A Note of Gratitude
Dear fellow members of the Habs community,
I am very proud to share with you the 2023-24 Habs Impact Report. This shows the progress made since our first report, which covered the 2021-23 school years. I hope what follows will demonstrate the real difference that philanthropic gifts are making to our students and schools. You will also see the impact that Habs is having beyond Elstree through our brilliant Partnerships Programme, led each week by nearly 400 Habs students working with 1,400 state primary and secondary school students in the surrounding area.
We are constantly humbled by the great generosity of our community as Habs strives to remain open to all who would thrive here, not just those who can afford it.
That support has never been more important. The introduction of VAT on school fees in January 2025, on top of continuing cost of living pressures, has left many Habs families squeezed financially. We are trying to absorb as much of the impact as we can, whilst also facing our own pressures, such as National Insurance increases and the loss of Business Rates relief. To remain the schools that Robert Aske envisioned as his legacy will require all of us who care about Habs to help if we possibly can.
Gus Lock EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL
We are constantly humbled by the great generosity of our community as Habs strives to remain open to all who would thrive here, not just those who can afford it.
Gus Lock, Executive Principal, Habs Elstree
We know not everyone is in a position to give. But if you were among the many hundreds who did make a gift last year, thank you so much. You helped make possible the work you will read about in the following pages. I hope we can continue to count on your support during these challenging times, and that it will inspire many others from the wider Habs family to follow your example this year.
Thank you again. All of us here at the schools are sincerely grateful.
With very best wishes,
Mr Gus Lock (OH 1994 and Habs donor) Executive
Principal
Fundraising Highlights 2023
of current parents have made a gift to Habs in the last year
(Re)Building a Culture of Philanthropy
I am always bemused by those who claim philanthropy is an American import, that the UK lacks a 'giving culture'.
As an American import myself, I know this isn’t quite right. After all, where did this so-called American giving culture come from? The great UK independent schools were founded through great UK acts of philanthropy. This is a tradition we inherited from you.
Consider the 18 Haberdashers’ schools, all of which owe their existence to philanthropy, and in some cases still benefit from endowments they created hundreds of years ago.
Our founder, Robert Aske, left a legacy that built 11 of these schools and has so far educated an estimated 100,000 boys and girls. All of that from a gift intended to provide free education to ‘twenty poore Boyes’.
It is true, however, that UK government support for education in the 20th century meant this country did not need to nurture that giving culture anywhere near as much as its errant American cousins did.
But as the Executive Principal points out in his introduction to this report, we are in a different era now. Habs will remain open to all who would thrive here, regardless of financial means, if and only if we work together as a community to make that happen.
Bill Friar DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Habs will remain open to all who would thrive here if and only if we work together as a community.
Bill Friar, Director of Development
Or to put it in my native tongue — We gotta put our money where our mouth is.
As you will read in the coming pages, the Habs community has heard that message and is rising to the challenge. Parents, Old Haberdashers, staff and friends of the schools are giving generously, as their means allow. Many of you were simply waiting to be asked.
For those of you who made a gift to Habs last year, I hope this report gives you some sense of the difference you make. For those considering making a gift this year, I hope it will inspire you to do so.
Let’s show the Yanks how it’s done.
Mr Bill Friar Director of Development
Bursaries
PHOEBE SLEEMAN (OH 2020)
I feel so grateful to have gone to Habs, and for all of the opportunities that led to.
Phoebe Sleeman, OH 2020, Habs Girls
Phoebe still remembers being 11 years old and feeling self-conscious she was attending her Year 7 Habs admissions interview in a second-hand dress. But she quickly realised the interviewer was only interested in her and her potential, not what she was wearing. This feeling was confirmed when she was offered a place – and a bursary that made coming to Habs financially possible for her family.
'I look back with incredible fondness at the way Habs genuinely cares for you as a person,' Phoebe recalled. 'I feel so grateful to have gone to Habs, and for all of the opportunities that led to.'
At Habs, Phoebe found not just the impetus to become a novelist but also a writing partner. She and her school friend Alexandra Hart attended a Habs talk by novelist and academic Katherine Rundell that inspired them to become writers themselves. They started sketching the outline of their debut novel, Alight, during a school trampolining lesson in Year 8, worked on it during the Covid lockdowns and saw it published in March 2022, while they were both students at Durham University. A national book tour followed.
