Donor Impact Report 2022/23

DONOR IMPACT REPORT 2022/23, ISSUE 1

T H A N K YOU F OR BE I NG

EXTRAORDINARY!

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Dear Friends, Thank you for the huge part you play in our pupils lives. Your commitment to The Loughborough Schools Foundation helps us do more for the pupils, families and communities we serve. You are truly transforming lives.

committed to transforming children’s futures and empowering their success. Together we are innovators, leaders, and partners blazing a trail to the future for our students and Schools.

Together, we are Loughburians.

Philanthropy is at the heart of Loughborough Schools’ history, success and values. Our students take the lessons and values learned at school and go on to make meaningful contributions to the world. From finding solutions to climate change, to pioneering new treatments for cancer, Loughburians are contributing across all areas of society, using their talents for the betterment of others through business, law, the arts, medicine, science, technology, sports and more. Your generosity is part of their success.

With gratitude and great hopes for the years ahead,

Laura-Jane Ryves Director of Development

As you turn the pages before you, you will read the stories of just a few people whose lives have been changed because of you. You will see photos of projects made possible by your philanthropy.

And most importantly, you will be reminded of the compassionate actions of our community members who have thoughtfully given their financial resources in support of our charitable mission.

Thank you for your integral and valued role in the Loughburians community. By joining together to help bright young people from all walks of life, you and all the members of our community move from a group of individuals to a collective ‘we’, deeply 3

INSPIRING THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW Thank you for giving the gift of education. This year you raised a record breaking £779,755 for bursaries!

Together, you made it possible for 17 children with determination and potential to accept a place at The Loughborough Schools Foundation, regardless of their financial circumstances. You also helped pupils whose families fell on hard times to continue their studies.

HANNAH-MARIA’S STORY (LHS 2021) Hanna-Maria joined Loughborough High School in Year 7 and became Head Girl while navigating her A Levels during the pandemic. Since leaving LHS, Hannah-Maria has taken a gap year and is now ready to settle in to her first year at the University of Edinburgh to study Medicine.

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Loughborough High School gave the best school experience I could have asked for, and it has enabled me to try out lots of new things I wouldn’t have done in other schools. Some of these were extra-curricular, but others were subjects like Latin and Classics. If I weren’t off to Edinburgh to study Medicine, I could definitely see myself pursuing Classics.

I’ve made, would have to be the house events and inter-form competitions. There’s nothing quite like getting together as a year to have a (albeit mostly freestyle) dance, dodgeball, or iMovie competition, where everyone probably gets slightly too invested and competitive. You can imagine how this helped us to bond as a year group, which you really can’t underestimate the value of.

One of the greatest things about Loughborough High School, and my opportunity to go to school there, would have to be the incredible teachers you get taught by. No other school could rival the fun and passion for the subjects that the teachers inspired in me and the joy that I got to experience in learning.

Loughborough was a place where I was able to work hard but there was always a sense of fun, creativity and enthusiasm for education and learning; having since met people who have not had this environment, I feel even more aware of this. LHS feels like a family, and I especially experienced this when my family’s financial circumstances changed. Following conversations with the School I was able to continue because alumni chose to invest in me through a bursary.

I suppose I have been especially aware of the

The School does so much more than just teach well. The things that have given me the fondest memories, apart from the amazing friendships 4

responsibility of receiving this and have been grateful to those who made this happen.

I’m just starting my first year of studying Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, which is so exciting and I’m sure it’s largely been possible because of my education at Loughborough High School. I feel a more rounded person because of having been to the School and I am ready for this next challenge.

I am so thankful for those who have generously supported the bursary scheme and helped me get into med school.

Education is one of the greatest legacies of our country, and I personally cannot imagine being without my time in Loughborough. The bursaries you are providing do change people’s lives and help them actually feel like they can work towards what, and who, they aspire to be.”

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Hannah-Maria flourished during her time at Loughborough High School and has been able to be herself because of the School environment. There are so many unbelievably special teachers who inspired us too - even though we are just the parents. More than anything we have appreciated the high level of challenge combined with such a sense of fun and enthusiasm, simply because the School backs itself in what it is doing. We are so grateful to LHS for making it possible for her to carry on with her studies, despite a financially challenging time for us as a family.”

