A FOUNDATION FOR LIFE…
A Message from John Fisher, Chair of Trustees
As a former Foundation parent and now as Chair of Trustees, I have seen first-hand what special places our schools are. I know just how much of what makes them so special is made possible by the generosity of others.
To everyone who has supported us – recently or in years gone by – thank you. Whether your gift has gone towards bursaries, a specific project, or to one of our wider appeals, it has made a lasting and meaningful difference. You have helped us open doors, enrich everyday school life and invest in the future of all our schools. That support isn’t just visible in our buildings and facilities, it shines through in the confidence of a pupil stepping into a new challenge, or in the quiet pride of a family who know their child is truly valued and supported.
As Trustees, our role is to help guide and support the Foundation both operationally and strategically. We must ensure that each of our schools not only flourishes today but is also well placed for the future. That means making sound financial decisions, building resilience and reducing our reliance on fees alone. Our financial strategy is underpinned by the values that make our foundation what it is, an inclusive, ambitious, kind, and forward-looking community offering a great all-round education for all of our young people.
Philanthropy is an increasingly important part of that picture. It gives us the ability to plan with confidence and to dream a little bigger –and it connects those who care deeply about our schools with the future we are building together.
Thank you again for your generosity, your belief in our schools, and for being part of this journey.
John Fisher Chair of Trustees
Transforming Lives Together
The 2024/25 school year has been a landmark one for fundraising across the Princethorpe Foundation - one defined not only by generosity, but by the extraordinary impact that this generosity has already had on our pupils.
Together, through the commitment of alumni, parents, former parents, staff, former staff and friends, we’ve raised over £500,000 - our most successful fundraising year to date.
But more than numbers, it’s the difference your support has made that we celebrate. Through the Annual Fund, many donors giving what they can, have come together to create real and immediate change. Projects like Barnaby’s Friendship Garden at Crescent School were made possible because of this collective support - enhancing school life in meaningful, everyday ways.
We’ve also been fortunate to receive several major gifts this year - gifts that have been transformational in scale. These have enabled us to complete funding to establish the smallholding project at Princethorpe, invest in infrastructure, support our bursary programme, and fund new changing facilities on the sports field at Crackley Hall. These gifts reflect deep trust in our mission, and we are immensely grateful.
We’re equally proud to recognise the quiet, long-term generosity of those who have remembered the Foundation in their wills. Members of The Jules Chevalier Society, established in 2017 to mark Princethorpe College’s Golden Jubilee, are helping to secure our future. Their legacy gifts will ensure that generations of pupils yet to come benefit from the same opportunities and care.
Every one of these contributions - large or small, immediate or planned - helps us widen access, enrich school life, and provide an exceptional experience for every child in our care.
Thank you for believing in our work and supporting our mission. This year, you have not only given generously - you have made a difference.
Steve Kowal Director of Development
are delighted to share this year’s Donor Report - a chance to reflect on the extraordinary generosity of our community and the very real difference it has made. Inside, you’ll find stories of lives changed, opportunities created, and a Foundation enriched by kindness and support.
you for being part of this journey.
At a Glance:
What You’ve Helped Us Achieve This Year
£500,000+
raised across the Foundation in 2024–25
1 transformational gift of £100,000 from an Old Princethorpian
100+
pupils supported with bursaries or financial assistance
250+ hours volunteered by alumni, parents, former parents and friends
2
major projects completed (Barnaby’s Friendship Garden and Crackley Hall Changing Rooms)
The New Legacy gifts pledged or confirmed this year
Over 85% of all gifts were under £250every donation matters
The Difference You Have Made So Far
Last school year, 168 generous donors pledged over £500,000 in support of bursaries, hardship funds and capital projects across the Foundation. This included a transformational gift of £100,000 from Old Princethorpian, Tunde Olanrewaju (Class of 1998).
Since the launch of our Development Office in 2016 and the formal start of our fundraising efforts, we have secured over £1.4 million to support pupils across all our schools. In truth, the generosity of our community stretches back much further than that—and the true impact of that support is both far-reaching and immeasurable.
From September 2024 - 168 donors have pledged and donated over £500,000, this is how it breaks down:
The Annual Fund: Many Gifts, One Impact
Across the Princethorpe Foundation, we know that it’s not always the largest gifts that make the biggest difference - it’s the consistency and care of those who choose to give, year in, year out.
