Meet the School’s Fundraising Manager
The School Charter dated 1513 sealed by Henry VIII
Sam Ellis
I joined the Development Office almost two years ago as the School’s first Fundraising Manager. From its foundation to the present day, the School has championed social mobility for the bright children of Nottinghamshire and the surrounding counties, regardless of their families’ ability to pay through the bursary programme. Founded with one Legacy in 1513, Nottingham High School has been providing an outstanding education for over 500 years. Our history is built on benevolence, we are proud of our humble beginnings. From the moment a student joins the School, their own journey begins through a house community inspired by philanthropy.
Sam Ellis and Kevin Fear, Headmaster
Our School Houses are named after four of our benefactors: Mellers’, named after the School’s Founder, Dame Agnes Mellers Cooper’s, named after Frederick Cooper, an artist who in 1872 donated almost two acres (8,100 m2) of land to the School Maples’, named after Samuel Maples, a former pupil who bequeathed £3,0001 to fund bursaries in 1882 White’s, after Sir Thomas White who endowed a charity to provide interest-free loans to “young men of good name and thrift”.
Our own history is also clearly influenced by national history. • Under the Direct Grant Scheme (1944-1979) a significant percentage of Nottingham High School students paid no fees at all. • When this was replaced by The Government’s Assisted Places Scheme (1979-1997) - one third of students received funding. A legacy of £3,000 in 1882 is the equivalent of around £400,000 in today’s money.
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