The Portico July 2025
Welcome to the summer 2025 edition of the Mill Hill School supporter newsletter - The Portico.
Over the last term, we’ve welcomed back some remarkable Old Millhillians who began their journeys here as bursary pupils here. I hope you enjoy hearing from them.
In the most recent edition of The Portico, we interviewed Head of Performance Rugby, Chris Bajak about why bursaries are so important to him. This time we feature the story of AJ, a current bursary holder in the Lower Sixth whose has joined the school through our partnership with Saracens.
The most recent 1807 Society Luncheon was a wonderful occasion. John Besent (Collinson, 1957-1962) hosted us at The Farmers Club, Whitehall Court. Do read on to find out more about the afternoon as well as other news from the School and our amazing supporters.
As we come to the end of a really successful academic year, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support of Mill Hill School.
Yours sincerely,
Lucia Hull Director of Development lucia.hull@mhsfoundation.co.uk
A YEAR IN REVIEW
Although I have been at the School for less than two years, I feel every inch a ‘Millhillian’ and it is a privilege to share with you some reflections on what has been a very significant year for the School.
We began with the welcome news of our strongest academic outcomes in recent times at both A Level and GCSE. Our pupils secured places at a wide range of competitive universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, several medical schools, as well as creative institutions such as RADA and the Guildhall School of Music. The breadth of our pupils’ talents continues to inspire.
Beyond these achievements, what stands out most is how we continue to fulfil the founding vision of the School. This term, we were honoured to welcome back two former bursary recipients; England cricketer Sophia Dunkley and Cambridge Law graduate Evelyn Taylor, who returned to speak to pupils about their journeys. Their stories are powerful reminders of the lifechanging impact of access to opportunity.
At the first Annual Meeting of the “Society of Subscribers and Friends” in April 1808, there was a clear concern for “meritorious individuals, who may possess the most promising Talents, which would otherwise be lost to the public.” Both Sophia and Evelyn embody that vision.
Through our partnerships with the Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation, Saracens Foundation, and Alford House, we continue to offer bursary places to talented young people who, without the bursary programme, would not be able to attend the School.
Looking ahead, we are excited to be opening the UK’s first specialist senior school for mathematics in 2026, with access and inclusion at its heart. This is not only a significant step for the School but also more broadly, for maths education within the UK.
Thank you for continuing the tradition of excellence and inclusivity that began in 1807. As the modern-day Society of Subscribers and Friends, your generosity ensures that Mill Hill remains, in the words of Prime Minister Gladstone in 1879, “an institution which is strikingly alive.”
David Benson Head, Mill Hill School
1807 SOCIETY LUNCH AT THE FARMERS CLUB
Our Head, David Benson, and CEO of the Mill Hill Education Group, Antony Spencer were delighted to welcome members of the 1807 Society to The Farmers Club for lunch on the 21 May. We are indebted to John Besent (Collinson 1957-1962) for hosting us at the Club, which served a delicious lunch in a superb venue.
The presentations from John, David and Old Millhillian Club President, Graham Chase (Burton Bank, 1957-1962) were very special. John set in context the reasons why he has chosen to support the School both now and in the future. David talked about the impact of legacy gifts on the School in the short and long term as well as our ambition to offer bursarial support to 25% of the cohort each year.
Graham Chase spoke movingly about the opportunity he had to attend Mill Hill through the Middlesex Scholarship Scheme and the transformational impact it has had on his life. The presentations were a powerful reflection of the ethos and values that underpin a Mill Hill education.
We look forward to hosting members of the 1807 Society once again in the Autumn Term for the next luncheon event.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The 50 Year Reunion
Sat 13 September, 2-5pm
Mill Hill School
The Classes of 1974, 1975 and 1976 are invited back to School for tours, afternoon tea and to reminisce with school friends.
Top Terracers’ Reception Drinks
Thurs 18 September, 6.30-8pm
The Oxford and Cambridge Club
Top Terracers are invited to join us to mark 200 years since the Foundation Stone for the main school building was laid. Invitations will be sent by post.
The Life Guardians Lunch
Sat 11 October, 12-3pm
Mill Hill School
Life Guardians are invited to School to celebrate their 200-year anniversary and are encouraged to invite a guest to come and find out more about what it means to be a Life Guardian.
The 1807 Society Lunch
Wed 12 November, 12-3pm
Mill Hill School
All those who have pledged a legacy gift to the school are invited to lunch with the Head. Invitations will be sent by post.
Lessons and Carols
Thurs 11 December, 6-8pm
Mill Hill School Benefactors’ Reception and Service of Nine
Join us for a wonderful end to the year with drinks, canapés and a stunning Service of Nine Lessons and Carols in the Chapel.
