As we reached the end of what had been an amazing 150 Anniversary Appeal week, and looked forward to our Rose Day celebrations, our pupils enjoyed rocket lollies to help us ‘launch’ our Appeal. It was also a nod to a Rose Day tradition, where the Head would give out ‘ices’ to pupils to celebrate Rose Day and the end of another successful academic year. th
“Welcome to The Rosarian, our review of the 2024 - 2025 academic year, covering the activities of the Clifton High School Foundation and our alumni body, the Clifton Rosarians.
Over the course of the year, we publicly launched our 150 Anniversary Appeal, supported by both Clifton High School and the Foundation. This is a landmark fundraising appeal to support our ambition to invest in science and increase our bursary provision. th
A huge thank you to those who have supported the Appeal so far. Our School has always benefitted from the generosity of our wider School community, whose gifts have enabled the School to grow its campus and support families directly through bursaries We are, and continue to be, so very grateful for all of your support.
Throughout the past year, many alumni returned to Clifton High; the School gates are always open to our Clifton Rosarians, as we warmly welcome you back to your School.”
With my very best wishes,
MRS ELIZABETH BOND DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
“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.
We are incredibly grateful to parents, friends and the Clifton Rosarians for supporting our School through philanthropy and charitable giving over the decades This support continues to grow, as we look forward to our 150 Anniversary in 2027. Whether donating time to support the next generation of students with careers advice and mentoring, through to the life-changing gift of a legacy, the continued support of our community shapes the School we are today, for our pupils now and for generations to come. ” th
MR WILL PHELAN HEAD
THE CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL FOUNDATION
As Clifton High School approaches its momentous anniversary in 2027, we not only acknowledge but also celebrate our pioneering history. It is time to reflect on our evolution, look forward, and imagine the possibilities of an exciting future. In addition to our celebrations, our ambitious 150 Anniversary Appeal to ‘Fund the Future’ will enable us to: th invest in our science facilities increase our bursary support
WITH YOUR SUPPORT WE CAN INVEST IN OUR SCIENCE FACILITIES, INCLUDING A DEDICATED SPACE FOR OUR INFANT AND JUNIOR PUPILS TO EXPLORE SCIENCE AND THE LIVING WORLD
“Clifton High School shaped my curiosity and inspired my passion for learning. The staff went beyond the typical role, providing opportunities for me to challenge myself and develop the skills and confidence needed to pursue a future in science and engineering.”
OLIVER LOCK (CR 2021)
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING STUDENT, IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON
PLEASE HELP US OPEN OUR SCHOOL GATES TO PUPILS FROM ACROSS THE BRISTOL AREA, ENABLING US TO INCREASE OUR BURSARY SUPPORT FOR THOSE WITH A THIRST FOR EDUCATION, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR FINANCIAL MEANS
“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
CURRENT CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL BURSARY STUDENT
We are deeply appreciative to current pupils Demmi and Sofiia, as well as Clifton Rosarians Kori, Jade, Lucy, Frank, Noku and Cam for sharing their Clifton High School story. They are all remarkable young individuals who illustrate how Clifton High School is so much more than a School; it truly is a place to belong You can watch our video on our Appeal Hub by clicking the button here:
APPEAL AMBASSADORS
We are delighted that four very familiar faces, Dr Alison Neill, Mr Tony Richards, Mrs Joyce Walters and Mr Wynne Sharman have generously become our 150 Anniversary Appeal Ambassadors. We are truly thankful to them for supporting our ambition to ‘Fund the Future’.
“From The Hive Pre-School to our Sixth Form, particularly through Science and Design, a hands-on approach in teaching has been integral to learning both inside and outside the classroom. I joined the Science department in 1987 and had the privilege of teaching both Juniors and Seniors in the current laboratories, where tall stools and fixed benches were the norm. Now, nearly 40 years on, thinking has changed; classrooms and laboratories should be exciting, dynamic places where collaboration and independent experiences interact seamlessly to empower and engage the learner with a host of skills and knowledge.