- Hannah-Maria’s parents 5

TOM’S STORY (LGS 2016) Tom joined Loughborough Grammar School in Year 7 from a local primary school and grew in confidence and capability, inspired by his teachers and supported by friends. He got involved in all aspects of the School; from playing the trumpet in Big Band, to joining the RAF section in the Combined Cadet Force.

Here, Tom experienced RAF camps, leadership courses, fundraising, flying planes and shooting. He set himself a goal to become an RAF Officer and we are absolutely delighted to see Tom has realised his ambitions and become a pilot in the RAF!

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Coming to LGS was a whole new world to both me and my parents and I remember being wowed by the facilities and vast array of opportunities that LGS had, in comparison to the school I thought I would be going to.

The same goes for CCF, and probably more so because the leadership progression in CCF and offers that came up were often given to the students who demonstrated the most enthusiasm and put in the hours to stand out. These opportunities were more specific, and that has directly led to me choosing a career in the military.

So many stories come to mind from 7 years at LGS,

Broadly speaking, you’re placed in an environment where there is no ceiling to your abilities and therefore no career or dream is off limits. From the beginning, I understood that I was in a very fortunate position so had the drive to make the most of everything the School had to offer as it wasn’t an opportunity that I could waste. I learned courage in my own ability and choices, strength of character when times got tough, the importance of friendships and how you can rely on each other.

“You’re placed in an environment where there is no ceiling to your abilities and therefore no career or dream is off limits.”

I think I tried, or at least considered, every activity the School had. I threw so many at the wall but the ones that stuck were music, CCF and athletics. The opportunities from the Music Department were second to none. If you worked hard and reaped the rewards, it took you around the country and the world and put me in situations that I would never have thought I would be in and will probably never be in again.

if you wanted to hear them all we’d need to get comfortable and have a drink! Being funded by the Johnnie Johnson Scheme to go with my best mate to France and Spain to walk some of the SantiagoCamino Pilgrim Trail and then go sightseeing in different cities. Watching the sunrise on a beach in Barcelona on a music tour and playing at the 6

Montreal Jazz Festival on another tour. The many, many, XC races with Dave Miles and the XC team blasting out “2, 4, 6, 8 Motorway” in the minibus and getting to every event with minutes to spare.

Playing the Last Post overlooking the Quad on Remembrance Day. The Music Department, I owe so much to everyone there. English A-Level and cake Fridays. The many CCF experiences, from practicing drill routines, training for the gun run, flying a Hawk T2, becoming joint FS/CWO with Aashish and the various camps and days out. The many friendships made, some maintained and some lost.

started Elementary Flying Training in May 2019 and after around 50 hours in the training aircraft, I was streamed towards rotary (helicopter) flying, something which I’d aspired to do since leaving School. I started rotary training in August 2020 and did around 120 live and 60 simulator hours on the EC135, a twin engine light utility helicopter. I’m currently based at RAF Woodvale, flying air cadets whilst waiting for the next course in my goal to fly Chinooks.

Career wise, I’d like to continue the path onto flying Chinooks and then see what opportunities I can gain from the RAF. Once I’m satisfied with my military career, I’d love to move onto fly Air Ambulance, SAR or move abroad and fly overseas.

In my personal life, I think the biggest achievement will be being happy with how everything turns out and the experiences along the way.”

It’s amazing how important these years of adolescence are. The values learned at LGS carry you through the years at the School and culminate in your ability to choose your path beyond school.

I trained as an RAF Officer and went to work with the Chinook Squadron down at RAF Odiham. I

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FATIMA’S STORY (LHS 2018) Fatima joined Loughborough High School Sixth Form in 2016 and studied Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology thanks to the generous support of the Old Girls’ Association and our alumnae community.

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I remember the letter in the post one January morning. As I opened it and read that I’d be getting the Old Girls Association bursary, I felt so proud of myself and so incredibly grateful that this was possible.

Unfortunately, towards the exam season of my first year at LHS, I became severely unwell and was hospitalised for a few months. My exams were affected, I lost my summer, and I really worried that my space would be taken from me because I hadn’t produced the grades I knew I was capable of.

Incredibly, through all this, the then Headteacher, Mrs Byrom, came into hospital to check on me and at my final hospital meeting, she was there.