The Annual Fund exists for exactly this reason: to bring people together around a shared goalto support our pupils today and strengthen the schools we love for tomorrow.
This year, the Annual Fund has helped to fund a wide range of impactful projects across the Foundation, including:
● Barnaby’s Friendship Garden at Crescent School – a quiet space for reflection and connection, created in memory of a much-loved pupil.
● Support for bursaries and hardship funds – enabling more young people to benefit from a Foundation education,regardless of financial circumstances.
● The final push for the Smallholding Project at Princethorpe College – bringing to life a handson learning space that will serve pupils across all three schools.
What makes the Annual Fund so special is that it’s built from many small acts of generosityoften regular monthly gifts from Old Princethorpians, parents, staff, former parents and friends. Together, those gifts give us the flexibility to respond to needs and opportunities as they arise.
Parental Involvement
This year, we began a more focused conversation with current parents about how regular giving can support the Foundation and help reduce pressure on fee income. Our message is simple: with Gift Aid and tax benefits, a monthly gift of £50, £100 or £150 can go further than many people realise—and every donation has real impact.
Some families have already chosen to add a regular gift to their termly school invoice, while others have opted to give monthly online. These gifts - often quiet and consistent - are helping us plan more confidently and offer more to the pupils in our care.
An Invitation to the OP Community
Old Princethorpians continue to play a valued role in the life of the Foundation, and the Annual Fund is one of the most meaningful ways to stay connected to the schools that helped shape so many futures.
Whether you left five years ago or fifty, the values and friendships formed here leave a lasting legacy. Through the Annual Fund, we invite former pupils to help create that same opportunity and sense of belonging for the next generation.
Monthly gifts - whether £10, £25 or another amount - make a real and lasting impact. Together, they support bursaries, enrich everyday school life, and help ensure that Princethorpe, Crackley Hall and Crescent School continue to thrive.
To those Old Princethorpians already giving—thank you. Your support is truly appreciated.
If you haven’t donated recently, we would be incredibly grateful if you would consider making a gift this year. And if you’re still in touch with fellow OPs, please do help spread the word. A shared conversation or memory could be just the encouragement someone else needs to get involved - even at a modest level.
Every single gift makes a difference - and the collective impact of the OP community is something special to be part of.
Meet the OPs Championing Philanthropy
As part of our growing alumni strategy, we’re proud to shine a light on the Philanthropy Pillar of the Old Princethorpians Committee - a group of OP volunteers who are helping to build a culture of giving across the entire Foundation community.
These individuals are not only generous supporters themselves, but champions of philanthropy in its widest sense. They bring their experience, energy and insight to help encourage engagement with the Foundation’s fundraising priorities, including the Annual Fund, capital projects and bursary support.
Each member brings a unique perspective - and a shared commitment to seeing Princethorpe, Crackley Hall, Crescent School and the wider Foundation continue to thrive for generations to come.
Members of the Philanthropy Pillar are:
Laura Brazier | Class of 2014
A former Crescent and Princethorpe pupil, Laura works in the food industry leading grocery sales at Manilife. With a passion for sport and hospitality, she brings her energy and warmth to alumni events and engagement.
Tom Gleghorn | Class of 2000
As a former Princethorpe pupil—and now a current parent and member of staff - Tom is highly invested in the life of the school. He joined the committee in September 2024 and brings enthusiasm and a unique dual perspective to support development projects and philanthropy across the Foundation.
Ed Hunter | Class of 2006
Former Princethorpe pupil, Ed, brings his creativity, contacts and experience as a business leader to support the committee’s events and engagement activity. He currently works for customer data OS, BlueConic, and is also Director of McPherson Rose Developments, a family-owned property development company.
Eddie Tolcher | Class of 1978
Eddie has a close and long-standing association with the Foundation. A former Crescent and Princethorpe pupil, Eddie served as Foundation Bursar for 16 years before becoming Clerk to the Trustees in 2024. A founding member of the OP Committee, he continues to dedicate his expertise to support Development and Philanthropy.
We’re deeply grateful for their time, leadership and encouragement. If you’re an OP who would like to get involved in supporting fundraising or engagement efforts, we’d love to hear from you.
A Transformational Gift for Bursaries
Tunde Olanrewaju (OP ’98) Donates £100,000 to Widen Access at Princethorpe
This spring, Princethorpe College was honoured to receive a £100,000 donation from Old Princethorpian Tunde Olanrewaju (Class of 1998) - a gift that will transform lives through bursary support. Tunde made the announcement during his keynote speech at the 2025 Career Insights Event, a moment that will be remembered for its humility, generosity, and heartfelt resonance with the entire school community.