'We had always loved writing, and the teachers at Habs did an amazing job of cultivating our creativity and equipping us with the skills to pursue our dream of getting published,’ Phoebe said. ‘Habs has left a lasting legacy on our writing, giving us encouragement and opening doors to new opportunities.'
They have remained close friends and writing partners. After uni, they reunited in Oxford, Alexandra to pursue a master’s degree in creative writing at Oxford University, and Phoebe to work for a national charity. They dedicate their Saturday mornings to writing together.
'Habs gave me friends for life,' Phoebe said. 'It was a unique opportunity for me, one that I will never forget.'
Phoebe Sleeman and Alexandra Hart returned to Habs in July 2022 for the launch of their debut novel, Alight, which they began as Habs Girls students (above, signing copies of their book).
Bursaries
ROGER LLEWELLYN (OH 1983)
‘I can honestly say without a shadow of a doubt that being the recipient of a Habs bursary changed my life forever. Initially, I was lucky enough to gain a Middlesex County Assisted Place, but my family were by no means well off and much scrimping and saving had to be done to ensure that I could attend the school. My grandparents paid for my daily coach travel and school lunches. My school uniform was a precious thing and had to be looked after very carefully.
'Immediately at Habs I was allowed to thrive. Lifelong friendships were formed with classmates from the most diverse of backgrounds, totally inspirational teachers were encountered at every turn and every day I was challenged and encouraged to do the very best I could.
'However, at the end of my GCE’s (GCSE’s in today’s money), I was told that we could no longer afford even the smallest of school fees, and I was set to leave and go to another local school. It was then that the Headmaster insisted that I must stay, and the Habs Bursary Fund came to my aid and ensured that I was able to take my A Levels at Elstree and go on to be the first of my family to go to university.
'Now as a member of staff I am about to enter my eleventh year "back" at Habs, and it is honestly my privilege to be able to make monthly gifts to the Habs Bursary Fund to help ensure that students from less financially secure backgrounds are able to attend our wonderful schools. I have also made provision for the Foundation in my will, so that future students (whom I will probably never have the pleasure of meeting), may benefit from my good fortune in having enjoyed a Haberdashers education.
'Habs was, and still is, a magical, transformational place, and to be educated at Habs is to have a gift for life.'
Habs was, and still is, a magical, transformational place, and to be educated at Habs is to have a gift for life.
Roger Llewellyn, OH 1983, Habs Boys
2024-2025
148
Habs students received bursary awards this year
7% of Habs Girls senior school students receive bursaries
8.3% of Habs Boys senior school students receive bursaries
AVERAGE BURSARY AWARD
£4,000,000
BURSARIES AWARDED BY YEAR
£3,647,000
£3,615,000
£3,500,000
£3,000,000
£3,040,000 £3,275,000
(forecast)
Other Philanthropic Funds
THE STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES FUND
This fund supports innovative projects aimed at improving the Habs student experience. Students or staff may propose activities, and both academic and co-curricular projects are eligible. Awards from this fund are not means tested; all students may apply, regardless of family financial circumstances.
EMMA (11 A) YEAR 11, HABS GIRLS
Emma is an Under 17 fencing champion, ranked number one in the UK for her skill with the epée, the largest and heaviest of the three weapons used in fencing.
Retaining her ranking requires Emma to compete around Europe, and the costs mount up quickly.
A £750 award from the Student Opportunities Fund last year allowed Emma to compete in international tournaments held in Austria, Hungary and France, in between her studies at Habs. She did so well she has retained her number one UK ranking this year. And that’s not all.
'The funding helped cover travel expenses, accommodation, and competition fees,' said Emma. 'That made it possible for me to participate in major events, gain invaluable experience internationally and earn the necessary points to qualify for the European and World U17 Championships.
'The generosity of donors to the Student Opportunities Fund is making a real difference in my journey, and I am deeply appreciative,' Emma said. 'It not only allows me to pursue my passion
A grant from the Habs Student Opportunities Fund allowed Emma (left) to compete in the European Championships in February 2025
for fencing but also helps me develop skills that will benefit me both academically and personally.
'I am truly grateful for Habs’s commitment to supporting student-initiated projects and for recognising the importance of extracurricular activities in our growth and development,' she added. 'That belief in my potential and dedication means the world to me.'
