Inspiring Minds Annual Review
The Latymer Foundation was established in 1624, when Edward Latymer included a bequest in his Will “to clothe and educate eight poore boyes” in Hammersmith. The impact of that single act of philanthropy is felt more strongly than ever today, and Edward Latymer’s vision continues to shape every aspect of the Foundation’s work.
Today, the Foundation, which runs Latymer Upper School and Latymer Prep, retains its core mission: to provide bursaries to as many local children as possible, ensuring that any talented and ambitious child can access a first-class Latymer education, regardless of their family's financial circumstances. Our ultimate goal is to achieve needs-blind admissions, where entry is based solely on academic merit and potential, with no consideration of financial means.
It’s an ambitious aim – but one that would ensure a Latymer education is truly open to all bright young people, whatever their background. This September, we reached a major milestone on that journey, with 1 in 4 students in the Upper School now supported by a bursary. This remarkable achievement is only possible thanks to the generosity of our Latymer community. Thank you.
My primary obstacle prior to starting at Latymer had always been one of confidence. I will be forever grateful to Latymer for giving me that confidence and belief in myself which has allowed me to see, and strive towards fulfilling, my potential. Even in the short time I was at Latymer, it became a part of my very identity. I am so proud to call myself a Latymerian and immensely grateful for all that the school (staff, teachers, students alike) have done for me.
BURSARY RECIPIENT, CLASS OF 2014
Letter from the Head
Over the past decade, the Inspiring Minds Campaign reminded us what can be achieved when a community comes together with generosity, energy and belief. It is a remarkable legacy. But more than that: it is a foundation for what must follow.
This year has not been without challenge, brought in by wider shifts beyond our control. At a time, though, when some schools are reassessing their bursary commitments, I am incredibly proud that Latymer has held firm. In fact, our bursary programme remains as ambitious as ever. The consistency of our offer matters, not just for the families we support, but for what it signals to the wider educational landscape. In this new, more complex era, Latymer remains a school with bursaries at its heart; we act as a guiding principle both in our own community and beyond. That commitment is evident not only in our ability to maintain bursary levels and extend additional support to current Latymer families most affected by new financial pressures facing independent school parents, but also in the strength of the number of our applications. This year, we saw a notable rise in students accepting bursary offers; a testament to the quality, confidence and potential of the students joining us.
Throughout the year, the generosity of our community has continued to make a tangible difference. Our Prep School Swimathon raised over £21,000 for the Prep Bursary Fund, and our RAIS£ fundraising society contributed over £8,000 through student-led projects. The enthusiasm with which our pupils, parents and alumni take up the baton of fundraising never fails to
move me. Our successful summer Telephone Campaign saw recent leavers reaching out to almost 500 members of our community; conversations that are not only about raising funds, but about building bridges between Latymerians of every generation. We are so thankful for the generosity from everyone involved.
Of course, our ethos of inclusion doesn’t end with bursaries. This year, our service and partnership programmes have remained as vibrant as ever. Our Year 12s volunteered at over 30 local organisations; our students were recognised at national level for their community activism; Saturday School continues to grow, offering academic mentoring to local Year 6 pupils, and Bright Sparks had its biggest cohort yet. These programmes represent the best of Latymer: young people using their time, skills and compassion.
Academically, our students continue to shine. This year’s leavers achieved outstanding A-Level and GCSE results, with 95% of all grades at A Level A*–B and 96% of all grades at GCSE between 7 and 9. Of our bursary recipients among the Class of 2025, seven have gone on to Oxbridge, two to study medicine, and many others to top-tier universities in the UK and beyond – often as the first in their family to do so. These aren’t just statistics though; they’re stories of lives changed and futures opened up.
Looking ahead, we know the need for support will only grow. Already, 1 in 3 applicants at 11+ indicate they would require a bursary to take up a place. We are determined to meet that need – and to push further still. Our goal is bold but simple: to offer need-blind admissions to ensure that a family’s finances are never a barrier to a Latymer education; an education that will shape lives for generations to come. We want our School to remain truly diverse, inclusive and dynamic – one that other institutions look to as a leader, not a follower.
So while the Inspiring Minds Campaign may have drawn to a close, our mission continues, with even greater purpose.
Susan Wijeratna Head of Latymer Upper School
Celebrating Latymer at 400
Among the highlights was our Founder’s Day service at St Paul’s Cathedral, where over 2,000 current pupils, alumni, parents and staff past and present gathered to honour Edward Latymer’s bequest and to celebrate the school it has grown into today. Later in the year, the celebrations drew to a close with the unveiling of a beautiful slate memorial plaque on the external wall of the Library – a lasting tribute to this remarkable chapter in Latymer’s history.
The Latymer Foundation’s 400th Anniversary was an historic moment for the School – a year in which we reflected on our past, celebrated all that unites us, and looked with confidence towards the future. Throughout 2024, the commitment and generosity of the Latymer community were evident in the enthusiasm with which this milestone was embraced and in the shared dedication to Edward Latymer’s founding vision.