She told me that I didn’t need to worry about the finances so I could retake if I wanted to, and that the School would be there to support me in any way they could through my recovery. On returning to school, I had a meeting with all my teachers for the next year to discuss how they could best support me.

Fast forward to getting my GCSEs and going to the High School, the difference in schooling and environment was immense. I’d come from the lowest performing school in the area at the time, with 48% of students receiving 5 grades at a C or higher. Wanting to do well academically was previously not cool – at my old school, if I showed a lot of interest in a subject I was labelled as weird.

At the High School, academic enjoyment was the norm. I was no longer weird or picked on for wanting to do well. Even at home, my parents’ combined income for each year I was at LHS was less than the fees at the time.

“Sometimes it’s scary to believe in yourself for things that you didn’t think previously possible – but that is where the biggest achievements and most fulfilment comes from.”

I remember the first assembly where hymns were being sang as we walked in, and I felt so incredibly lucky to see another way of being. I dabbled in many clubs, like debate and politics, cross country, junior charity prefects, then finally settled on Young Enterprise and debate club. Young Enterprise taught me so much about teamworking and building a business, and we went on to win around 11 awards for our work. I have so many happy memories from that journey.

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I still reflect on the kindness that Mrs Byrom and LHS showed me in this time, every year on Mrs Byrom’s birthday. The support was so invaluable.

I had a care team from the NHS, and the School coordinated with them to enable me to have therapy at the School so I could better fit it around my schedule. I went on to get straight As in my AS Year and A*AA overall, miraculously getting into medicine first time around, with 2 interviews and 2 offers, off of the back of a traumatic illness. It’s not every day that someone is lucky enough to bounce back so strongly. I volunteered at a local special needs school and was a dissection club demonstrator, as well as helping out at various science clubs. I also learnt to swim.

a Health/ Wellness company one day. For this goal, I work for the Medical Director of a HealthTech company, to learn as much as I can about this area to help me in my own pursuit of it. I’d also love to start a scholarship fund myself one day.

To the donors who supported my place, thank you for allowing me to have an environment that felt like family and giving me a gift which is truly lifelong.”

When I was in hospital, I remember some nurses telling me I should reassess my life goals, that maybe medicine wasn’t for me. I got handed a leaflet once whilst there about a woman who was just healthy enough to live alone and own a cat, as if that was now my baseline to aspire to. I realise now that those nurses found it easier to think of the worst possible outcome. In contrast, LHS’s default was to be optimistic, to support me in believing in myself to do what I wanted. The support a vulnerable child gets is so important, because they rely on you a lot to help rebuild their own sense of self direction. I’m so grateful that the LHS staff members were there when I needed them, alongside my NHS care team and family, so that I could rebuild myself in a healthier way.

Going forward, my next biggest goal is finishing medical school to become a doctor in the next two years. I’m working towards Arabic fluency to reconnect with my heritage and would love to start 9

ROSIE’S STORY (LAS 2022) Having joined Loughborough Amherst School in 2020, Rosie achieved three A* grades at A Level Biology, Chemistry and Maths and gained a place to read Biomedical Sciences at Trinity College, Oxford. She follows in the footsteps of previous bursary recipients who have gained places at either Oxford or, in one case, Imperial College London.

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Your gift of a bursary gave me opportunities that I may never have had otherwise, and helped me to achieve so much. It has had a huge impact on both my academic success and personal growth, and I am extremely grateful to have benefited from it.

at a lot of other schools, as this meant it was fully submitted before the business of Year 13 began!

Most of my fondest memories are actually the more mundane, day to day moments, form birthday cakes in the common room, or ABBA playing during chemistry class, to the whole school putting their all into singing during Monday assembly. I really enjoyed the opportunities to just have fun with the people around you, and this has helped me to form strong bonds that I’m sure will last a lifetime.

To me, the best part about Amherst and the thing that helped me settle in so quickly, was the community feel; the atmosphere was so much more relaxed than my previous school, and this put me so at ease. Throughout my time there, I became much more confident in myself, which allowed me to try so many new things such as leading an assembly, without fear of judgement. I also felt so supported academically, with teachers who really knew me, and were so helpful anytime I was struggling, whether with class work or problems in any other aspect of life.