Now managing partner for Europe and a Senior Partner at McKinsey’s London Office, Tunde’s path from Princethorpe to international leadership is remarkable—but what stood out most was his deep-rooted connection to the College.
“Princethorpe helped shape me,” he shared during his speech. “It taught me how to think, how to question, how to believe in myself. The values I learned here - of care, curiosity and compassion- have stayed with me throughout my life.”
Tunde’s gift is dedicated to the Foundation’s bursary programme, enabling pupils from families with limited financial means to access a Princethorpe education. It’s a gift not only of financial support but of opportunity, self-belief, and community.
“I’m very aware that the opportunities I’ve had came from a strong educational foundation,” he said. “That’s why I wanted to give back - so that more young people can benefit from all that this wonderful place has to offer, no matter their background.”
The donation is one of the largest single philanthropic gifts ever received by the Foundation for bursaries. It will be used to support pupils across several years, providing full and partial bursaries to those who need it most.
Foundation Principal Ed Hester reflected on the moment with gratitude and admiration: “Tunde’s words and his extraordinary generosity speak directly to what Princethorpe stands for. This gift will have a lasting impact—not just for the pupils it supports, but for the school as a whole. We are incredibly grateful.”
Tunde closed his speech with a message to pupils that resonated with everyone in the room: “You don’t have to be the loudest person or the smartest person - but be the most consistent person. Be kind, and take your chance when it comes. And remember, you’re already part of something special.”
Tunde’s remarkable gift is already being felt,and it sets a powerful example for others who may be considering their own legacy at Princethorpe. It is a moment of generosity that reflects both a personal journey and a shared mission: to make a Princethorpe education available to more children who could thrive here.
If you’d like to follow in Tunde’s footsteps and support life-changing bursaries, we’d be delighted to hear from you.
An Insight into the Bursary Admissions Process
How Bursaries Work – and Why They Matter
Thanks to your generosity, we can offer more pupils a life-changing bursary.
What is a bursary?
A bursary is financial assistance offered to families who would not otherwise be able to afford a Princethorpe education. Awards are means-tested and can cover anything from a small percentage to the full cost of fees - and in some cases, even go beyond that. For those receiving the highest levels of support, help may also be provided for essentials such as travel, uniform, co-curricular trips, and IT equipment. Each year, a number of pupils hold fully-funded places, while many more receive partial bursaries or other forms of financial support.
How is a bursary different from a scholarship?
It’s a common question. Bursaries are awarded based on financial need, while scholarships are honorary and recognise excellence in areas such as academics, sport, music or the arts. Scholarships offer a small reduction in fees and are not means-tested. Some pupils may hold both a scholarship and a bursary, but they serve different purposes.
How are bursaries assessed?
We want every bursary decision to be fair, consistent, and responsible. All applications are carefully reviewed by a separate team to the Admissions Panel, with a full audit of household finances, including income, investments, and bank statements. This ensures that support goes to families who genuinely need it.
Awards are made on a sliding scale, from 10% up to 110% of school fees, depending on each family’s circumstances. In some cases, support may also cover essential extras such as travel, uniform, or IT equipment.
We expect parents of applicants to consider and, where possible, adjust their own spending and lifestyle before seeking assistance. This approach ensures that our bursary funds can reach as many deserving pupils as possible - opening the door to a Princethorpe education for those who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
What’s the process for applying on a bursary?
Families interested in bursarial support should begin the application process early - applying by the exams deadline. Our focus is always on identifying children with potential, passion, and a desire to make the most of Princethorpe’s rich educational experience.
What would you say to someone considering applying for a bursary?
Start the conversation. Visit us, speak to a member of our Admissions Team, and find out more. We are here to help and welcome these conversations with warmth and understanding.
“Being given a bursary to come to Princethorpe changed everything. I’ve taken part in school productions, joined clubs I never imagined trying, and made amazing friends. It’s helped me believe in myself— and in what I might do next.” Year 10 Pupil
Will a pupil on a bursary miss out on school life?
Absolutely not. Many of our bursary pupils receive support not only with fees but also for the additional costs that make up the full Princethorpe experience. We work hard to ensure that no pupil is left out due to financial circumstances.