Our 400th year also marked the successful conclusion of our ambitious, decade-long Inspiring Minds Campaign. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our community, we achieved our goal of being able to offer bursary support to 1 in 4 Upper School students. This transformative milestone underscores Latymer’s enduring mission: to provide a first-class education to talented young people, regardless of background.
As we move forward, the legacy of this anniversary year is already evident: the vision behind Inspiring Minds is now a reality, as we continue to be able to support 1 in 4 Upper School students this year.
Latymerians, staff and parents filled the Cathedral on Founder’s Day
A commemorative plaque was unveiled by Amanda Scott (Executive Director of the Latymer Foundation), Su Wijeratna (Head of Latymer Upper School) and MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick Andy Slaughter (1979)
In Numbers
Since the start of our 400th Anniversary…
312 has been given £5.9m
students in the Upper School have been supported by a bursary 1 in 4
469
regular donors gave £319,000 in support of bursaries
Our youngest donor was 8
100 years of age and our oldest was
3,841
individuals attended one of our events
young people have applied for an 11+ bursary for September 2025 498
1,358
people gave their financial support, 440 of whom made their first gift this year
The Bursaries Appeal
The Bursaries Appeal continues to play a vital role in opening doors to a Latymer education for talented young people from diverse backgrounds. Every year, the generosity of our community enables more students to join and thrive across the school by raising funds for five new bursaries.
Behind the numbers are inspiring stories of support, dedication, and connection – brought to life through fundraising events, volunteer initiatives, and the collective commitment of Latymerians, current students, parents, staff, and friends.
45
bursary recipients have been supported by the Bursaries Appeal since its inception.
23
students received bursary support through the Appeal in 2024/25.
405
individuals make regular gifts, contributing £165,338 in 2024/25.
£27,426 was raised by gifts under £10 in 2024/2025.
5
students joined Latymer this September thanks to the Bursaries Appeal.
£390,457 was raised by 986 donors in 2024/2025.
RAIS£
At Latymer, support for our bursaries programme comes from all corners of our community, not least from our students. RAIS£, our student-led fundraising club, supports the Bursaries Appeal each year through a vibrant programme of events and student-designed merchandise. In 2024/25 they raised over £8,500, enough to support a Latymer student for an entire term!
Beyond fundraising, RAIS£ reflects Latymer’s commitment to nurturing socially responsible students, offering opportunities to take on leadership roles, build practical skills, and experience the power of community giving firsthand. From organising events like the Year 7 and 8 Discos to launching new ideas such as the RAIS£ Prize Draw, the club empowers students to make a meaningful impact across the school.
Here, our Deputy and Senior Ambassadors reflect on what RAIS£ means to them and why they chose to take on a leadership role in supporting their fellow students:
When I joined Latymer in 2024, I couldn’t have hoped to settle more quickly; the school is incredibly accurate in its self description as a ‘family’. I quickly came to realise that possibly this constant dedication to community arises from the strong emphasis we have on giving back. RAIS£ is the embodiment of this spirit. The past 8 months have been nothing but excitement and fun!
FRIDA, DEPUTY AMBASSADOR
There are so many opportunities for connection between students of all ages, and volunteering at the fundraisers is always a blast. RAIS£ has been a meaningful way to give back to the community I’ve loved since Year 7, and I know the experience will shape more than just my time at school – it’s something that will stay with me long after I leave Latymer.
IMOGEN, DEPUTY AMBASSADOR
Having attended RAIS£ since year 7, I feel incredibly connected to the club, and it has been such an honour to be able to organise the very same events that I attended lower down the school. I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved this year and the impact that we’ve made on the Latymer community.
AMELIE, SENIOR AMBASSADOR
I started coming to RAIS£ at the beginning of this year as a new joiner having heard so much about Latymer’s bursaries programme that I knew straight away I wanted to get involved. Right from the beginning, I was not disappointed; we were organising major events for the school, running stalls at the Christmas fair and so much more – and all this in the first term!
ISHITA, DEPUTY AMBASSADOR
I have been a part of RAIS£ for a couple of years now, and it has taught me so much. It’s an amazing way to give back to the Latymer community that has been so influential to me during my time at the school. It has been a privilege to represent RAIS£ as a Senior Ambassador this year, and I am so excited for everything to come!
ELLIE, SENIOR AMBASSADOR
Summer Telephone Campaign
This summer, we welcomed back twelve enthusiastic young Latymerians to lead the charge in our first Telephone Campaign since 2013. Over just two weeks of lively and heartfelt conversations, our community rallied together in support of our bursaries and outreach programmes.
Across
Decades
£117,000 was pledged over two weeks which could support a student for 4½ years
485 Latymerians and parents were contacted
44 new regular gifts were set up
47 individuals made their first gift during their call
Alumni Participation by Graduating Class
Meet the Callers
Several of our callers got in touch after the campaign to share why they chose to take part and reflect on their experience. Here we highlight two of their stories:
As a beneficiary of a bursary during my seven years at Latymer, I relish the opportunities to give back to the school that gave me so much.
