FUNDING THE FUTURE
AN EDUCATION FOR LIFE
Clifton High School was founded in 1877 by the first Headmaster of Clifton College, John Percival, whose wish was for his only daughter Bessie to be educated. As Clifton College was steadfastly a male-only environment, he joined forces with like-minded visionaries to create a girls’ school. Our School was incorporated on the 12th September 1877, first opening its doors at 65 Pembroke Road on 24th January 1878, before moving to the current site in January 1879. Today, we are a thriving co-educational School consisting of approximately 800 pupils aged 3-18 years.
Clifton High School’s historical foundation does not derive from a generous endowment or legacy, but the simple will of a few people to provide a first-class education. The initial expenses of the School were met by issuing 200 shares at £20 each (approximately £2,000 today), the shareholders gaining no dividend, instead earning the right to nominate a pupil to Clifton High School.
SUPPORTING PUPILS FOR GENERATIONS
We are incredibly grateful to parents, friends and our alumni network, the Clifton Rosarians, for supporting Clifton High School through philanthropy and charitable initiatives over the decades. From individual gifts, transformative bursaries and scholarships, to funding large scale projects and appeals for our Swimming Pool, Library and Music Department, their generosity has enabled us to evolve and meet the needs of young people and their education in today’s world.
As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2027, we feel it is the perfect time to reflect upon our evolution and to reimagine the possibilities of our future. We wish to celebrate our pioneering history, whilst continuing to offer an outstanding and enriching learning experience for generations to come.
BEYOND A SCHOOL a place to belong
“From 1877 through to the present day, the long-standing history of Clifton High School is a constant reminder of the immense growth and advancements that have been made in educating generations of children.
Our future is shaped by our past and with the generous support of the wider School community, we continue to offer transformational bursaries as well as realise ambitious projects for all our pupils. It is remarkable that some 150 years since our inception, we are united, more than ever, in our achievements with values that stand true to where we began and where we aim to be.”
Mr Will Phelan, Head
Through our 150th Anniversary Appeal we aim to Fund the Future by:
INVESTING
in our science facilities
INCREASING our bursary support
BEYOND A SCHOOL a place to become
Science is a field in which our pupils excel. In 1905 we pioneered one of the first chemistry laboratories for girls and have continued investing funds every 50 years to increase capacity. Beyond aesthetic improvements, the last major rebuild was in 1978, when the Senior School was a girls-only environment.
Our 150th Anniversary Appeal aims to Fund the Future by investing in our current science facilities.
Through our Appeal we aim to:
z Redesign and refurbish our current science laboratories providing first class facilities to inspire future generations
z Provide a dedicated space for infant and junior pupils to explore science and the living world
z Provide a hub for learning that will be open to our wider community including local schools and community groups
INVESTING
in our science facilities
“Science was great for me at Clifton High School, always inspiring me to get involved. Having facilities to encourage younger generations is vital to ensure we nurture their inquisitive minds as they search for the next scientific discovery.”
Cameron, Clifton Rosarian and Imperial College London student
BEYOND A SCHOOL a place to believe
Belonging to our community essentially requires a love of learning. We have worked hard to open our School gates to families with a thirst for education, irrespective of their financial circumstances. Our belief in the importance of accessibility and inclusivity has, and always will, be woven into the fabric of our School.
Our 150th Anniversary Appeal aims to Fund the Future by increasing the School’s Bursary Programme, for pupils from across the Bristol area to access.
Through our Appeal we aim to:
z Provide up to four partially, or fully funded bursary pupils in all Senior School year groups 7–11
z Provide up to four partially, or fully funded bursary pupils in the two years of Sixth Form
z Support our bursary pupils by providing a dedicated Burns Bursary Tutor, named in memory of second Head of School, Miss Catherine Burns. Miss Burns had a great sense of service and empathy to support the wider School community; her values remain embodied across the School today
INCREASING our bursary support
“The Clifton High School bursary can be a life changing experience. All a child needs is one chance to show what they are truly capable of. I am so grateful to have had that chance.”
Sofiia, Clifton High School bursary student
HOW YOU CAN HELP US
We are immensely grateful for all donations and pledges which will help us Fund the Future.
BECOME A REGULAR DONOR
As a regular donor you may give monthly, quarterly or annually and through the Government's Gift Aid scheme, donations can be worth so much more, at no extra cost to you and your family.
DONATE A SINGLE GIFT
Any gift, whatever the size, will make an incredible difference to our pupils and our School.
PLEDGE THE GIFT OF A LEGACY AND JOIN THE 1877 CLUB
Legacies are hugely valuable to the School, and for those who have the foresight to remember us in their will, we have immense gratitude. To recognise and thank you for your generosity, all those who notify us of their intention to leave the School a gift in their will, automatically become a member of the 1877 Club, named after our School’s founding year.
BECOME A FOUNDATION VOLUNTEER
Our alumni community, the Clifton Rosarians and parents of current and former pupils support the School by donating their time through careers advice to mentoring. We encourage and welcome Clifton Rosarians and parents to talk to our pupils about life after School; University courses, apprenticeships and careers.
If you would like to make a donation by cheque, please make all cheques payable to The Clifton High School Foundation CIO and send it Clifton High School, our address can be found at the back of this leaflet.
For more information on any of the ways you can support our 150th Anniversary Appeal and help us Fund the Future including donating online, setting up a Direct Debit, Bank Transfer or Charities Aid Foundation donation please:
Visit: cliftonhigh.co.uk/funding-the-future Call: 0117 933 9081
Email: development@cliftonhigh.co.uk
CONTACT US FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information about our 150th Anniversary Appeal and to make a donation, please scan the QR code or visit visit cliftonhigh.co.uk/funding-the-future Mail Call Email
The Clifton High School Foundation and Clifton Rosarian Office Clifton High School, College Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3JD 0117 933 9081 development@cliftonhigh.co.uk
The Clifton High School Foundation
Registered Charity Number 1201516
Should Appeal funds either not reach the required target or indeed exceed the amount required to fulfil the Appeal’s aims, we will ensure all funds are directed towards strategic projects which are the original focus of the Appeal.