To find out more visit: www.millhill.org.uk/support-us/ forthcoming-events
FORMER BURSARY HOLDERS RETURN TO SCHOOL TO INSPIRE PUPILS
Associate Director of Development and Former Head, Jane Sanchez, was delighted to welcome her former pupils Sophia Dunkley (Cedars 2011-2016) and Evelyn Taylor (Winfield 2019-2021) back to School this term.
EVELYN TAYLOR
Recent Cambridge Law graduate, Evelyn Taylor, returned to Mill Hill for a working lunch with pupils and staff. During the session, she fielded questions on a range of topics. Evelyn’s passion for her subject and her love of Mill Hill were palpable and this, coupled with her willingness to offer sound advice and honest insights into Sixth Form and University life resulted in an inspiring session for all those involved.
What was your experience like as a bursary pupil at Mill Hill?
When I joined Mill Hill in the Lower Sixth, it was a very different environment to the one I was used to. Finding friends and joining extra-curricular clubs was the key to settling in. The positive and supportive relationships with the staff really helped. I knew there was always someone I could talk to.
What support did Mill Hill give you for your Oxbridge application?
I always knew I wanted to study Law and attending Mill Hill was my chance to get the support I needed to do that. The School gave me lots of interview practice which meant I could demonstrate my passion for the subject. The interview questions are often very random so it was important to develop
my ability to think outside the box. Teachers also encouraged me to engage with extra-curricular activities and to complete an EPQ which really helped me.
If you hadn’t come to Mill Hill, do you think you would have studied Law at Cambridge?
Being in receipt of a bursary is almost like having a superpower; knowing that people believe in you gives you a real confidence
If I hadn’t come to Mill Hill, I think I would have studied Law, but I genuinely don’t think I would have gone to Cambridge.
The teachers at Mill Hill were so supportive. I will always be indebted to them, not to mention everyone who who supports bursaries and who made my time at Mill Hill possible.
SOPHIA DUNKLEY
When England and Middlesex cricketer Sophia Dunkley visited Mill Hill, she was accompanied by her biggest supporter; her mum. Together they spent an afternoon at school meeting members of the U14 girls’ Cricket squad and talking about her time at Mill Hill.
‘I am so grateful to have been able to attend Belmont and Mill Hill as a bursary holder.
It was a very supportive environment and the whole atmosphere just felt right from the moment I visited on open day. Lynn Duncan, the Head of Belmont at the time, was very open to me playing Cricket and Football with the boys and it felt like I would be able to be myself and get involved with lots of different sports.
At Mill Hill, Cricket training took up a huge amount of my time and Mill Hill’s support for sporting pathways made all the difference. Teachers would give me extended deadlines on my homework because they knew I was taking Cricket seriously; women's Cricket wasn't as strong then as it is now, so I don’t think many schools would have seen it as a career option.
I am very lucky to have had a Mill Hill education as I don’t believe I would have had the same level of support elsewhere. The relationship with teachers was incredible. They made it possible for me to pursue my dream. I’m so grateful for my time there and to all those who support the School and open up places to bursary pupils like me.’
IN THE WORDS OF A SUPPORTER:
I joined Mill Hill because my dad was a pupil here and had an amazing time. When it came to choosing a school for me, there was only one destination. I had the time of my life at school; we were lucky to have such wonderful grounds, the teachers were great, the sport was fantastic, and everyone got on so well.
After Mill Hill, I went to university in Zurich where I studied Global Banking and Economics. I was 18 years old, on my own in another country, with few friends and a tough academic course. Looking back, my experience at Mill Hill prepared me well, building my resilience, encouraging me to get involved, to take every opportunity and to be who I wanted to be. Since coming back to the UK I have worked in business, banking and management. I’m also closely involved with Old Millhillian and Saracens Rugby. My dad was hugely supportive of the School, and he loved his time at Mill Hill. When dad died, I wanted to do something on his behalf, so I discussed it with the Development O� ice and decided to contribute to the bursary programme by setting up the ‘David Schild Bursary Award’.
The Award offers a transformational Sixth Form bursary for a deserving pupil to study at Mill Hill. I am delighted that the first recipient, AJ, who joined through the Saracens partnership, is thriving. I love the thought that he will have a life-changing experience and will do the same things dad and I did: putting on the chocolate and cream shirt, eating in the same dining hall, treading the same corridors. But it’s also the idea that a year ago, AJ might not have thought about doing these things and now he has the opportunity. Life takes you places and if I can help someone down that route, that’s great!