Nine years ago, Latymer welcomed myself and my family with open arms, putting aside our financial background and acknowledging the potential we had. Though Latymer went on to cover 100% of my tuition fee for the next seven years, the education that it provided me was priceless.
To see how many of our alumni had such a heart for the bursaries appeal was incredibly heartwarming and a testament to the generosity of the Latymer community. I am proud that our small team of twelve has been able to transform the lives of not just the disadvantaged students who will now be able to attend the school, but also those who find themselves around such students, enriching the entire school community no doubt!
Two years on from leaving Latymer and the impact it has had on me continues to reveal itself everyday. I am forever indebted to Latymer, our alumni, and the bursaries programme. And, though I left the school a while ago now, I continue to benefit from its education to this day.
NATHAN (CLASS OF 2023)
Currently studying Aeronautics & Astrodynamics at Southampton University
My own experience as a bursary student at Latymer was the motivating factor for my application to be a Telephone Campaign Caller. I have always been so grateful to Latymer for the opportunities it provided me when I was in school and felt compelled to give back to the community in some way, however small.
I never expected the experience to be as deeply rewarding as it was. I have had wonderful conversations with Latymer alumni of all ages and backgrounds, exchanging anecdotes and fond memories of the school. Sharing with alumni how the bursary appeal had such a positive impact on my life made me reflect on just how lucky I was to spend 7 years at such a special school. From paying for my music lessons to funding a class trip to Taiwan, the school really looked after me. I’m so glad that, thanks in part to the success of the Telephone Campaign, it will continue to support promising young people in the future, regardless of their financial circumstances.
PEARL (CLASS OF 2023)
Currently studying English at Durham University
The Prep Bursary Fund
15 years of Prep Bursaries CELEBRATING
10 years of the Prep Bursary Fund
2024 may have been our 400th Anniversary, but last September we celebrated two more milestones: 15 years of Prep Bursaries and 10 years of the Prep Bursary Fund.
We believe that every bright child should have the chance to thrive, and this commitment led to the creation of a dedicated Prep Bursary Fund in 2014. Now marking its 10th anniversary, the Fund has played a vital role in widening access to Latymer Prep, helping young children from across our local area begin their Latymer journey in Year 3.
26 pupils have benefited from a prep bursary since 2010
1,139 individuals have made a gift to the Prep Bursary Fund since 2014
Over the past decade, 26 have been supported by a bursary in the Prep – and this year was no exception. Thanks to the generosity of our community, three more families have been able to access the opportunities of a Latymer education.
Events like the House Bake Off and volunteer-led initiatives such as the Festive Wreath-Making Masterclass reflect the creativity and care behind this shared mission. We’re especially grateful to the Prep Parents’ Gild, whose fundraising – from Film Night to the Summer Fair – continues to bring our community together and make inclusion and opportunity a reality.
£95,000 was raised for the Prep Bursary Fund in the 2024/25 academic year
£710,566
has been raised for the Prep Bursary Fund since 2014
3 new bursary pupils joined Year 3 this September
The Prep Gild events and merchandise made up ¼ of this year’s total raised
Making a Splash
Of all the events in the Prep calendar, the biennial Swimathon remains a firm favourite. This much-loved tradition brings together pupils from Years 3 to 6 in a joyful display of determination and community spirit, as each child swims as many lengths as they can in support of the Prep Bursary Fund.
With expert guidance from our swim coaches and encouragement from families and friends, the pupils not only met their collective length goal – they more than doubled the total raised by the previous Swimathon. It was a wonderful example of the generosity, energy and drive that define the Latymer Prep community.
Pupils raised
£21,600 through sponsorships
Pupils swam
7,000 lengths of the pool
That’s over ⅕ of the total raised this year
Closing the Loop
Fifteen years ago, a bright seven-year-old joined Latymer Prep as the very first recipient of a bursary place from Year 3.
This year, having completed his degree in Mathematics at St John’s College, Cambridge, Tianrun returned to Latymer, this time as an apprentice Maths teacher. Reflecting on the moment his Latymer journey began and why he returned, he shared:
Despite it being over 15 years ago, I still vividly remember the feeling of receiving the Prep School Bursary. I still remember my mum crying tears of joy when she received that letter. I don’t remember much of life before the Prep School – you just have to trust my parents’ words when they say that I was much happier at the Prep than I was before I joined.
That’s over 100 miles
When it came to returning to the school, I knew I wanted to support other students with the same potential I had. If it weren’t for Latymer, my academics wouldn’t have been pushed. If it weren’t for Latymer, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. If it weren’t for Latymer, I would never have considered becoming a teacher, but the sense of community I felt throughout my time here – not just among the students but the teachers as well – made me completely reconsider.
Back then I said with full confidence I was proud to be a bursary recipient at Latymer. Now I can say with full confidence that I am proud to be one of the teaching staff here at Latymer.
A Lifetime of Support
When Alice joined our Bright Sparks programme in Year 5, she was curious, capable, and ready for a challenge. This year, she makes history – becoming one of the first cohort of Bright Sparks alumni to graduate from Latymer.