The generosity of donors to the Student Opportunities Fund is making a real difference in my journey.
Emma (11 A), Habs Girls student, Year 11
Emma and fellow Year 8 student Jesse (11 Alpha) ran in the inaugural Habs Giving Dash to raise funds for Giving Day in 2022. They won the award for 'best costume'.
CAPITAL PROJECTS
Some donors choose to fund new facilities, refurbish existing ones or make other gifts to improve the Habs campus.
When the new Pre-Prep School opened during the 2022-23 academic year, Habs Boys was able to offer a 4-18 education on a single campus for the first time ever. The Pre-Prep is housed in a beautiful new facility behind the Prep School, with plenty of outdoor space for Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children to explore and enjoy.
This now includes a new "clamber stack", a kind of free-form climbing frame, installed in the Pre-Prep playground. This was made possible thanks to a generous gift from an anonymous Habs family, long-time supporters of both Habs Boys and Habs Girls.
'We are delighted to have this wonderful new clamber stack as part of our playground,' said Victoria Huggett, Head of the Pre-Prep. 'It provides the boys with the perfect opportunity to develop essential physical skills, build confidence, and engage in imaginative play, all while fostering teamwork and cooperation with their peers. One day the clamber stack is a castle and the next a spaceship!
'Watching the boys' excitement and joy as they play and explore reminds us of how important it is to create spaces where they can challenge themselves and grow,' she added. 'We are extremely grateful to the generous Habs family who made this possible, and their ongoing support is truly appreciated. This gift will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on our children’s development for years to come.'
We are extremely grateful to the generous Habs family who made this possible, and their ongoing support is truly appreciated. This gift will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on our children’s development for years to come.
Victoria Huggett, Head of the Pre-Prep, Habs Boys
Habs Giving Day 2024
The third annual Habs Giving Day was held on 5-6 March 2024. It was the most successful to date, raising more than a quarter of a million pounds for bursaries, community partnerships, student opportunities and other priorities across Habs Girls and Habs Boys.
At the heart of Habs Giving Day are the ‘Habs GivingDash’ – a themed fun run for senior school students and staff – and its little sibling, the ‘Habs MiniDash’ – run by prep and junior school children and their parents.
Last year, an astonishing 1,732 members of the Habs community ran one or more of the dashes on Giving Day.
£254,214
Rather than fundraise for Giving Day, students are encouraged to show their support by participating in one of the runs. If they meet various challenges (e.g., getting a certain number of students to run), extra funds are released from a pledge pot funded by major donors.
635
£300,000
£250,000
£200,000
FUNDS RAISED ON HABS GIVING DAY
£142,077
£201,902
£150,000
£100,000
£254,214
Our emphasis is on kind support and enthusiasm. We want as many students and staff as possible to be able to come along, join in and have fun running.
Mike Broadwith, Maths Teacher, Habs Boys
I'm not really quite sure why, but I came back the next week, then the week after that, and the week after that. Since then, I have run every HabsDash, with a key focus on just turning up.
Lucas (SFM3) Habs Boys student, Lower Sixth
HABSDASH? GIVINGDASH? MINIDASH? WHAT THE DASH IS THAT ALL ABOUT?
The giving dashes were inspired by HabsDash, a weekly, 3.5-kilometre run around the campus started by Mike Broadwith, a Habs Boys maths teacher and elite endurance athlete.
Mike wanted to encourage students to prise their noses out of their books and stretch their legs. Every Tuesday at lunchtime, any student can join the HabsDash, running at their own pace and competing only against themselves. Staff volunteers cheer them on and record their times. The idea caught on, attracting staff runners and spreading to Habs Girls.
'Our emphasis is on kind support and enthusiasm,' Mr Broadwith explained. 'We want as many students and staff as possible to be able to come along, join in and have fun running.'
It is certainly succeeding. Consider Lucas (SFM3), who is now in the Lower Sixth.
'I initially started HabsDash with not a clue about running,' Lucas recalled. 'In fact, it was probably my first ever bit of proper running. I arrived five minutes late to the event and set off about a lap after everyone else had and ended up coming last. I'm not really quite sure why, but I came back the next week, then the week after that, and the week
'Since then, I have run every HabsDash, with a key focus on just turning up, regardless of how I feel and not really caring about my position relative to others, but a focus on myself and encouraging others to do the same.'
