our amazing Infant Teaching Assistants who organised a Wonka themed afternoon of fun to support the work of the Foundation. Many of the children came dressed for the event, and enjoyed an afternoon of games and activities complete with a Wonka themed tea.
Our whole School community unites annually to celebrate the impact the Foundation has on Clifton High School, with a full day of fundraising. This year, pupils and staff members took part in an Inflatable Assault Course at our Coombe Dingle sports facility and during the evening, parents, governors, friends and CRs came together for a Quiz and Curry Night.
During Foundation Day the whole School community learns about the impact philanthropy and fundraising has on our School and its pupils.
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To find out more about Foundation Day, please click here.
GREAT BRISTOL RUN
THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF
We were thrilled to follow the progress of alumni Tasha Stones (CR 2014) on The Great British Bake Off 2023, as she made it to the semi-finals. Congratulations Tasha from us all at Clifton High School!
Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Gre Bristol 10k and Half Marathon in May. A group of over 10 pupils, parents, teachers, CRs and friends of the School ran to raise funds for the Clifton High School bursary programme and to support our current bursary pupils. It was wonderful to see so many of our distinctive green t-shirts around the course which were easy to spot for the supporters too.
Our grateful thanks to Ellis Brigham for sponsoring our amazing team.
HEAD OF SCHOOL’S AFTERNOON TEA
We were delighted to welcome our Year 13 students and their families to School for Afternoon Tea before they departed School for study leave. The event marked the start of their journey to becoming CRs as well as a celebration of their time here at Clifton High School. Students were joined by many of their former teachers from the Infant and Junior School as they wished them well, including Mr Tony Richards, former Head of Infant and Juniors, and Mrs Julia Sutcliffe, Class Teacher.
For Rose Day 2024 we are delighted to acknowledge four notable CRs by naming academic prizes in their honour. We are grateful for the generous support of The John James Bristol Foundation for supporting our Rose Day prizes and awards.
Professor Helen Kemp Porter, was the first female Professor at Imperial College London and a Fellow of the The Royal Society who attended Clifton High School from 1906 to 1917. Her particular interest lay in the fields of biology and botany and she was one of the first British scientists to use the innovative technologies of chromatography and radioactive tracers in her research.
We recognised Helen's incredible achievements by awarding the Professor Helen Kemp Porter Biology Prize for the first time this year.
Professor Dame Teresa Rees or Terry, as she was more widely known, was an eminent British Social Scientist and Professor at Cardiff University. She became a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2015 for services to social care, thanks to her pioneering work in the analysis of gender equality within education, training and labour market policies.
An alumni of the Class of 1967, we recognised Terry’s work by awarding the Professor Dame Teresa Rees Sociology Prize.
The third CR we honoured at our Rose Day service was distinguished career Diplomat, linguist and Civil Servant Claire Tynte-Irvine. We recognised Claire by naming the English Literature Prize in her honour.
We were honoured to welcome CR Professor Tamsin Mather to our Rose Day service to give this year ’ s Rose Day address. Tamsin (CR 1995) is a British Professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Oxford and recent Fellow of the Royal Society. We also acknowledged Tamsin's incredible achievements by naming the Chemistry Prize in her honour.
Please click here to join the Foundation website and to read Tamsin’s address.
SILVER KATESHORTMANANDIZZYTHORPE
Huge congratulations to Kate (CR 2021) and Izzy (CR 2020) who were silver medallists in the artistic swimming duet at the Paris Olympics. We are incredibly proud of you both.
1887 - 2027
As we approach our 150 anniversary in 2027, we feel it is the perfect time to reflect upon our evolution and to reimagine the possibilities of our future. We will be celebrating our pioneering history, whilst continuing to offer an outstanding and enriching learning experience for generations to come. Over the next year, you will hear more about our plans to celebrate this milestone.
In the meantime, please click here to visit our 150 Anniversary Appeal website. Clickhere
Our Young Enterprise programme was supported by a gift from a major donor, enabling us to offer valuable experience in the field of business to our Sixth Form students.
Our School buildings were enhanced by dedicated gallery spaces to display artwork from across our whole School community.
The introduction of a timing system in the Swimming Pool has improved our ability to give accurate times during training and at galas. It has also allowed us to run licensed swim meets, enabling pupils to qualify for county, regional and national events complementing our Elite Swimming Programme.
The importance of supporting children’s mental health was highlighted by Parent Talks as we welcomed Dr Aric Sigman, co-author of four recent All-Party Parliamentary Group reports on childhood mental health. Our Year 9 pupils also participated in a workshop led by Dr Sigman focusing on mental health and their personal health and wellbeing.
As well as supporting Clifton High School’s bursary programme and thanks to your donations, we have been able to fund the following projects across the School:
Thanks to a significant donation from the CRs, we have been able to restore our Main School Gates including the introduction of an automatic mechanism to allow easier access for our School minibuses.