Without doubt, Clifton High School provides an exceptional educational experience, igniting and encouraging curiosity in our young people, a transformative foundation which they can draw upon throughout their lives. Over the years, our School has extended this offer to many bright, gifted young people, facilitated by gifts and donations.
As we celebrate 150 years of Clifton High School, all those who have benefitted from it, whether as pupils, parents, members of staff or friends of the School, I ask you to join with me in supporting this Anniversary Appeal; to enable us to provide further bursaries and invest in exciting, relevant and inclusive facilities for the next generation of trailblazers.”
DR ALISON NEILL (CR STAFF 1987 - 2020)
FORMER HEAD OF SCHOOL
“Enjoy what Clifton High School has to offer, give back your best to the School, because one day you will realise, perhaps you already do, that Clifton High will be one of the greatest influences of your whole life.
I am honoured to be an Appeal Ambassador for the 150 Anniversary Appeal and to continue to support this wonderful School.” th
MRS JOYCE WALTERS (CR STAFF 1985 - 1995) FORMER HEAD OF SCHOOL
“In every area and department of the School, one sees extraordinary levels of care and commitment to the children and young people This is reflected in the smiling faces and mutual support that abound It is very special and, in an ideal world, should be enjoyed by every child.
It gives me great pleasure to become an Ambassador to support Clifton High School’s 150 Anniversary Appeal.” th
MR TONY RICHARDS MBE (CR STAFF 2000 -2014)
FORMER HEAD OF INFANT AND JUNIOR SCHOOL
“I was fortunate to spend eighteen wonderful years at Clifton High School. The highest standards were expected, but attained in a friendly atmosphere of tolerance and encouragement between parents and staff. This allowed the pupils to achieve academically, socially, in sport, and in all walks of life, inspired by the leadership of Mrs Joyce Walters.
As an Appeal Ambassador for the 150 Anniversary, I offer my full support to the School with its aim to th ‘Fund the Future’.”
MR WYNNE SHARMAN (CR STAFF 1982-2000)
FORMER HEAD OF INFANT
AND JUNIOR SCHOOL
OUR DONORS
We are immensely grateful to all those who have donated or pledged to our Appeal so far to help us ‘Fund the Future’.
“Our daughter Tara went to Clifton High School over 30 years ago; she settled into the school very quickly, gaining confidence and friends that have remained to this day Clifton High was hugely effective in supporting Tara academically, and consequently, pursuing a science-based course, she went on to read medicine at St Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical School and is now a consultant physician in London We, as parents and subsequent governors at the School, have watched the School grow in strength and size with enhanced facilities, including a new Sixth Form Centre. We can’t wait to see the new science block appear and are delighted to support the School’s 150 Anniversary Appeal. We look forward to celebrating its Anniversary in 2027.” th
“As a proud Clifton Rosarian and now a parent at the School, the Appeal is very close to my heart. I remember with great fondness my time at CHS, and now my two children are lucky enough to attend and are thriving. It is even more important to support this wonderful school for future generations to enjoy. I am thrilled to support the School’s 150 Anniversary Appeal and to be a regular donor, which is a small token of my thanks for giving me such happy memories, confidence in life and a love for learning.” th
MR RICHARD WHITBURN AND PROFESSOR BHUPINDER SANDHU OBE
“My experience of Clifton High School has been outstanding. Being awarded a bursary to join such a welcoming community, dedicated to ensuring that everyone involved is made to feel respected and valued, has been a life-changing experience. There are no words that truly explain how immensely positive my journey at Clifton High has been. Bursaries are just as important for individuals like me as they are for the entire school community.”
FRANK ROBERTS, (CR 2025)
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT OUR APPEAL
We are so thankful for all donations and pledges which You can support our 150 Anniversary Appeal by: th
BECOMING A REGULAR DONOR
Giving monthly, quarterly, or annually. Through collective giving, donors make a real impact, helping us to support future generations.
