Welcome from the Headmaster
The American environmentalist Julia Hill once spent two years living in a thousand-year-old tree in an attempt to stop logging efforts. It’s a level of commitment to achieve a goal that is as extraordinary as it is inspiring.
Few people will be able to commit that level of time, or resource, to make something happen, but it is indicative of the power of an idea to make a difference.
Our goal as a school remains to give people the ability and inclination to change their worlds. It has been heartening to see so many alumni join that mission, whether that is through supporting students through careers mentoring, supporting an event or making a donation to the AKS Lytham Foundation.
The benefits of the idea have been made ever more real this year, as we have welcomed our second cohort of transformational bursary students this September. I dare say some will contribute to the school’s story in an immediate and visible way, emulating last years’ Sixth Form who raised aloft the Lancashire Cup in rugby and notched up a super 45% A*/A grades at A-level. Others, though, will make a difference in more diverse ways and over time, for example by embarking on a medical career to help others,
or by realising their potential as sportspeople or performers and bring joy and inspiration to another generation.
This year marks the launch of the Gamechanger campaign, focusing on the unifying power of sport in our local community, to enable talented young people to develop as their potential deserves, and to widen inclusion and access to our school.
This is a team endeavour: my thanks to our newlycombined Marketing and Development team for spearheading the initiatives but, most importantly, to everyone who continues to make a difference on every scale. The race continues!
David Harrow, Headmaster
From our Director of Marketing, Development and Engagement
This past year has been one of connection and momentum. We have continued to build relationships with alumni from our heritage schools and with recent AKS graduates, celebrated the strength of our shared community.
Highlights have included Arnold School alumnus
Sandro Monetti returning to inspire at our Spring Concert and King Edward VII alumnus Mark Kerrone leading an engaging session on AI for our Sixth Form. Each of these moments has shown the lasting impact of an AKS education – and the generosity of spirit that continues to flow back into our school.
Bringing Marketing and Development together into one department this year has been another important step forward. This new chapter has brought fresh energy and collaboration, helping us to tell the AKS story with even greater purpose and creativity. Most importantly, alongside supporting our first cohort of fully funded transformational bursary recipients who are now in Year 13, we are delighted to welcome two new students this September – one joining Senior School and one starting Sixth Form.
To all our donors, supporters and friends of AKS – thank you. Your kindness and belief in what we are building here make everything possible. Together, we are creating opportunity, changing young lives and shaping a legacy that will last far beyond our time.
Message from the Chair of Trustees
This past year has marked a defining moment in the development of the AKS Lytham Foundation as we have welcomed our second cohort of fully-funded bursary students to AKS.
What began as an ambitious vision in 2019 to widen access to an AKS education has now taken firm root, with measurable impact and growing momentum.
Through the continued generosity of our donors and the commitment of our school community, transformational bursaries are now changing young lives, with 4 transformational bursary students currently in school.
As we reflect on the progress of the past year, we do so with immense gratitude – to our donors, ambassadors, patrons and the wider AKS community. Every gift, every partnership and every conversation brings us closer to achieving our shared goal: to change lives through education.
The year ahead promises even greater opportunity as we launch the new Gamechanger campaign. With strong foundations in place and a growing culture of philanthropy within our community, the AKS Lytham Foundation is poised to make an enduring difference.
Chris Dickson, Chair of Trustees
Sarah Walton, Director of Development 01253 376040
sarah.walton@akslytham.com
Financial Details
How
our heritage enabled the Foundation’s launch
Over the years, the Arnold School Development Fund (ASDF) has contributed towards major projects such as the refurbishment of the Cricket Pavilion and the OAKS Hall, along with historic bursaries at Arnold School. A bequest and interest paid on the fund (from United Learning) increased the total to £180,000.
In 2019, AKS Governors and United Learning allocated ASDF funds to establish the AKS Lytham Foundation and Development Office. This initial investment in setting up and staffing resources has been instrumental in the Foundation’s success, which now surpasses ASDF’s original contribution. We are delighted to report that since the AKS Lytham Foundation was launched on 5th May 2023, £316,936 has been raised.
Statement of Financial Activities 2024-2025
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st AUGUST
Accounts have yet to be audited
£9,348
Fundraising Events (for the benefit of the school)
£4,671
Educational trips for existing AKS Bursary Students
£316,936
TOTAL FUNDS RAISED SINCE LAUNCHING ON 5th MAY 2023
£302,917
Donations to the Bursary Fund
1,284 750
Thanking our Supporters Donor Roll
We are enormously grateful to our donors who have supported the Foundation since its launch. Thank you also to all donors who have asked to remain anonymous. Below are our major donors, foundation donors and regular donors. For a full donor list please visit https://oaksconnect.com/pages/donor-wall
Major Donors
Since launching on 5th May 2023, we have raised
£316,939 in donations for our Bursary Fund
The following donors have gifted £50,000 or more to the AKS Lytham Foundation and have been entered onto the new Major Donor Wall which has been installed in the entrance to the Senior School this September.