By the start of the summer term, Lucas will have run his 200th HabsDash.
Legacies — Gifts in Wills
Gifts in wills, or legacies, are the purest form of philanthropy – the donor is making a gift to future generations they will never meet.
Habs was founded on a legacy left by Robert Aske, and the schools continue to benefit from the generosity of Old Haberdashers and friends who leave generous gifts in their wills to fund bursaries and scholarships, build new facilities and secure the future of Habs.
£1,056,990
THE SIMON GELBER FUND MAKES ITS FIRST AWARDS
The Simon Gelber Memorial Scholarship and Bursary Fund, as we reported in the 2021-23 Habs Impact Report, was established in 2023 through a £1.5 million bequest left to Habs Boys’ School by Simon Gelber (OH 1973). This permanently endowed fund will provide support for at least two Habs Boys students every year.
The Simon Gelber Bursary Award funds a full bursary to an outstanding student from a lower-income family, paying for all tuition fees, coaches, school lunches, music lessons and school trips. The Simon Gelber Scholarship honours a student athlete who shows great team spirit.
The first children to benefit from Simon’s generous legacy were selected at the start of the 2023-24 academic year. The Simon Gelber Bursary Award holder is now in Year 8, and the Simon Gelber Sports Scholar, Saaj (SFR1), is now in Lower Sixth.
'Receiving the Simon Gelber Sports Scholarship has had an incredible impact on my time at Habs,' Saaj said. 'It has provided resources and opportunities from the unparalleled Habs High Performance Programme to improve my training, nutrition and development, making me a more accomplished athlete. Beyond the practical benefits, it is also a huge boost to my confidence, reminding me that my hard work and discipline is recognised and valued. This support not only helps me improve in my sport, but also motivates me to keep pushing forward, striving for success both on and off the field, while encouraging others to do the same.'
Receiving the Simon Gelber Sports Scholarship has had an incredible impact on my time at Habs.
Saaj (SFR1), Habs Boys student, Lower Sixth
represented England in the inaugural
January
Saaj working with one of the students from Fair Field. Each week Saaj volunteers with
Saaj
Kho Kho World Cup, held in Delhi in
2025. Kho Kho is a tag team sport with origins in ancient India.
Remembering Mick Raw (OH 1973)
TEACHING HISTORY, LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
I am no doubt just one of thousands of Old Boys who owe a great deal to the dedication, clarity of mind and patience of those who taught them at Haberdashers. I am still influenced by the spirit of enquiry, scrutiny of evidence and measured judgement that guided me and many others.
Mick Raw (OH 1973) was a history teacher at Sedbergh School for more than 30 years.
Mick Raw, OH 1973, Habs Boys’ School
The untimely death in 2023 of Michael ‘Mick’ Raw (OH 1973) deprived the Habs community of a larger-than-life character whose extroverted accomplishments
President of the Habs Rock ‘n’ Roll Society and fearsome opponent on the rugby pitch) belied a gentle, thoughtful character who inspired generations of students in his career as Head of History at Sedbergh School, where he taught from 1984
students whose families could not otherwise afford a Habs education. This is on top of a £170,000 gift Mick made to Habs in 2019.
As Mick himself said in 2022, shortly before his death:
'I am no doubt just one of thousands of Old Boys who owe a great deal to the dedication, clarity of mind and patience of those who taught them at Haberdashers. I am still influenced by the spirit of enquiry, scrutiny of evidence and measured judgement that guided me and many others.
'In early 2019 I arranged to support a student financially, chosen by the school on account of their academic and other potential, who would not otherwise have the opportunity to go through the Senior School at Habs, as I had done some years before, and from which I had benefited so much.
'I feel keen pleasure at the thought that a gifted, well-intentioned student is now embarking on a school career as a Haberdasher. I wish them every success and happiness.'
If you would like to have a confidential conversation about leaving a gift to Habs in your will, please contact: Roger Llewellyn, Director of Foundation foundation@habselstree.org.uk +44(0)20 8266 1964
Mick Raw (second from right) with fellow cast members of the Habs 1972 'Much Ado About
Habs Partnerships Programme
We work with a network of five local state partner schools to run 52 hours of curriculum support and enhancement sessions every week, with a focus on increasing the capacity of disadvantaged students.