The thing I most enjoyed outside of lessons was the opportunities that Sixth Form students get in organising events and having a say in important moments throughout the year; for example, helping to lead events for the younger students, such as on mental health day, where we ran a school-wide sing-a-long! In addition, I was also grateful for the chance to complete my Extended Project Qualification on the causes of antimicrobial resistance, something which I know isn’t possible 10

“

At Amherst you learn how to get along and work with people who are different to you; being a relatively small school, you get to know everyone in your year group extremely well, and I think that this helped me in learning how to make friends regardless of your differences. I learnt the importance of both being willing to help those around you, but also of knowing when you need help yourself.

For our daughter to come to Amherst was an amazing opportunity that enabled her to flourish and reach her full potential in an environment that was nurturing and supportive whilst both challenging and inspiring her. We would like to thank those who have supported the bursary programme. You have given an opportunity to young people to excel in their education and reach achievements that wouldn’t overwise be possible.”

- Rosie’s parents

I am extremely excited to be going to study biomedical sciences at Trinity College, Oxford!

I have loved biology ever since my first science lesson and I can’t wait to carry on learning.”

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ROCCY’S STORY Roccy is a Year 13 Sir Thomas White Scholar studying Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology at Loughborough Grammar School. He aspires to become a doctor working in a hospital where he can make a difference to people from all backgrounds, upbringings and cultures.

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The Sir Thomas White Award has allowed me to attend LGS and I’m thoroughly enjoying my time here. I settled in very quickly, made many good friends both in and out of my subject interests and it feels like the perfect place for me.

Rugby is a big passion of mine and I play for the first XV. It has been really enjoyable and I’ve got to play at schools I have never been to, against some really good teams. Mr Lewis also gave me the opportunity to represent Leicestershire by nominating me for the county trials and I got into the team. This Summer I enjoyed the pre-season rugby tour in Scotland where we trained alongside Glasgow Warriors.

From the beginning I’ve been encouraged in all areas of school life. I have enjoyed getting stuck into my subjects and following my existing passions such as rugby, while also trying new activities such as Debating Society and Dissection Club where I’ve had the opportunity to teach Year 7s. As a student who does STEM subjects, I’ve really enjoyed going to Debating Society as it gives me an opportunity to be more free thinking. I have also completed the senior Maths challenge and I hope to take part in some similar events this year. We didn’t have anything like this at my old school, especially Dissection Club because of the resources and skills needed.

Being taught at LGS is continually stretching me to my fullest academic potential. I am determined to gain competitive grades to study Medicine at university and become a doctor so I can help people from diverse backgrounds. Going to Loughborough Grammar School has given me all the support to make this possible.”

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Roccy has been a fantastic addition to our Rugby Programme. His attitude and work ethic has been first rate and he has made a big impact on his peers and staff. His determination to learn and to improve himself as a rugby player and more importantly as a person has been impressive. He has always represented the First XV excellently, and his never give up attitude has certainly rubbed off on his teammates. He has led by example both on and off the field and should be proud of his efforts this season.”

- Emyr Lewis, Head of Rugby 12

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Our lives have been very difficult over the past years, so your generosity has restored my faith in human nature and proved to me that hard work and determination does pay off.”

- Roccy’s mother 13 13

TRANSFORMING LIVES DISRUPTED BY WAR Thanks to your incredible generosity, we are supporting six children who have fled the war in Ukraine with fully funded bursaries at our schools.

IHOR AND KOSTYA’S STORY Ihor and Kostya joined Loughborough Grammar School at the beginning of June, a few weeks after arriving in England from Mariupol. They lost their home in the fighting and are living with an alumni host family.

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We attended academic schools in Mariupol and were very keen to find a school in the UK that would allow us to achieve our potential.

To be honest, when we first found out that we had a place we were a bit apprehensive - would we fit in? Would we learn English quickly enough? But we love it! We have enjoyed learning new subjects, making friends and getting used to our new lives in England.

changing gift your donation is. We promise to work hard and make the best of the amazing opportunity that you have given us. Thank you a million times!”

Your support truly means everything. We are safe, happy and have the support to build a future here.

We have lost a great deal but LGS gives us new opportunities.

Our first few weeks were a bit daunting - we kept getting lost! But so many people have been caring for our wellbeing that we couldn’t help but be happy! The main difference from Ukrainian school is that we have to wear a tie and take a school bus.