PLEDGING THE GIFT OF A LEGACY
Legacies, no matter size, are invaluable to the School; to date, they have helped shape our campus and provide life-changing bursaries for our pupils. To consider leaving a gift to us in your Will, please click here:
BECOME A FOUNDATION VOLUNTEER
By donating your time to careers advice and mentoring, you will be supporting the next generation of pupils as they navigate life after Clifton High School.
GRANDPARENTS’ TEA AND TOURS
Our Main Hall was a hive of excitement in October as we hosted our annual Grandparents’ Tea to celebrate Grandparents’ Day. Following tours of both our Infant, Junior and Senior Schools, pupils enjoyed afternoon tea with their grandparents, completing several fun activities and learning more about our School’s history as well as their Grandparents’ own school days. Our Grandparents play a huge part in the life of Clifton High School, and it was a pleasure to welcome them on-site.
CHRISTMAS FAIR
Our Christmas Fair heralds the start of our festive season at Clifton High School, which this year raised funds to support our 150 Anniversary Appeal. Thanks to the generosity of our families and wider Clifton High School community, the Fair, together with our Christmas Raffle, raised over £12,000. This, together with a gift from a local charitable trust, has enabled us to support a new bursary student who entered our Sixth Form in September 2025. th
FOUNDATION DAY
Our whole School community unites annually for a full day of fundraising to celebrate the impact the Foundation has on Clifton High School. This year, pupils and staff members took part in a swimathon in our School Swimming Pool, itself a gift to the School from our families during the 1960s.
During the evening, parents, governors, friends and Clifton Rosarians came together in our Main Hall for our sell-out Quiz and Curry Night.
To see a selection of photographs from Foundation Day 2025, please visit our digital photo albums by clicking the icon here:
WHAT A LEGACY
As part of our Foundation Day celebrations, we welcomed back Clifton Rosarian Penny Porter (CR 1996), who swam for Great Britain, breaking the British record for the 50m butterfly in 1994.
Clifton Rosarians MJ Obrentz (née Forte, CR 1967 and Foundation Trustee), Vicky Stocks (CR 1967) and Mary Lazo (née Pearce, CR 1972), were all part of the special cohort that fundraised to provide our incredible pool and sports complex in the 1960s. They joined Penny to unveil a commemorative plaque to acknowledge the fundraising that took place to build our swimming pool complex.
HEAD’S AFTERNOON TEA
We enjoyed a wonderful start to the Summer Term with our Year 13 families at our Head’s Afternoon Tea. Several of our students had been with us since they were 3 and 4 years old, so this was a chance to reminisce, share amazing memories and for us as a school to say thank you, good luck and bid a very fond farewell to this special cohort before their A level examinations commenced.
Please visit our digital photo library to see a selection of photos from this memorable day by clicking the icon here:
THE CLIFTON ROSARIANS
In March, we welcomed back Clifton Rosarians, Nyema Nwanodi (CR 1989), Anna Bird (CR 1991), and Alison Lawrence (CR 1989), who returned to Clifton High School for the first time in over 30 years They thoroughly enjoyed their trip down memory lane, walking around the campus, taking in the new additions such as the Walters Sixth Form Centre, and visiting their old boarding rooms, which are now part of our Infant and Junior School classrooms. It was wonderful to hear the memories of their time here and anecdotes, as it helps us piece together a better understanding of our school’s rich history.
If you would like a tour of the school, we would be delighted to hear from you. To arrange, please email development@cliftonhigh.co.uk
CLASS OF 2025
We are so proud of the Class of 2025 who joined the Clifton Rosarians following their A level results over the Summer. Inspired by generations before them, on their last day of school, the Class of 2025 paused for a photograph alongside the Clifton Suspension Bridge, where their predecessors celebrated the culmination of their Clifton High journey by tossing their hats off the bridge!
We are delighted to share their destinations after leaving us in August We wish them all the luck and the very best for their exciting futures ahead.