• BookCheck Ltd on behalf of Mr Anthony Pilkington, Old Lidunian
• The Old Arnoldian Association
Founding Donors
The following donors have gifted £2,000 or more to the AKS Lytham Foundation and have been entered into the Benefactors’ Book which is located in the Senior School Reception.
• Dr Josephine Venice Curry, Old Arnoldian
• Mr Ian Gledhill, in memory of Mr Keith A Gledhill MBE DL, both Old Arnoldians
• Mr Phil Owen, Old Arnoldian and AKS Lytham Chair of Governors 2019 to 2024
• Mr Bill Gillen, Headmaster of Arnold School 1993 to 2003
• Mr Michael Greenwood, Old Lidunian
• Ms Sarah Hanks, Queen Mary Alumna
• The Old Lidunian Association
• Mrs Elizabeth Bickerstaffe, Queen Mary Alumna
• The Queen Mary Association
• The Beaverbrooks Charitable Trust
• Questa Chartered Financial Services Ltd on behalf of Mr Anthony Hoskisson, Old Arnoldian
• BookCheck Ltd on behalf of Mr Anthony Pilkington, Old Lidunian
• The George’s Garage (George and Masie Blackburn) Charitable Trust
Regular Donors
The following donors started making a regular donation to the Foundation during 2024-2025.
• Mr Chris Dickson, Chair of the Trustees and Old Lidunian
• Mr Norman Dawson, Old Lidunian
• Mr David Stanhope, AKS Lytham Chair of Governors and Mrs Marie-Claire Stanhope
What Your Donations Will Support from September 2025
Thanks to alumni and supporters of the school, alongside the continued support of our first cohort of fully-funded transformational bursary recipients, who are now in Year 13, we are delighted to welcome two new exceptional students in September 2025 – one joining Senior School and one starting in Sixth Form.
What it means to our Bursary Recipients
“Over my first year at AKS I have thoroughly enjoyed my time and am really looking forward to Year 13. Starting a new school was daunting at first, but I quickly felt welcomed and part of the Sixth Form. A highlight was the London trip – exploring the city with friends and seeing Les Misérables. The teachers have been incredibly supportive, helping me overcome challenges and achieve my best. AKS has been a joy to attend and I look forward to another great year ahead.”
(Current Sixth Form Bursary Recipient)
Bursary recipients in year 13 2
Bursary recipient in year 12 1
Bursary recipient in year 10 1
“The opportunity to attend AKS with the support of the bursary has been incredible. It has given me access to excellent teaching and resources and the support from my teachers has really helped me to succeed. I have also grown socially through joining clubs, taking part in new experiences and forming close friendships. The financial support I have received to attend AKS has allowed me to flourish academically and personally, and to pursue my future passions where I hope to make a difference in someone’s life.”
(Current Sixth Form Bursary Recipient)
“The opportunity of joining AKS has been outstanding for us. Receiving a fully funded bursary through the Foundation was something we never imagined would be possible, especially as a single parent with other children. This bursary has given my son opportunities he would never have had otherwise. He is now taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award and has the chance to visit places I could never have taken him myself, which is amazing in itself.”
The range of choices he has within school, particularly through sport, has been fantastic – he has absolutely loved it. All the staff and students have made us feel so welcome. I am really looking forward to the next few years at AKS and to watching him continue to shine, especially in his rugby. Thank you again for this incredible opportunity.”
(Current Parent)
Mission Our
The Change Their World Campaign is the flagship fundraising initiative of the AKS Lytham Foundation. Our goal is clear and ambitious – to raise £1.6 million to fund 10 transformational, means-tested bursaries covering Senior School through to Sixth Form, for talented local students who would not otherwise have the opportunity to access an AKS education.
The Gamechanger campaign is a key part of this wider mission. It focuses specifically on funding fully supported bursaries for talented young athletes – enabling them to thrive both in the classroom and through sport.
Whether you choose to support Gamechanger or the broader Change Their World bursary fund, your gift helps us widen access, unlock potential and change lives.
We have come so far but there is so much more to do…
Support for from Senior School through to Sixth Form NEW STUDENTS 10
Transformational Bursaries 110%
Need to raise
over the next few years £1.6m
WHAT IS Gamechanger?
At AKS Lytham, we believe talent should shape a student’s future – not financial background. Through the AKS Lytham Foundation (charity number 1191646), we are committed to providing means-tested transformational bursaries for students with exceptional potential.
Gamechanger will raise funds to provide fully funded sports scholarships for talented young athletes covering tuition fees and the essential extras so that every student can thrive, both in the classroom and on the field.
These life-changing opportunities reflect our commitment to inclusion, ambition and widening access to our school.
Why Sport? Why Now?
Sport is central to life at AKS. Our students and alumni compete at national levels in rugby, hockey, athletics, cricket and more. Yet many gifted athletes still lack access to the education and coaching they deserve.