We enjoy computing, DT and sport and are looking forward to the new academic year.

It is almost impossible to put into words what a life 14

IVAN’S STORY (LGS 2022) Ivan attended LGS on a HMC Scholarship from Ukraine and has just completed his A Levels in Double Maths, Physics and Computing. He is taking a gap year working in software development and plans to go to university next year. Ivan helped his compatriots from Mariupol settle into school.

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As a Ukrainian myself who was affected by the war eight years ago, I can relate to the current situation of the boys. I have also had to change school and my spoken language back in 2014, just as these pupils do now. So I do realise how important every small bit of support is to them.

I have never spoken Ukrainian with anybody in Loughborough, so I had a pleasant time speaking to the boys, if not taking into consideration the circumstances which caused their relocation. Both pupils are more than open to new knowledge and experiences, so it was great to support them as they settled in and became part of LGS. Both of the boys have made astonishing improvements in their English, considering the shortness of their stay in the UK and the amount of stress in their lives! They actively engage in sports as an inevitable part of their time at LGS especially rugby, as it is something they have never done before. Ihor has become remarkably popular among other day boys and Kostya has also made quite a few friends among pupils!

I would like to emphasise the extraordinary bravery and willpower of the boys. Moving thousands of kilometres out of their destroyed city of Mariupol to another country with a completely different language and culture to start education in LGS - it is not something every boy of their age would be capable of. My start in LGS two years ago was my conscious choice, and still it was not easy to get into the routine straightaway whereas they were forced to leave their home by force and by the war, which is completely out of their control.”

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MUSIC TO OUR EARS From harnessing the power of music technology to find new ways of creating music, to learning how to play endangered instruments like the Bassoon, your generosity is providing access to musical opportunities and making a difference to boys and girls across our family of schools.

The Year 4 Brass Scheme at Fairfield gave children the opportunity to learn to play P-Bones and P-Trumpets as part of a class-based scheme. Many children were so passionate about their instrument they continued playing into Year 5 and beyond.

Luke picked up the P-Bone and took to it immediately. He transferred onto a full-sized brass trombone in Year 5 and competed in the Brass Finals! Without you, Luke, and many others like him, would never have had the opportunity to play an instrument and discover a new talent!

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At first, I was like, what is brass? I had no idea what it was, and it’s really good! It was great to see the whole class doing musical instruments together.

Donating money to our school really helps young people who have never been involved in music, so they can pick up an instrument and think ‘oh my gosh, music is really my thing and I really love it!’”

- Ethan, Fairfield Pupil

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I can really see the students growing in confidence each week as they become more familiar with their instrument capabilities and as they improve their technique. It’s lovely to hear and see the excitement as the class collectively improves each week, playing popular tunes to custom-created backing tracks.”

- Ben Lee, Trumpet Teacher 16

HARRY HUMBER MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP We are thrilled to partner with The Worshipful Company of Plaisterers to create the Harry Humber Music Scholarship for a talented and deserving Sixth Form musician. Harry Humber grew up in a deprived area of Loughborough and enjoyed a free education at Loughborough Grammar School between 1919 and 1924. He went on to have a distinguished career in the building trade and became Master of the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers.

FLORENCE’S STORY We welcomed our first scholar, Florence, to Loughborough High School to study A Levels in Music, Music Tech and English Literature this year. Florence demonstrated talent, passion and potential and we are excited to see what the next two years hold.

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Before I auditioned, I had never even been within ten feet of a Steinway so even just to have the opportunity to play one at the audition left me struggling to keep in my excitement. Now that I have this Scholarship, having the freedom to play a Steinway is one of the things I am most looking forward to. Aside from this, I am especially excited to have my music played at events and to be allowed to perform as I develop my practical skills.

It feels surreal to have been granted this opportunity and I have been counting down the days until my enrolment since. I am more hopeful for my future as a composer than ever and hope that the Harry Humber Music Scholarship will encourage me to be the best musician I can be.”

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For us as a family, we could not be more proud or excited for Florence. It is amazing to know that she will have the opportunity to be immersed in her passion for music and learning at Loughborough High School.

opportunities no end. It opens up a brand-new world to her.