Katie Allen
Newcastle University, Combined Honours (2026)
Zara Atkins
Aaron Atkinson
Suzannah Barrett
Isla Bennetto
Charlie Bowen
Kit Caradine
Antonio Caswell
Emma Cheeseman
Oscar Clark
Oliver Crossman
William Edwards
Adam Emirali
Aidan Evans
Lucia Giambrone
Katherine Goodson
Tizianna Goss
George Gracie
Benjamin Grey
Katie Hanson
Edd Hartley
Danil Hettithuda
University of Bristol, Veterinary Science
Employment
Gap Year
Cardiff University, Medicine
Health Sciences University, Chiropractic
Gap Year
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Project Design
University of Nottingham, History
Northumbria University, Real Estate (2026)
Apprenticeship
University for the Creative Arts, Film Production
Flight School
University of Chichester, Acting
Manchester Metropolitan University, Mechanical Engineering
University of Reading, Modern Languages (2026)
Gap Year
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Sport Management (2026)
Aston University, Birmingham, Mechanical Engineering
University of Leeds, International Business and Marketing (2026)
University of Manchester, Ancient History and Archaeology
University of Warwick, Accounting and Finance
Isabella Heynes
Erica Hudson
Elsa James
Louis Judd
Ashvath Juneja
Anna Kilb
Noah Knights-Hume
Matilda Knox-Cartwright
Maximillian Lay
Annie Leese
Felix Manby
Sonny Marshall
Katy Mason
Issy Moore
Amelia Mostyn
Rory Motherwell
Harvey Mount
Noku Nevanji
Orson Pyne
Millie Redman
Kian Refuerzo
Sean Robbins
Frank Roberts
Isobel Rogers
Suchet Sachin
Archie Spencer
Nelly Taylor
George Taylor-Ashby
Luke Turner
Ollie Vanstone
Sonny Whitby-Coles
Jessica White
Arabella Williams
Nottingham Trent University, Law with Criminology (2026)
University of Reading, Biomedical Science
Nottingham Trent University, Interior Architecture and Design (2026)
Oxford Books University, Business Management (2026)
Cardiff University, Banking and Finance
University of Nottingham, Architecture (2026)
Manchester Metropolitan University, Sports Business Management (2026)
University of Oxford, Biology
University of Warwick, Biomedical Science
Oxford Brookes University, Sport and Exercise Science (2026)
University of York, Politics and International Relations (2026)
Foundation Art Course
University of Leicester, Criminology and Forensic Psychology
Bath Spa University, Fashion Marketing and Management
University of Nottingham, History and Politics (2026)
University of Sheffield, Geography
Gap Year
University of the West of England, Aerospace Engineering (2026)
Gap Year
Cardiff University, Geography (2026)
University of Exeter, Computer Science
Cardiff University, Politics (2026)
University of Nottingham, Geography (2026)
Employment
University of the West of England, Aerospace Engineering
Bournemouth University, Marketing (2026)
Gap Year
University of Sheffield, Mechatronic and Robotic Engineering
Coventry University, Graphic Design
University of Leeds, Politics
Foundation Art Course
Cardiff
University, English Literature
University of Exeter, English
ROSARIAN MATCH DAY
Our first event of the academic year was the much-anticipated annual Rosarian Match Day, where our alumni take on Clifton High School’s first teams at Coombe Dingle. A big thank you to our 2024 -2025 Captains, Cam Cockburn (CR 2021) and Lucy Snow (CR 2021) and to all those who took part in hockey, netball and football games. Massive congratulations to the Clifton Rosarians for defending the Rosarian Cup!
SIXTH FORM BREAKFASTS
Our Sixth Form Breakfasts continue to be hugely popular and well-received by our Year 12 and 13 pupils. In the past year, we have welcomed back nine Rosarians, each with varying careers and routes postClifton High School. Dom Allin (CR 2020) was kind enough to come and share his experience of Nottingham University, where he studied Journalism.
We are always so grateful to our Rosarians for giving up their time to return to School and pass on their experiences to our current pupils If you would like to attend one of our Sixth Form Breakfasts, please email development@cliftonhigh.co.uk. We would love to hear from you.