Her path tells the story of what our bursary programme makes possible: supporting talented students from modest and disadvantaged backgrounds at every stage of their education, helping to close the disadvantage gap and creating lasting opportunities from early years through to adulthood.
PRIMARY EDUCATION
Through our Prep Bursaries and Partnerships Programmes, children like Alice discover a world of academic subjects and co-curricular activities that go beyond the classroom. These initiatives also help families see the opportunities a bursary can open.
• 83% of participants in our core partnership programmes felt more confident.
• 93% of Bright Sparks participants felt more likely to apply for an independent school bursary.
There’s no way I would’ve considered applying to a school like Latymer before Bright Sparks. Primary was low-key for me, but Latymer was magical – I just thought it can’t be real.
– ALICE, 2025
Bright Sparks is a programme for local Year 5 pupils with strong academic potential, offering workshops in English, Maths and Science, plus support with exam preparation and bursary applications, to give these children a taste of secondary education at Latymer.
11+
At 11+, Alice stepped into a supportive environment where passionate teachers encouraged her to push further. Most bursary students join us at this stage, and many say they have access to far greater opportunities than they would elsewhere.
Research from the Education Policy Institute supports this, showing that access to selective and independent schools provides higher quality teaching – a vital factor in closing the disadvantage gap.
I liked to do well because I was always best at primary school but I was less certain in my first few months here. I enjoyed that I was challenged.
– ALICE, 2025
GCSE
Latymer bursary students don’t just keep up – they excel. Like Alice, their GCSE results are a powerful reflection of the solid academic foundation, expert teaching, and enriching opportunities the bursary programme provides.
• Almost 93% of bursary students secured all top GCSE grades (between 9 and 7).
• 98.8% of bursary students achieved grade 5 or above in English and Maths, compared with just 45.9% nationally in state schools.
Year 11 has brought challenges, of course, but I am particularly proud of the way I have managed to adapt to these changes and have organised myself and my time. The last academic year has granted me with many incredible opportunities to really pursue my interests in Chemistry and Biology, both inside and out of the classroom environment. – ALICE, 2023
A-LEVEL
In her final year, Alice has pursued her interests beyond the core curriculum with electives in International Relations and International Development. She also served as President of the Latymer Geography Society, developing her leadership skills. Small classes, expert teaching, and one-to-one mentoring have helped her build independence, time management, and critical thinking skills – all preparing her for university and beyond.
The average A-level grade for Latymer bursary students is an A, – a full grade higher than the national average of B- for state school students.
95% of bursary students agreed with the statement:
Latymer has had a positive impact on my life.
UNIVERSITY
Every Latymer student receives dedicated, personalised support in building a strong UCAS application, as well as expert advice on university choices in the UK and abroad. For Alice, that guidance has culminated in an extraordinary achievement: this autumn, she will be reading Geography, Philosophy and Politics at Newcastle University – a dream that began with Bright Sparks.
• 78% of bursary students accepted places at Russell Group universities and of those, 22% secured places at Oxford or Cambridge.
• Just over 80% of bursary students accepted offers from a Top 10 UK university.
• 1 in 4 bursary students were the first in their family to attend university.
I’ve always loved Geography, but the Iceland trip was something else entirely — hands down the best trip ever. We were joined by a geologist, and I spent the whole time asking him questions. Those conversations really solidified my decision to study Geography at university.
– ALICE, 2025
BEYOND LATYMER
The impact of a Latymer bursary extends far beyond the classroom. Students leave not only with exceptional qualifications but also with the confidence, resilience, and networks to thrive in their chosen paths. Connections with peers, parents, and alumni open professional doors, while the personal growth they experience shapes their future far beyond school life.
• Nearly 25% of bursary alumni report starting salaries above the UK national average – a clear sign of improved financial prospects.
• Almost 80% of bursary students agree that Latymer positively impacted their family’s well-being.
My time at Latymer made me more confident, when I joined, I was too scared to be wrong. It’s hard to learn to fail and learn to accept that. Now I’m more resilient – leadership opportunities here like rowing made a huge impact in that sense. – ALICE, 2025
Read more about how we support bright young people at every stage in our Social Impact Report 2023/24
Social Impact
The bursary programme continues to be a transformative force in the lives of the students it supports. During the summer of 2025 we surveyed students graduating from Year 13 to ask about their experience at Latymer Upper. Bursary students gave the following feedback:
Quality of education and academics
100% satisfied or very satisfied
100% satisfied or very satisfied
All bursary students were satisfied with the standard of education at Latymer, and many highlighted the role of their teacher’s support.
What struck me is that the teachers genuinely care about your work. They are always happy to meet you outside of class and make a real effort.
The amazing staff at Latymer go above and beyond to ensure we have the best school experience possible.
Opportunities to volunteer and fundraise
Bursary students were also satisfied with the breadth of, and opportunity to support and fundraise for charities.