It is a very exciting moment for the Partnerships Programme at Habs — it has become one of the things we are most proud of, and forms a crucial part of the unique offering of a Habs education.
Our mission at Habs is to enable our students to have a profound impact in the world. Our partnerships work takes this instruction literally — every single week, as part of a programme which trains, guides and supports them, we put our students into the wider world and enable them to have a profound impact.
Partnerships sessions are led by our brilliant team of 371 Habs students in Years 10 to 13, as well as dozens of members of staff. 1400 partner school students come to Habs to learn – or have Habs come to them – every week, building their skills in Maths, English, Science, swimming, modern languages, art, outdoor education, robotics, and a host of other subjects.
Joshua Plotkin DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS
For Habs students, partnerships work is part of their life at school, not volunteering or community service. They lead our partnerships work not out of some misplaced sense of altruism or charity; they are keenly aware of how much they benefit. Through working on the programme, our students build the resilience, leadership and communication skills they need to thrive in the modern world; in doing so, they also provide crucial learning opportunities for the partner school students they work with.
For Habs students, partnerships work is part of their life at school, not volunteering or community service.
Joshua Plotkin, Director of Partnerships, Habs Elstree
Our students also love and value the work for its own sake — for the genuine, lasting, trusting relationships they build with partner school students; for the difference they so clearly make in their week; for the extraordinary learning opportunities they provide. The voices captured in this report provide a snapshot of the benefits our partnerships work delivers for both the Habs community and the wider community alike.
Joshua Plotkin Director of Partnerships
PARTNERSHIPS AT HABS
How Wood — Swimming, Science, Maths support, Reading and Robotics.
Fair Field — Reading, Maths, English Enrichment, Music, Wall Climbing, Swimming and six after-school clubs— Music x 2, Art, D&T, Debating and Drama.
Cowley Hill — English & Maths Enrichment, Reading, Science, Art, Swimming, French and three afterschool clubs— Friday Unwind Mindfulness, Explorers’ Club and Creative Writing.
Monksmead — Science, Spanish, Music, Fencing, Swimming, Maths support, Sign Language and three after-school clubs — Board Games, World Languages and Art & Mindfulness.
London Academy — Maths support, Swimming, Outdoor Education, Sport, English & Maths Enrichment, French and four after-school clubs — Science, D&T, Book Club and Drama.
Partnerships in Numbers
69,000
hours in total spent working in Partnerships
52 hours per week of co-curricular, academic and enrichment sessions
56 Habs staff involved every week
371 Habs students involved every week
1400 Partner school students involved
10.1%
The improvement in school attendance among disadvantaged students involved in the programme – equivalent to one extra full day of school every two weeks
Impact of Partnerships on Habs Students
98.7% think that Partnerships sessions had an impact on improving their communication skills
94.8% thought that Partnerships had a positive impact on improving their resilience
92.1% believe Partnerships sessions have had a positive impact on their confidence
100 % of Habs students consider that Partnerships sessions have a positive impact on partner school students
Cowley Hill Primary School
Every week, 65 Habs students lead Partnerships sessions that range from the delivery of the core Science curriculum for Year 6 to three popular after-school clubs. Teachers from both schools highlight the enthusiasm and joy of students from their schools in these sessions, and the special bonds they form.
Partnerships has greatly helped me gain confidence because I need to take control of sessions and act as a leader.
Ella (L6 MS), Habs Girls student, Reading Partnerships
The partner school students are more confident, more lively and more willing to engage in lessons. They are so happy when we arrive!
Euan (SFM2), Habs Boys student, French Partnerships
The partnership work allows our students to engage in a broad and diverse experience which deepens their cultural capital and raises their aspirations. The Habs students realise that their impact is having a lasting effect on what our children believe they can do. Partnerships also extend to the staff, both those who lead and those who learn, leading to a richer experience for all.
Collaborating with Cowley Hill School has been such a rewarding experience. Working with younger students has allowed me to explore new approaches in my teaching, which I’ve really enjoyed.