Nick Schild (Murray 2008-2013) Patron
WHAT THE MILL HILL AND SARACENS PARTNERSHIP MEANS TO ME
The first time I played Rugby was in Year 7 at the grammar school I attended. I heard a rumour that if you didn’t turn up for Rugby training, you would get a detention, that’s the only reason I went! Ever since that first session, I have fallen in love with the game. As I progressed through Senior School, I began to play more rugby, eventually representing my county, Kent. From there, I attended trials to play for the Saracens Academy. It was during that time I met Mr Bajak who leads the Mill Hill and Saracens Partnership. He mentioned that there might be an opportunity to attend Mill Hill School for Sixth Form through the bursary programme.
Visiting Mill Hill
When I first looked around the School, I felt daunted by the boarding houses and all the facilities - I had never imagined I would attend a boarding
school. I was also excited and amazed. When I was offered a place as a bursary holder, my mum threw a party for my whole family. I was in shock; I would be able to meet new people, go to an amazing school and focus on my Rugby.
The Mill Hill Difference
Being at Mill Hill has made a huge difference to my development. With Rugby, talent and hard work can take you part of the way but the support and coaching here has nurtured me to become a much better player.
Being a boarder in Burton Bank and being part of the school community has enabled me to make so many new friends and connections. Mill Hill hasn’t just helped my Rugby, it has helped me become a better, more sociable person.
This summer, I will be touring with Saracens U18s. I have also just been selected to play for
the England U18s so I will be travelling to South Africa to play against France, Georgia, Ireland and South Africa.
Thank you
I would like to say a massive thank you to Nick and all the supporters who make it possible for me and other bursary holders - sporting or otherwise - to come to Mill Hill.
I have a great sense of pride in being a Millhillian, representing the School, wearing the badge and telling the people I meet about this amazing place.
AJ Henry (Ridgeway 2024-2026)
Recipient of the David Schild Bursary Award
AJ pictured left
THE UK’S FIRST SPECIALIST MATHS SECONDARY SCHOOL TO OPEN AT MILL HILL SCHOOL
Mill Hill School is delighted to be launching The 1729 Maths School from September 2026.
Initiated and funded by major supporters of maths education and research in the UK, 1729 will be based across both Belmont and Mill Hill Schools.
1729 pupils will follow a separate academic pathway for maths with at least twice the normal teaching time for maths alongside a full maths enrichment programme.
For non-related subjects and extra-curricular activities, pupils will be taught alongside their Belmont and Mill Hill peers and encouraged to immerse themselves in the enormous range of extra-curricular activities available at the School.
This will provide a wonderful opportunity to pursue music, sport and other activities that will help pupils explore their interests and also foster confidence, self-esteem, and a strong sense of belonging.
The 1729 Maths School is focused on developing world-class mathematical talent with a meritocratic ethos at its heart. Admissions will be truly ‘needs blind’ thanks to the funders total commitment to nurturing mathematicians of all backgrounds, with partial and full bursaries available. The 1729 Maths School will be a place where family income will
never be a barrier for pupils with the potential to thrive.
Through this unique combination of opportunity, support and excellence, pupils will leave 1729 Maths School with world-class mathematical skills alongside a fully rounded education and friends for life, continuing the School’s tradition of excellence and access.
You can find out more at 1729mathsschool.org.uk or please do get in touch with the Development O� ice directly: development@millhill.org.uk if you have any questions.
Andy Roberts Founding COO 1729 Maths School
The Development O�ice Mill Hill School The Ridgeway London NW7 1QS Mill Hill
GIVE ONLINE
To setup a regular gift, whether monthly, quarterly or annual to support bursaries at Mill Hill please visit: millhill.org.uk/support-us
LEGACY GIFTS
To make a gift to The Mill Hill School Foundation in your Will, please contact Director of Development, Lucia Hull, lucia.hull@mhsfoundation.uk or 020 8906 7864 to discuss this further.
GIVING FROM THE USA
To make a one off or regular tax e� icient donation from the USA through the British Schools and Universities Foundation (BSUF) visit www.bsuf.org/donate stating a preference for The Mill Hill School Foundation.
CONTACT US
We would love to talk to you about how you can give back to Mill Hill. Whether you would like to meet for coffee, online or speak over the phone please contact us directly: lucia.hull@mhsfoundation.uk or tel +44 (0) 208 906 7864.
020 8906 7864
The Development O�ice Mill Hill School The Ridgeway London NW7 1QS
020 8906 7864
development@millhill.org.uk millhill.org.uk
development@millhill.org.uk millhill.org.uk/support-us
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