95% agree or strongly agree
The bursaries programme had a positive impact on my life
Bursary students have also praised the impact that Latymer has had on all aspects of their life. One student highlighted the real, tangible difference it has made in their life.
There were tons of volunteering opportunities that I wouldn’t have been able to find if I didn’t go to Latymer.
84% agree or strongly agree
The bursaries programme enhanced my ability to connect with people who had different life experiences to my own
A large proportion of bursary students felt their experience at Latymer had helped them connect with people from a range of backgrounds.
...as someone who personally has a bursary, my time at Latymer has truly changed my life. My brother is at a state school, a very good one, but I can see that the level of teaching and opportunities is much lower there.
I think the diversity – of cultures, backgrounds etc – is my highlight from Latymer, as I have friends from almost everywhere in the world, which isn’t something that most schools have. I feel that going to Latymer gives people the ability to connect with everyone, including people with very different life experiences.
Community Partnerships
Thanks to the incredible generosity of Latymer parents and alumni, we deliver transformative education programmes across our local community. We cultivate strong relationships with local schools, charities, and community groups, offering invaluable experiences for Latymer students and staff. These opportunities foster leadership, community spirit, and mentorship. Our commitment reflects Edward Latymer’s original ethos: providing young people from all backgrounds with a lifechanging education that equips and inspires them to make a positive societal impact.
Our Core Programmes
Our core programmes continue to thrive, offering local primary children enriching academic and co-curricular experiences – all thanks to the support of our Latymer staff and students.
This summer, a new cohort of Year 5 pupils began their Bright Sparks journey, which supported nearly 50 children through English, Maths, Science and Confidence Building activities.Their parents also attended information sessions, which helped families understand the independent school application process and the bursary offering available at Latymer and beyond.
Our Primary Debating programme, now in its 16th year under Mr White, saw 70 Year 6 pupils from 15 local schools develop public speaking skills over 16 weekly sessions, culminating in a lively Grand Finale on lowering the voting age to 16.
In February, our Saturday School welcomed 90 Year 6 pupils from 18 schools for four weeks of senior school style lessons and activities to help them prepare for the transition. One child joyfully shared, “Now I know how to make new friends in secondary school!”
Meanwhile, STEM Academy introduced app-based coding to 23 Year 7 and 8 students from four schools. We were incredibly grateful for the support of a Latymer alumnus, which enabled the programme to run for five Saturdays this year, with each child receiving a BBC micro:bit computer.
Likewise, our annual Maths Challenge brought together 48 children from 15 primary schools for five weeks of problem-solving fun supported by two Latymer teachers and 11 Year 10 Latymerians.
Each programme plays a vital role in opening doors, building confidence, and nurturing ambition in every child we reach.
Chiswick Sports Ground
A new initiative at our Chiswick Sports Ground, supported by donations from School Kitchen, our on-site caterers, enabled us to offer free, twice-weekly hockey and cricket sessions to 32 Year 7 students from Chiswick School. These sessions were run by Latymer’s own sports coaches, who brought their expertise and enthusiasm to every lesson. We're proud to have shared enriching experiences like this with just under 700 students this year.
Service in the Community
Our Service in the Community programme fosters social responsibility and active citizenship among our Year 12 students. All 204 students took part this year, dedicating at least an hour a week to local causes – many choosing to continue beyond their initial commitment. These placements benefit the community and help students develop invaluable skills in communication, teamwork, leadership, empathy, organisation and problem-solving, significantly boosting their confidence.
Students volunteered with 47 local organisations, with 24 placements contributing towards their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. 26 students also served as teaching assistants and debate coaches in Latymer Partnership programmes, while others secured placements in medicine, rowing, music and more.
Legacies – Investing in the Future
Legacy giving underpins our bursaries programme, providing essential, long-term support that helps ensure a Latymer education remains accessible to bright children, regardless of their background. These gifts are not only generous; they are transformative, helping to secure the school’s future well beyond our lifetimes. While many legacy donors are alumni, we are increasingly grateful to include parents and staff, both past and present, among those who choose to remember Latymer in their wills.
Our 400th anniversary last year was a particularly special moment for legacy giving, as we celebrated Edward Latymer’s original bequest – the founding act of generosity that continues to inspire our community today. In this feature, we speak to two current parents who have recently made that same commitment, sharing their personal motivations and hopes for the future.
Why did your family choose Latymer?
We are parents of a child in year 10 at Latymer. Since we were relatively new to London, we didn’t know much about the 11+ process and had not heard of Latymer. However, as soon as we learned about the school and visited, we were sure it was the right place for our child.
It is an exciting and dynamic environment whose ethos of ‘our students would be bored if we didn’t extend the curriculum’ really won us over. This stood in contrast to other schools we visited, where the attitude seemed more like students were lucky to be there and had to constantly prove they deserved their place.
We felt this respectful yet rigorous basis for education was borne out in how the teachers greeted the student tour guides as we walked around, how they explained the curriculum to prospective students and their parents, and in the way that teachers are nurtured and supported alongside students throughout their careers at Latymer.