Victoria
McMillian,
Head of Art and Design, Habs Boys
Louise Thomas, Headteacher, Cowley Hill Primary School
Fair Field Junior School
A highlight of the Partnerships week is welcoming 90 Fair Field students onsite for Friday Afternoon Clubs. Six different clubs –Art, DT, Drama, Public Speaking, Rock Band and Digital Music Making - are run by 60 Habs students and six teachers. During the week, there are enrichment sessions for swimming, wall-climbing, English, Maths, reading, and music.
It’s really fulfilling to know that my efforts are making a difference, and it has shown me what I’m capable of achieving. This experience has helped me believe more in myself and in the positive impact I can have on others.
Sahil (SFC3) Habs Boys student Reading Partnerships
The Habs students come together in a remarkable way, often overcoming nerves and inhibitions to deliver a carefully planned and richly diverse set of activities. Fair Field pupils depart with a deep sense of pride and a beautiful piece of artwork, but more importantly a sense of belonging to a community that cares.
Lizzie Hall, Head of Art, Habs Boys
The variety of opportunities we have available has had such a positive impact on each child. For some it has led to improved confidence and self-esteem, and for others helped them find new passions.
Davinia Leggett, Headteacher, Fair Field School
I will talk about it in my university applications because the experience has impacted the way I think.
Anvita (L6 MO), Habs Girls student, Maths Partnerships
How Wood Primary School
Each Monday is Habs Partnerships Afternoon at How Wood. All Key Stage 2 students are involved in sessions led by Habs staff and Lower 6 students as part of the Electives programme. Sessions include Swimming, Reading, Maths support, Science and Robotics.
The swimming programme is mutually beneficial! For the partner school students, it fosters essential swimming skills. Simultaneously, the Habs students have an invaluable opportunity to develop their communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills whilst cultivating their sense of responsibility and empathy.
Claire Gibson and Catherine Prendergast, PE Teachers, Habs Girls Junior
It has deepened my appreciation for the importance of giving back to the community, making a positive difference and the value of collaboration and mutual learning.
Ishan (SFH3) Habs Boys student, Robotics Partnerships
Our collaboration enhances so many areas of the curriculum enriching the children's learning. Science lessons give our pupils the opportunity to use secondary school equipment — this is a perfect way to prepare them for their journey ahead.
Naomi Parkins, Co-Head Teacher, How Wood Primary School
London Academy
The relationship with London Academy continues to flourish. Weekly reward sessions in Outdoor Education, Sport and Swimming are complemented by enrichment sessions for Year 6 students working towards Greater Depth in English and Maths, as well as after-school Science and Technology clubs and Drama and Reading sessions. Older students also participated in a Debating workshop led by an Old Haberdasher.
Partnerships has helped me gain confidence as I have to take the initiative to decide what would be the most impactful way to teach topics.
Kiara (L6 PW), Habs Girls student, Maths Partnerships
I love the concept of partnerships as both parties benefit so much. I have developed my leadership and communication skills and have grown massively as a person.
Lewis (SFC2), Habs Boys student, Swimming & Sport Partnerships
It is heartwarming to see their excitement and creativity come alive.
Mridima Raj, Teacher, London Academy
It was clear the pupils were experiencing something that they had never done before.
James Oliver, Teacher of Design & Technology, Habs Girls
Working in partnership with Habs has afforded our students experiences that would not have otherwise been possible.
Phillip Campbell, Associate Principal, London Academy
London Academy students meeting British astronaut Tim Peake at Habs.
Monksmead School
There are nine weekly sessions involving Monksmead and Habs students, covering the curriculum areas of Maths, Swimming, Languages, Science and Music as well as co-curricular clubs exploring world languages, mindfulness and board games.
Participating in this programme has significantly enhanced my self-confidence and helped me understand my abilities. I’m aware of how much I can accomplish when I have faith in myself.
Aarav (SFH3), Habs Boys student, Science Partnerships
The students thoroughly enjoy using the musical instruments and working with our dedicated team of sixth formers who have been leading the sessions.
Peter Martin-Brown, Teacher of Music, Habs Boys
The children absolutely love the learning opportunities provided by Habs and it is something they look forward to each week.
Eustacia Randles, Year
5 Teacher, Monksmead
School
Case Study 1 — How Wood
YEAR 5 SCIENCE
This is an example of how Habs Partnerships supports the curriculum delivery of a core subject in one of the Partnerships schools.