Gamechanger helps remove those barriers – ensuring talent, not background, drives opportunity.
OTHER WAYS TO GIVE
Corporate and payroll giving options are also available – simple, tax-efficient ways to give individually or through your business. These can reduce employee contributions through pre-tax giving or be tax-deductible for companies.
✔ Tax-deductible for companies
✔ Lower cost to employees through pre-tax giving
✔ Easy to set up via HMRC-approved schemes
Double Your Impact with Match Funding
We’re proud to partner with King Edward VII alumnus and major donor Anthony Pilkington, who has generously pledged a £50,000 match-funding challenge to kick start Gamechanger.
Every single donation over £2,000 will be matched pound for pound doubling your impact and transforming even more young lives.
Anthony shared:
“I was fortunate to benefit from and enjoy KES. I’m in the position of having spare funds in my company. When I saw the Foundation prospectus, it just clicked and I was keen to support this excellent endeavour. A welcome bonus was the ability to reduce our Corporation Tax bill. I am very impressed with the progress made by the Foundation since it launched in May 2023. The Gamechanger campaign is a major boost to the ambition of the charity. It’s really gaining momentum and I would encourage your support – Why not now?”
Every gift, large or small, helps remove barriers to opportunity. Here is what your support can achieve:
• *From just £25 a month (with Gift Aid: £31.25)
• 59 supporters giving £25 a month together fund a full bursary
• Find out more and donate at oaksconnect.com/supportus
Support for Existing Bursary Students with Co-curricular Trips
Through a combination of funding from AKS and the Lytham Schools Foundation, 14 students across Senior School and Sixth Form currently receive parental means-tested bursaries covering 75% or more of their school fees. These bursaries are separate from those provided through the AKS Lytham Foundation.
While this support helps make an AKS education possible, financial barriers can still prevent some bursary students from taking part in additional opportunities. Aligned with donors wishes, the Foundation is extending support to help as many of these students as possible participate in both curricular and co-curricular trips.
This year we were also proud to receive the Gillen Cup, generously given alongside a donation to the Foundation by former Headmaster of Arnold School, Bill Gillen. Presented for the first time at Senior School Prize Giving in July, it celebrates student excellence while supporting transformational bursaries – a new model of giving that links legacy and recognition.
The Gillen Cup
Join us in supporting the AKS Lytham Foundation
There are many ways to support us through donations of funds, time and expertise.
Single gift*
We welcome single gifts of any amount. However, donations of £2,000 or more will be entered into our Benefactors’ Book displayed in our Senior School Reception and the first 50 donors will be recognised as Founding Donors of the Foundation. Please contact Sarah Walton for more information.
Regular giving*
Donors are encouraged to give regular amounts to support children throughout the school. Though a gift of any size is appreciated, we welcome £25 a month as a starting point. Collectively giving like this means that the whole AKS community can take part and share the benefit of giving children the opportunity to be educated at AKS. To make a monthly donation, please visit https://oaksconnect.com/ supportus
Sponsor a student*
We welcome donors who effectively sponsor individuals, particularly at Sixth Form level. This is an opportunity to support young adults with talent and determination, who understand that their place is offered with philanthropy and who recognise the relationship between the donor, school and their own family.
Within two years, a donor can see the difference their gift can make in transforming a 16-year-old with ambition, into a young adult ready for the world. Donors can support 110% of fees for a Sixth Form student either individually or as part of a group. Please contact Sarah Walton for more information.
Gifts of Time and Expertise
Corporate Giving**
Partnering with the AKS Lytham Foundation offers your company a valuable opportunity to make a positive impact, whilst benefiting from potential tax relief. As a UK-registered charity, donations to our Foundation could be deductible from your taxable profits, which can reduce your Corporation Tax bill and lower your company’s taxable income accordingly. By supporting our Foundation, your company would not only be helping to shape the future of young people, but it would also demonstrate your commitment to social responsibility, along with enjoying potential financial advantages.
Leave a Legacy
Leaving a legacy gift to the AKS Lytham Foundation in your Will is one of the most powerful and lasting gifts that can be made. Leaving a gift in your Will may be more feasible than making a current gift and can have tax advantages. Once you have made provision for your family, we would be delighted if you would consider supporting the Foundation.
We understand that circumstances change. You do not need to let us know the value of your planned gift and it will not represent a binding commitment. When pledging a legacy, you can decide where you want your support to go. Making a Will is a very personal matter and we assure you that your plans will be held in the strictest confidence. Including a legacy in your Will is a simple matter, although we strongly advise that you take professional legal advice.
Please talk to Sarah Walton for more information and a confidential discussion.
Support students and fellow alumni with careers education and mentoring. At AKS, our diversity of excellence extends throughout our community. We are delighted to welcome alumni, parents and friends to share their time and expertise with students and fellow alumni. Please contact Sarah Walton for more information.