Despite its size and its undeserved reputation as ‘gritty,’ we find Latymer to be a caring, intentional school where children and staff seem to thrive.
What is your family’s favourite thing about Latymer?
Our favourite aspect of Latymer is seeing how happy our child is to go to school every day. As a teenager, she doesn’t like to wake up early, yet she can’t wait to get to school, often arriving long before first period. Most days, she’s not home until 6.30 or 7pm – almost 12 hours later – because of all the extracurricular opportunities and fun she’s having. She has fantastic friends, both in her immediate group and more widely across the school. She likes almost all her teachers, is enjoying the breadth and depth of the curriculum, and is loving the sports. Importantly, her teachers know her really well and she feels supported, respected, and liked by them.
What does the bursaries programme mean to you?
As a grandchild of Holocaust survivors and a third-generation immigrant, I think of education as the most important asset someone can have – you can lose all your money, your home, even your country. But you take your education with you wherever you go, and it opens doors for you.
Accessing quality education is life-changing, a truth amplified at Latymer by the excellent offerings and outstanding results. All children should have the opportunity to excel and sadly, we know there is a huge disparity between state offerings and the independent sector. Supporting any child who earns a spot at Latymer benefits not only them, but all of us. Perhaps the brilliant child whose family can’t afford Latymer will be the one to cure a deadly disease. If we only make space for those who can pay, we risk overlooking the brilliance that could benefit us all.
How have you chosen to support Latymer?
We donate to the Bursaries Appeal and have included Latymer in our wills.
Why is it important to you to support Latymer in these ways?
We are incredibly grateful that our child goes to Latymer. Ideally, all schools in the UK could offer all students what Latymer offers our children, but that is not the reality. As Latymer works towards becoming needs-blind, the learning environment and community will be enriched by a wealth of social experiences, and we will all benefit. Latymer’s innovative curriculum makes it stand out from the crowd already; its commitment to serving all students will enhance its reputation further. Latymer is a school that walks the talk of social mobility and lives out the values it instils in its students.
What do you hope for Latymer as we take our next steps towards needs-blind admissions?
We hope for three things: first, that by accepting all children who are bright, driven, and wish to attend, the educational opportunities and standards will improve further across the board.
Secondly, we hope that an economically diverse student body will enrich the school atmosphere for all as children find connection with similarly brilliant young people across postcodes and life experiences.
Finally, we hope that Latymer maintains its pledge that all students can attend all trips regardless of financial circumstances. It’s important that those who may not have family holidays get the opportunity to take part in schoolrun experiences – like ski trips, residential weeks, and other extracurricular opportunities – so that they do not feel excluded and so that they can enjoy the same breadth of experience as their peers.
In other words, we hope that inclusion will continue to be looked at holistically, as a commitment to equity and shared experience, not as something framed around gratitude or indebtedness.
Latymer is a school that walks the talk of social mobility and lives out the values it instils in its students.
Total number of known legators:
257
New legators since the start of our 400th Anniversary:
29
Total received in bequests since the start of our 400th Anniversary:
£3.4million
Remembering Latymer Legends
The legacy of a great teacher lives on in the lives they shape. For over 80 years between them, Robert Orme and Graham Bearman inspired generations of Latymerians – as gifted historians and champions of opportunity. The bursaries that bear their names continue their legacy, supporting bright students and reflecting the values they held most dear.
Graham Bearman
Taught at Latymer from 1963-2006
As Head of History and Politics, Graham Bearman inspired Latymerians to think critically, debate rigorously, and question assumptions –always delivered with sharp wit and his trademark style.
After retiring in 2006, Graham remained closely connected to Latymer, supporting some of our earliest fundraising efforts. Following his passing in 2024, the Graham Bearman Bursary was established in his honour. Awarded to an A Level student studying History or Politics, it embodies Graham’s deep commitment to education and opportunity.
A special matching gift appeal in Graham’s memory this year sparked an extraordinary response. Former students, colleagues, and parents shared memories and contributed – showcasing the profound impact he had beyond the classroom. Thanks to this collective effort, Graham’s legacy will continue to support future Latymerians for years to come.
Robert Orme
Taught at Latymer from 1967-2014
Innovative and endlessly curious, Robert Orme brought History of Art to life through engaging lessons, inspiring trips, and early adoption of new technology. His much-loved Activities Week trip to Grosmont was a Lower School staple, and a stand-out memory for all those who took part.
Beyond the classroom, Robert was a tireless advocate for the bursaries programme. He hosted lectures, led museum tours, and partnered with the Former Parents group to organise cultural trips – combining enrichment with fundraising.
On his retirement in 2014, the Robert Orme Bursary was established in his honour. Awarded to an A Level History or Art History student, it reflects his love of learning and advocacy for education. Currently, three students have benefitted – a tribute to a teacher whose warmth and impact continue to be felt across the Latymer community.
This bursary has allowed me to join Latymer and experience an amazing education I could otherwise only dream of. Specifically, it has enabled me to study the History of Art, a course that isn’t offered as widely elsewhere... Latymer Upper School has pushed my academic and creative limits, allowing me to work towards becoming my best self. – The first recipient of the Robert Orme Bursary, Class of 2018.