We can’t wait to share her daily excitement and joy when she comes home from school and to be able to sit proudly in the audience as spectators to what will no doubt be a successful career sharing her passion, talent and enthusiasm with others.

She long ago outgrew the music knowledge and support we could give her as a family and we have struggled to keep up with her and find her opportunities to keep learning and growing.

Thank you to everyone who has made this possible and for seeing in Florence the passion and potential that we have.”

- Florence’s parents

This scholarship and place at Loughborough High School is beyond belief. It advances her 19

BORN TO PLAY RUGBY Triumph defines the history of Loughborough rugby. With many sporting stars among our alumni, we are proud of our tradition of excellence.

The Player Pathway Programme aims to deliver a step-change in rugby by developing technical and tactical ability in young players and encouraging them to play with a smile and as a team full of confidence.

Thanks to the generosity of Exigent Group, a legal technology services company founded by David Holme (LGS 1985), the programme has grown to 24 players. Players benefit from specialised training off the rugby field, including swimming and early morning strength and conditioning sessions.

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This additional training time has brought the players closer together. As well as building physical strength, the biggest difference we have seen in the boys is in their mindset. Every single player is taking rugby seriously.”

- Emyr Lewis, Head of Rugby

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I feel more supported on my rugby journey, not just on the pitch but also in the gym and pool. The Player Pathway Programme allows me to understand my role in the team more and improve my player-specific skills to become a better player. There has already been a noticeable increase in the standard of the team due to more investment in the players.”

- Oliver, U16s Captain and Scrum Half/ Fly Half 20

FREDDIE’S STORY Freddie plays Flanker in the First XV rugby team. He shares the difference the Rugby Player Pathway has made to the team.

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Your support gave me an opportunity to develop, not only as an individual on my specific skills, but it also provided valuable time for the whole squad. We solidified our connections and in turn this improved our fluidity in play, so a great chance to evolve as a unit.

gym plans by coaches who can spot our strengths and points of improvement week in, week out.

This also introduced a personal emphasis on each player to be disciplined in our approach to our fitness and enhancement of game performance.

In addition, the use of the pool on a Tuesday morning has been a huge success amongst the team and brought notable improvement in games.

Access to video footage throughout games benefits a variety of age groups across the season and has sparked regular analysis sessions where we discuss the key aspects of the past game and how we can tactically alter our performance for the game the following Saturday.”

The increased emphasis on the use of the gym, combined with one to one and group sessions focused on technique with free weights, means that we have been able to fine tune each aspect of our fitness and conditioning according to our position.

I believe this was a huge step forward for the team, moving away from generic programmes and exercises, to being provided with specific long-term

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WHY I GIVE We caught up with David Holme (LGS 1985), Founder of Exigent Group Limited and Brightminds Capital Partners, to hear what supporting rugby means to him.

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Over the past few years, I have reconnected with Loughborough Grammar School’s rugby program. I have fond memories of my own rugby training days and the disciplines I learned and carried into my professional life. These skills are still important today in managing and retaining my employees of both Exigent and Brightminds Capital.

I hope that through the partnership with Exigent, the Player Pathway Programme can help Loughborough Grammar School retain their best players and continue to attract elite players in the future. We’re proud to support the School by helping it develop the boys’ rugby and team building skills, on and off the pitch. The core skills we learn through sports come into play daily in our adult life and push us to be the best leaders we can be. Giving back to pupils is a small way to pay forward the skills and growth I achieved by having the opportunity to play. And this programme will not flounder if I can help it!"

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To me, the programme means opportunity and graft. Having the whole team swim before the school day on a Tuesday morning sets the tone for training and shows the commitment we have. For the younger kids to see us wearing a different kit on the field makes it aspirational for them to want to be part of the team.”

- Daniel, age 16, Flanker/Second row

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YOUR IMPACT 2021/22

To g e t h e r w e ra i s e d

£803,614 You created

1 7 2,256

new bursaries

47

of you are donors

lives changed!

26

alumni are remembering your school in your Will 23

70

of you volunteer your time

LEAVING A LEGACY We are extremely grateful to the 26 Loughburians who have told us that they are remembering their school in their Will. By leaving gifts of this kind, you are becoming part of the Loughburians story for generations to come and leaving your mark.

