Development

Head of Development, Natalie Joseph, reports on successful fundraising initiatives and the school’s estate expansion plans

Like all businesses and organisations, the last 18 months have forced us to adapt or put on hold plans. However, while we have had to delay capital project campaigns, there have been several successful initiatives, some new and some existing, which have shown the Mill Hill School community spirit.

Born out of adversity, we launched a Covid-19 Hardship fund in response to parents and OMs reaching out. This offered support to families who, as a result of the pandemic, found themselves unable to meet their financial obligations to the school. We are overwhelmed to say over £20,000 was raised in support of this worthwhile cause.

We are also pleased to take this opportunity to thank the parents and OMs who continue to contribute to our A Better Chance Bursary (ABC bursary) scheme. This helps us support pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds by giving them the opportunity of an MHS education. Since 2007, the programme has benefited over 40 pupils who have gone out into the world and done incredible things. You may have read about one such pupil, cricketer Sophia Dunkley, who made the headlines for her Test match debut in June this year, becoming the first black woman to play Test cricket for England. Sophia attended both Belmont and MHS on an ABC bursary and played cricket for the Foundation on many occasions.

Other initiatives this year include the 1807 Society Lunch which finally took place at the end of September. In case you are unfamiliar, the 1807 Society is a group of OMs and Friends of Mill Hill who have chosen to leave a gift in their will to the Foundation. This is much more than just a charitable donation as it has real long-term impact. The 1807 funds go towards supporting the A Better Chance (ABC) bursary scheme supporting pupils who otherwise would not be able to afford a Mill Hill education. The 1807 Society is open to all, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me if you like to learn more.

In addition, we were once again able to welcome back OMs to join our Foundation Day in September for their 30, 40, 50 and 60-year reunions, due to take place in the beautiful Collinson Garden. It has been such a long time and it was lovely to be able to welcome Old Millhillians to the School once again.

Lastly, in response to the harrowing and worsening Covid-19 situation in India, the MHS Foundation has taken steps to support our partners at Sri Jayendra School in Tamil Nadu and the local community to manage the aftermath of the pandemic. We have had a meaningful partnership with Sri Jayendra for over 20 years and felt it was our duty to support them through these uniquely challenging times. Currently, the school in Tamil Nadu is closed and remote learning is taking place. In villages and remote areas where the pandemic is rampant, some families have not been able to be contacted and many pupils are missing out on essential schooling. Our aim is to make a profound and long-term contribution to this cause, and we are therefore reaching out to parents, OMs and former participants of the Overseas Partnership’s Programmes to help us.

Despite the disruption and uncertainty caused by the pandemic, we believe the Foundation will emerge stronger than ever due to our continued investment in people and facilities. Our most recent capital investments include the outdoor learning areas at Grimsdell, a new kitchen and sports hall at Belmont, at MHS a stunning new Astro turf for hockey and other sports, new flooring in the sports hall and a refurbishment of the Music School. In addition, we are in early stages of planning an upgrade of the school’s Science facilities. A couple of options are under consideration: the renovation and development of the iconic and beautiful Crick building or a new build in a new location.

With the signing last year of an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, we now have a relationship with top clubs in all our major sports and have invested in high-quality staff as coaches. We have identified the need for two major additional facilities, a new sports hall for Mill Hill School and a new, full size, all-weather pitch for Belmont.

Looking forward, we are excited about plans to update and regenerate parts of MHS in need of some attention. The Foundation is committed to the long-term planning of the entire campus. We are currently in the early stage of planning and, subject to modification, as we move into detailed design and seek planning permission we look forward to sharing these ideas with you.

Your partnership and support in everything we do is both essential and greatly appreciated.

I look forward to seeing you in person soon and until then, stay safe and healthy.

Natalie Joseph, Director of Development nj@millhill.org.uk