Each week, Year 5 students from How Wood come to Habs to study their usual science curriculum— but the difference is that they are led by a Habs specialist science teacher and eight trained sixth-form students, in an environment where they can perform experiments to support their learning.
Being part of Partnerships has made me realise that I may want to go into a career where I can interact with children and help them in some sort of way. I really enjoy working with kids and hope to do this in the future.
Mia (L6 KP), Habs Girls student, Science Partnerships
This is one of my favourite points of the week! First the Year 12 Partnerships Mentors arrive and then the How Wood students and their lovely teachers stream in.
The Year 5s can’t wait to get stuck into a discussion, offering amazing examples from their everyday lives and analogies to explain complex scientific phenomena and then… the practical starts!
Each pod in the lab is a little hub of positive energy as they plan and carry out an experiment; the calm, capable Sixth Formers interject with the most incredible prompts, with plenty of opportunities for challenge, fun, and creativity; all underpinned by the deepest mutual respect and kindness.
Rebecca Lane, Biology Teacher, Habs Girls
As a new student who just joined Habs, it seemed impossible for me to do something like this, that had loads of responsibilities. But when I did it, I thought to myself that I can do new things.
Zahra Mahdi (L6 HR), Habs Girls, Science Partnerships
It’s a joy to witness the excitement and enthusiasm from the children when carrying out practical experiments using resources they wouldn’t normally have access to.
Lisa Warner, Year 5 Teacher, How Wood School
Case Study 2 London Academy
YEAR 6 OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Each week Year 6 students at London Academy are rewarded for their academic and behavioural profile and are given the opportunity to come to Habs to take part in either swimming, multi-sports or outdoor education.
The outdoor education group build fires, toast marshmallows, hunt for treasure, and learn different bushcraft skills in small group sessions led by an expert Habs teacher and two experienced sixth form students.
100% of London Academy students thought they had learnt something new, had been challenged and had fun in these sessions!
77% believed that their academic work had improved because of this opportunity! Students recognised that the skills of collaboration, problem-solving and being creative had been developed through these sessions.
This reward initiative encourages students to become better learners and promotes positive behaviour. The excitement of participating in these activities motivates children to come to school each day, fostering engagement and a sense of community.
Manija Ahmadi, Year 6 Teacher, London Academy
I valued sharing my outdoor education experience skills! I think that it has improved my leadership skills, especially leading young children to managing risk.
Miranda (U6 MO), Habs Girls student, Outdoor Education Mentor
Outdoor Partnerships with London Academy is the highlight of my week. The London Academy students gain so much from these activities, with their enthusiasm evident the moment I hear an "oggy oggy oggy" echo across the bushcraft area!
James Teague, Outdoor Education Lead, Habs Boys
I value spending time with the children, it has improved my resilience skills as it has shown me that even when everything doesn't go to plan, we're still able to make sure the kids have fun!
Ella (U6 BP), Habs Girls student, Outdoor Education Mentor
Looking Ahead
WD6 EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP
This report makes clear what a visible difference our partnerships work with schools is making both to our local community and to the Habs community. We have now been fortunate enough to attract donations from current and former parents and OHs for an ambitious expansion of this work.
The next phase of the programme, fully funded by these donors, aims to have a wider impact on educational disadvantage in Hertsmere. We currently work exclusively in and with our five partner schools, but we will now go beyond the school gates to build a community hub to serve the young people in our community outside of school as well as inside: outside of school hours; outside of the school curriculum; outside of school premises.
This work will offer wider educational opportunities to children, teenagers, and their parents and families. Of course, in this we are responding to the moral imperative to address the lack of opportunity for children and their families not lucky enough to be part of the Habs community.
However, as with the work we do with our partner schools, we will also offer opportunities for Habs students and their families to build their leadership qualities, resilience, and – perhaps most importantly – their relationships and sense of community.
To deliver this work we are building a coalition of partner schools, civic institutions and local leaders and residents, including Habs parents and alumni. Please get in touch if you would like to be involved!
Joshua Plotkin Director of Partnerships, Haberdashers’ Elstree
Habs Giving Day
Habs Giving Day took place on 1-2 April 2025. All funds raised this year went to help current Habs families. To see the results and photos from the day, or to make a late gift, visit habs.givingday.co.uk