A gift in your Will is the most significant gift you will ever make and reflects the things that matter most to you. You will be transforming children’s futures through bursaries and giving them the same opportunities that you had, providing an exceptional learning environment and ensuring your school remains an excellent institution that you are proud of for generations to come.

Everyone who chooses to leave a gift in their Will is invited to become a member of the Thomas Burton Society. Members who are part of this special group receive invitations to a variety of special events ranging from student concerts, plays and lectures, to social functions where they can meet with other donors.

A NEW HOME FOR SPORT Loughborough High School was honoured to receive a significant legacy from Sheila Parkin (LHS 1953) which enabled us to create a new home for sports.

Sheila’s gift, combined with the generosity of our #GetSetGo Appeal donors, transformed the old gymnasium into a dedicated Fitness Suite and created new learning spaces. This has opened up many more opportunities for all pupils from dance to strength and conditioning, self-defence, badminton, and basketball.

philanthropy has on the School today.

Sheila’s legacy is also helping to provide bursary opportunities that are enabling bright girls from all backgrounds to make their mark in the world, reflecting her wishes and fond memories of her old school days.

The building was fittingly named the Parkin Sports Centre to celebrate the impact Sheila’s

Then vs Now. The picture above shows the old gymnasium pictured in the 1960’s. The pictures on the right show the opening of the new Parkin Sports Centre on 28 June, 2022.

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1495 SOCIETY We are delighted to launch the 1495 Society to recognise the generosity of individuals and organisations who give £1,495 or more to our schools each year.

1495 reflects the year our first School was founded through the philanthropy of Thomas Burton, a local wool merchant. Ralph Lemyngton, the executor of Thomas Burton’s Will, had the vision and foresight to create a school to educate the boys of Loughborough. The Thomas Burton Charity went on to establish Loughborough High School in 1850 and Fairfield in 1969. Our new 1495 Society donor pin is inspired by Lemyngton’s coat of arms.

LEADING THE WAY 1495 Society members play a leading role in ensuring that our schools continue to deliver the highest quality educational experience and the widest opportunities for all pupils.

If you choose to stand with your fellow alumni and join the society, you are joining a community of donors from a wide range of professions and backgrounds, many of whom have fond memories of their school experience, whilst all sharing a firm commitment to supporting our schools and their students.

The difference a donation can make is huge. That’s why we want 1495 Society members to feel as valued as we believe they are. As a member you will receive: Updates on the impact of your generosity An invitation to the 1495 dinner hosted by school Heads Invitations to a variety of special events, where you can meet likeminded donors Recognition in the 1495 Thomas Burton Book on display in Buckland House Special tours of our schools, in areas of interest, upon request or invitation Priority invitations to events associated with your philanthropy 1495 Donor Pin All Alumni Association and Loughburian benefits 26

LEVELS OF SUPPORT Membership of the Society is recognised in four levels of support: 1495 Society member

£1,495 – £4,999 per annum

1495 Society Fellow

£5,000 - £9,999 per annum

1495 Society Patron

£10,000 and over per annum

1495 Society Lifetime Patron

£50,000 (accumulative or one-off gift)

Membership is recognised at four levels of support, starting at £1,495 a year – or £100 per month plus Gift Aid. As Loughborough Schools Foundation is a charity, all donations are tax deductible, so as a top rate taxpayer the actual cost to you could be the equivalent of £956.80 a year – that’s just £2.64 a day! Our Lifetime Patron membership is for those who have donated over £50,000 either accumulatively or in one single gift. Lifetime Patrons remain Patrons of the 1495 Society for as long as they want to.

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“In a world of unequal opportunity, being given a bursary made a massive difference to my life. I wouldn’t have the life experience or confidence in my own abilities gained from going to LGS had I taken another path. If you’re thinking of supporting a bursary, please do it.

You’ll change the course of someone’s life and if they’re anything like me, they’ll be incredibly grateful for it.”

Tom Johnson (LGS 2016), RAF Pilot

Laura-Jane Ryves

Director of Development Burton Walks, Loughborough LE11 2DU T: 01509 638922 M: 07501 235960 l.ryves@lsf.org www.lsf.org/development The Loughborough Schools Foundation is a company Limited by Guarantee with Company Registration number 4038033. It is also a Registered Charity with the Charity Registration number 1081765.

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