PAULE VÉZELAY
In January, we were proud to support the ‘Living Lines’ exhibition at the Royal West of England Academy (RWA) in Bristol, which celebrated the life and works of Paule Vézelay (1892-1984).
Paule Vézelay, was born Marjorie Watson-Williams in Bristol and attended Clifton High School from 1904 to 1909 Her artistic journey and contributions were showcased throughout the exhibition We were honoured to loan the lithograph “The Louvre and the Seine from the artist’s window” (1921), a cherished gift to our School, to the RWA for the duration of the exhibition.
WELCOME TO THE CLIFTON ROSARIANS
Earlier this year, we said goodbye to Mrs Emma Liden (Takle), who had been a member of our Infant School staff for over 23 years, joining us in November 2001! Hundreds of Clifton High School children would have been greeted daily by Emma’s warm smile, words of encouragement and kind manner.
“We wish Emma all the very best as she leaves us to spend time with her family. Emma has seen so many pupils go all the way through from our Hive through to Sixth Form and beyond. Her energy and zest for life will be missed by staff and children, and she will always have a special place in our hearts."
MRS ALICE TAYLOR, HEAD INFANT AND JUNIOR SCHOOL
ROSARIAN DAY
In February, we hosted a wonderful group of former pupils and staff who enjoyed brunch in the Walters Sixth Form Centre as part of our biannual Rosarian Day Our guests were given guided tours of the School by our Sixth Form pupils and an update on the work of the Development Team. There was plenty of time for reminiscing and catching up, too!
ROSE DAY AND PRIZEGIVING
Rose Day has stood at the heart of Clifton High School since it was introduced by the first Head, Miss Mary Woods. This year, we celebrated 80 years of holding our Rose Day Service in the magnificent surroundings of Bristol Cathedral, with pupils, parents, Clifton Rosarians and special guests. The service was followed by a drinks reception at School for the Class of 2025 and their families.
We were delighted to welcome Mariayah Kaderbhai (CR 1996) to our Rose Day celebrations. Mariayah is Head of Programmes at BAFTA, overseeing industry events and initiatives across film, games and television. Mariayah kindly gave an inspiring speech to our guests at Rose Day, and then joined us for Senior Prize Giving at Clifton Cathedral the following week to celebrate the achievements of pupils across our Senior School.
During our Senior Prize Giving, we were immensely proud to acknowledge the significant achievements of Kate Shortman (CR 2021) and Izzy Thorpe (CR 2020), who were silver medallists in the artistic swimming duet at the Paris Olympics in 2024. We were delighted to be joined by Kate at the Prize Giving, who gave out the inaugural Shortman Thorpe Prize for excellence in sport at an international level.
Please click here to join the Foundation website and to read Mariayah’s Rose Day address:
Izzy Thorpe (CR 2020) and Kate Shortman (CR 2021). Team GB silver medallists in artistic swimming
IN REMEMBRANCE, PEGGY (‘PAM’) HARDING
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Peggy ‘Pam’ Harding, on 2 April this year, the day after her 103 birthday. nd rd
Peggy Mackan attended Clifton High School in the 1930s, going on to read German and French at Bristol University. Although she had a little resistance from her parents, Peggy joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) in January 1943. After three weeks learning how to march at their new entry establishment at Mill Hill in London, she was sent off to skivvy in naval quarters at Southend-on-Sea.
Peggy then spent time at the Royal Navy Training Establishment, where she was inducted into the Y-Service, the code name for a chain of wireless intercept stations that operated worldwide She intercepted and transcribed German tactical voice communications and was promoted to Petty Officer Wren. Peggy would often hear German shore stations exchange messages in threeletter ‘Q-codes’, and at the end of each watch, she would write down everything she had heard, sending it by teleprinter to Station X. Only years later did she discover that this was the
Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park. Peggy’s initials on her logs were PAM, which gave her the nickname ‘Pam’, which stuck with her for the rest of her life She learnt Morse code, qualified as a Chief Wren and was sent to the largest naval Y-station at Abbot’s Cliff on the Kent coast. On D-Day in 1944, she remembered looking across the Channel, towards the Continent, where her fiancé Geoffrey Harding was a prisoner of war. “We are coming to get you, ” she thought, although she had to wait until May 1945 before being reunited with Geoffrey.