Since 2024 Since 2014
£37,019 raised for the Graham Bearman Bursary
50 gifts were tripled thanks to two Latymerian matching donors
79 individuals have supported this bursary
£219,361 raised for the Robert Orme Bursary
412 individuals have supported this bursary
3 students have benefitted from this bursary
Support for Every Opportunity
Latymer has faced significant challenges in its past; events which threatened to change for ever the character of our School. However, at these times, the Head and Governors always found a way to ride out the storm and ensure that Latymer’s founding ethos continued.
Likewise this year, Latymer has faced unexpected financial pressures. Due to recent legislative changes, we are no longer eligible for Business Rates charitable relief and are facing increased employer national insurance contributions. These changes have added an unexpected £1,000,000 to our annual costs – the equivalent of funding 40 full bursaries for a year. At the same time, our parent community have had to cope with the imposition of VAT on their child’s school fees.
However, once again our amazing School community has rallied round. Gifts and pledges enabled us to offer bursaries to 1 in 4 of our Year 7 joiners and also to ensure that bursary support was available for any current student whose family could not afford the VAT increase. Phase 1 of the development of our
recently acquired sports fields at Chiswick was made possible thanks to the generosity of a few Latymer families, as was the refurbishment of the Latymer Boat Club gym.
1 in 4 of our students are currently in receipt of bursary support and we want to ensure that, once enrolled, they can make the most of all the opportunities available at Latymer just like their classmates. Our Parents’ Gild raise money for the Trips and Activities Fund to ensure that every student can participate in Activities Week and can go on academic trips which enhance their learning. Our Boat Club community have set up to a fund to help cover any unaffordable costs associated with rowing, thus ensuring that any Latymer student who wants to row competitively is able to do so. Likewise budding musicians are able to access free or subsidised lessons to nurture their talent. Philanthropic support for our Academic Mentoring Department ensures that a prompt diagnosis can be organised for any of our students and strategies can be put in place swiftly to support their education. This is all made possible by the generosity of our School community.
Latymer is a remarkable school and we want to ensure that young people from the widest possible range of backgrounds can continue to access all the academic and co-curricular opportunities we offer. We are only able to continue doing so thanks to the amazing, ongoing support of our donors and for that I offer you my most heartfelt thanks.
More than 700 students have received a bursary since 2014
Amanda Scott Executive Director of the Latymer Foundation
The average percentage of fees covered by a bursary is 85% 87% of bursary students secured a place at their first choice of university in 2025
Over 4,000 local children and young people engaged with our partnerships programmes in 2024/25
List of Donors
All of us at the Latymer Foundation would like to extend our warmest wishes to everyone who has contributed to our work in anyway. We are especially grateful to our generous donors, some of whom are named below, and others who wish to remain anonymous. The following list includes donations made from January 2024 – July 2025.
KEY ~ = Deceased * =
and the
or more in any one academic year from
(1991) = Latymerians’ Class
Ibrahim & Jolnar Moussa
Haresh Mulchandani (1992)
Jon Mullin (1975)
Pierce Mullin (2011)
Liz Murdoch *
Paul & Naomi Murdoch
Sergey Muromtsev & Tatiana Muromtseva
Daragh Murphy & Alayne Grace
James & Ravindhi
(1976)
(1975)
Murray (1972)
(1967)
Nacmanson (1974)
Nasser &
(1992) The Navon Family *
Naylor (1993)
Nellen & Martina Gartner Tim Neslen (2001)
& Marija Nesovic
Newby (1964)
Newman (1954) ~*
Picheta (1981)
Piggott (1956)
Pinnock (1945)
Plascow (1974)
Platman (1969)
(1989)
(1975)
(1966)
Fernando
Jonathan
(1982)
(1975)
(1980)
Vipond (1978)
1624 Society
The 1624 Society was created to recognise those who have made provision for the Latymer Foundation in their will. Legacies play a key role in building our endowment and help us to protect our founder’s legacy for future generations of Latymerians.