When Abbots’ Cliff closed, Peggy worked for US intelligence at Bushy Park next to Hampton Court, and helped draw up lists of places that the allies did not want bombed, as they might be useful post-war. She also worked at Versailles and then Frankfurt, where she translated captured
documents She became a Third Officer in July 1945 and was lent as an interpreter to the British military government in Hanover, before being demobbed in September 1946 to marry Harding. Peggy and Geoffrey settled in Bristol and had a daughter, Caroline, who is also a Clifton Rosarian and very kindly shared Peggy’s story with us.
To hear more about Peggy’s extraordinary life, please click the link to read her obituary in The Telegraph.
CELEBRATING OUR PAST
It is always a pleasure to talk to our current pupils about the history of Clifton High School, our alumni and the work of the Clifton High School Foundation It is so important that our pupils have an insight into the work of the Development Team that builds relationships that will last. Even though we were founded as Clifton High School for Girls, the eagle-eyed amongst our pupils always ask about the boys in this early photograph, dated 1915. The first preparatory class admitted boys in 1897. Boys were then admitted to the Junior School in 1994, the Sixth Form in 2008 and the Senior School in 2009.
To find out more about the history of our School, please click the link to visit our interactive timeline here:
ABOUT US
The Clifton High School Foundation (Registered Charity No 1201516) was established to provide longterm financial support to Clifton High School and its pupils.
Our current priority is to ‘Fund the Future’ through our 150 Anniversary Appeal. During our Appeal, we will be celebrating our pioneering history, whilst continuing to offer an outstanding and enriching learning experience for generations to come
The Foundation is governed by the Board of Trustees who are responsible for the financial management and administration of the Foundation’s assets and its overall direction.
We were delighted to welcome former parent Mrs Susan Manby to the Foundation as a trustee this year Susan brings with her over 20 years ’ experience working in senior positions in the NHS, local government, and the charity sector. Susan has been a Non-Executive Director in the NHS and social housing sector and is currently CEO of St Peter’s Hospice, Bristol.
“As a parent of two children who have recently attended Clifton High School, I know the difference the Foundation makes in providing life-changing opportunities for children, particularly through bursaries. I am delighted to have become a Trustee of the Foundation, and look forward to working with the Board so that more children can benefit from the School’s exceptional learning environment.”
MRS SUSAN MANBY, FOUNDATION TRUSTEE
PERCIVAL GIFT SCHEME
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 described 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. 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.”
FORMER CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL PARENT
If you would like to support the next generation of pupils through the Percival Gift Scheme, please click here:
THANK YOU
Up to the end of the 2024 - 2025 academic year, our ‘Funding the Future’ Appeal raised over £300,000 in donations and pledges. Our grateful thanks to those who have supported the Appeal to date by either donating to:
The overall 150 Anniversary Appeal th
Our ambition to invest in our science facilities
Our aim to increase our bursary support
We are immensely grateful for all donation and pledges, every contribution will make a difference to our School and pupils.
If you would like to consider supporting our 150 Anniversary Appeal and make a significant difference to Clifton High School and our families both now and in the future, please visit our Appeal hub by clicking here:
PARENT PARTNERSHIP TALKS 2025
Thanks to our donors, the Foundation was able to support the following series of parent partnership talks during 2025. The talks were designed to provide parents with knowledge, tools and understanding on how best to support our young people in navigating today’s complexities, understand their personal diversities and adapt to life’s ever-evolving challenges:
Motivating and supporting young people
Guest speaker: Dr Dominique Thompson
Prevention and Bristol context: Drugs, alcohol, vaping and mental health
Guest speaker: Joanna Mallison
Neurodiversity: Working together to support young people