Alan Pinnock (1945)
John Ray (1963)
Peter Andrews (1964) Graham Angel (1957) John Arundel (1967) John Barnes (1955) Peter Basey (1964)
Bird (1956)
Bloom (1967)
Bowden (1942)
Brinton (1961) Arthur Budd (1967)
Tony Budd (1959)
Mark Bullimore (1980)
John Bunn (1951)
Nick Burges (1972)
Hugh Burkitt (1962)
Roy Cockel (1955)
Mark Cornbloom (1975)
Frank Cottee (1961)
Colin Crispin (1957)
John Crofts (1957)
Christopher David (1972)
Philip David (1976)
Graham Davison (1962)
Malcolm Downes (1978)
Taylor Downing (1971)
Suzanna du Pleiss (2008)
Colin Eades (1965)
Bill Fairney (1960)
Steve Faktor (1974)
Mike Fann (1950)
Michael Foot (1965)
Stephen Fox (1984)
Owen Francis (1985)
Derek Gardiner (1965)
Ron Goddard (1952)
David Godfrey (1964)
Clive Goodrum (1978)
Barrie Gore (1956)
James Graham (1976) -
President, 1624 Society
Jamie Grant (1976)
Hugh Grant (1960)
Howard Green (1962)
Roger Grime (1978)
Rupert Harding (1975)
Peter Hardy (1973)
David Havard (1954)
Michael Hellyer (1957)
Stephen Hodges (1972)
Tom Holyer (1956)
Donald Howard (1953)
Paul Hughes (1960)
Chris Hutton-Penman (1961)
Andrew Jeffryes (1977)
Trevor Jones (1957)
Chris Jordan (1975)
Peter Kauders (1966)
Richard Kessel (1971)
John King (1970)
Michael Leefield (1956)
Pat Leevers (1969)
Peter Lewis (1962)
Brian (1971) & Lisa Lewis
Julian Mahy (1974)
Andrew McLuskey (1966)
Alan McQuillan (1966)
Manfred Michel (1956)
Marwan Mikdadi (1991)
Paul Munro (1981)
Michael Nelson (1948)
Bob Newberry (1957)
Christopher Niekirk (1963)
Michael Normington (1974)
Kit Peck (1957)
Michael Phelps (1950)
Richard Redman (1953)
Michael Reupke (1955)
Peter Ruback (1978)
Ian Slater (1955)
John Small (1954)
David Smith (1958)
Barry Southcott (1968)
John Steers (1950)
Rob Stevens (1968)
Peter Steward (1972)
David Talbot (1964)
Adam Tandy (1981)
Anthony Thompson (1950)
Vic Thompson (1962)
Brian Thorpe (1955)
Adam Toop (1984)
David Towell (1963)
Mark Turner (1975)
Bobby Uberoi (1991)
David Uren (1972)
Mark Vipond (1978)
David Walden (1977)
Cliff Webb (1967)
Victor West (1958)
Tony Willats (1962)
John Williams (1963)
Martin Woelfel (1969)
Howard Woods (1966)
Trevor Woolley (1972)
Nigel (1958) & Carol Woolner
John Wotton (1971)
Richard Wyatt (1962)
John Yates (1962) Peter
(1982)
(1951)
(1952)
(1951)
(1942)
(1955)
Bery (1935)
(1963)
(1944)
(1943)
(1951)
(1953)
(1947)
(1942)
(1945)
(1931)
(1950)
(1962)
Collingwood (1952)
(1942)
(1928)
Crowhurst (1954)
Dargan (1944)
(1945)
Dibben (1940)
Dunkley (1937)
(1946)
Emmins (1953)
Emms (1938)
Exell (1951)
Farr (1941)
Featherstone (1954)
David Finch (1959)
John Fitzmaurice (1947)
Michael Fowler (1949)
John Gardiner (1952)
Malcolm Gee (1956)
Mike Gleed (1954)
Michael Glover (1948)
Denis Graney (1942)
Don Granger (1952)
Walter Grauberg (1941)
Dennis Green (1939) Andrew Griffiths
George Gruner (1958)
Dave Halliday (1958) Malcolm Hanney (1971)
Chris Haupt (1952) Alan Hayter (1945) Tudor Heeps (1954) Graham Hill (1954)
(1953)
(1967)
Jones (1966)
(1945)
(1956)
(1937)
(1975)
Lee (1950)
(1942)
Lloyd (1947)
Maidment (1938)
Menon (1950) Brian Mills (1959) Donald Nappin (1952)
Newman (1954)
(1958)
Nutter (1947)
(1973)
(1986)
(1955)
Pryce (1946)
(1940)
(1946)
(1939)
(1944)
Sinstead (1947)
(1942)
(1948)
(1953)
(1935)
(1937)
(1943)
(1943)
(1962)
(1948)
(1946)
(1952) Dennis Carpenter (1948)
(1954)
(1947)
INSPIRING MINDS CAMPAIGN BOARD
Guy and Dominique America
Adam (Class of 1990) and Bex Balon
Dmitri and Daria Bukhman
and Tiffany Chawner
Massimo Della Ragione and Valentina Pan Dominik and Karen Dolenec
Alexander and Veronica (Class of 2001) Embiricos
and Christine Foglia Jay and Adele Gleacher
Jamie Grant (Class of 1976)
John and Christine Gregg
Laurence Hopkins (Class of 1992), ex-officio Farhad Karim and Sanda Lwin
Bjorn and Julia Killmer
Louisa Leventis
Michael Maras
Megha Mittal
Kieran Murphy, (Class of 1976), ex-officio
James and Rashmi Newman
Cameron and Chloe Ogden
Christian Rochat and Myrto Papadopoulos-Rochat
Mike and Irina Phelps
John and Kate Storey
Amanda Scott, ex-officio
Emilio and Carola Voli
Ben and Katie Walker
Su Wijeratna, ex-officio
Charlie Wijeratna (Class of 1986)
Nigel Woolner (Class of 1958)
BURSARY