How do families find out about bursaries?
Most enquiries come through word of mouth, the website, or conversations with the Admissions Team. As a Foundation, we are working to broaden awareness, including through our Development and Outreach Work, to ensure those who could benefit most know we are here.
Is there a specific bursary for children of Old Princethorpians?
Not at present - though it’s something we continue to explore. The idea of a dedicated OP bursary is regularly discussed, and with increased support for the Annual Fund from the Old Princethorpian community, this could become a very real opportunity. With enough momentum, it’s the kind of initiative we would be proud to offer in future. What role does fundraising play in all this?
Fundraising is absolutely central to what we can offer. Every donor – whether giving a oneoff gift or regular monthly support – plays a role in changing lives. Thanks to that generosity, more young people have the chance to experience a Princethorpe education, and the whole community is richer for it. Thank you for making that possible.
Life Beyond Princethorpe
Bursary pupils tell us they come to Princethorpe for the ethos, academic challenge and pastoral care. Many of them leave with fantastic academic outcomes which support their individual aspirations.
Anatomy, Psychology
Business Management, Sport Business Management
Average A-level grades for Bursary Pupils
Banking and Finance, Business Management, Economics, Economics and History, Law, Sustainability and Environmental Management,
Accounting and Finance Business Management, Economics, Psychology
Biology, Fashion Buying and Merchandising, Management, Liberal Arts
Business and Marketing, Psychology
Business Management, Spanish and Portuguese
Communication and Media, Computer Science, English Literature, Game Design, Politics
Fashion: Design and Communication
Agriculture with Crop Management, Rural Enterprise and Land Management
Chemical Engineering, English Language and Linguistics, Law, Psychology
Business Management, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Law, Neuroscience, Physiotherapy
Business Management, Computing and Cybersecurity, Physiotherapy
History and English Literature
Economics and Politics
Sport, Physical Education and Health
Aerospace, Building Surveying, Economics, Engineering, Law, Social Policy and Sociology
Accounting and Management, Biomedical Sciences, Economics, Psychology, Sports Management and Coaching, Sports Performance
Biological Sciences, Business, English, Finance, Marine Biology, History, Law
History and International Relations
American Studies
Psychology and Sociology Cyber Security, Digital Forensics, Management
A, B, B
Criminology and Sociology
Anthropology Criminology, Music, English, Maths, PPE
Medicine
Folk and Traditional Music, Mechanical Engineering
Astrophysics, Mathematical Physics, Sports Science
Security, Forensics, Management
Actuarial Science, Drama and Theatre Studies, English Language and Linguistics, Business and Management, Medicine, Music and Sound Recording
Business, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, International Relations and Politics
American & Canadian Studies, Architecture, Computer Science, Criminology, English,Finance Accounting and Management, History, Industrial Economics, Law, Management, Mechanical Engineering
Animation,Business and Marketing Management, Entrepreneurship, Fashion Design, Fashion Management, Forensic Science, Law, Law with Business, Psychology, Sport Management
Aeronautical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Automotive Materials, Biological Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Design, Physics, PPE, Product Design, Sport Management
Biological Sciences, Journalism
Economics
Fashion Communication and Styling
Medicine
Law, Management and Business Classics, Engineering, Music, Modern Languages, Natural Sciences, Psychological and Behavioural Sciences, Theology and Philosophy of Religion
Automotive and Transport Design, Graphic Design, Psychology, Sports Marketing
English Language and Literature, History, Law
Marine Biology and Oceanography, Mechanical Engineering/Automotive, Mechatronic Engineering
Fashion Design Technology: Womenswear
Computer Science, English and Theatre Studies, History and Politics, Law
Architecture, Business & Management, Finance, Chemistry, Furniture: Design and Make, Marketing Management
Accounting and Management, Business and Management, Construction Management, Geography, Law
An OP’s Story: Why Bursaries Matter
Martin Holland (Class of 1975)
I went to Princethorpe in 1968 at the age of 11 having passed the entrance exams earlier that year. I went on to spend the next seven years there, completing my A-Levels in Maths, Physics and Chemistry in 1975.
Actually, passing the entrance exam was quite a surprise to me, as I struggled dreadfully with reading and spelling, not learning to read adequately until I was nine-years-old. Even now I read slowly, but at least I only have to take one book with me when we go on holiday!
It turned out that Princethorpe was perfect for me and I progressed well, completing the first-year top of my class. I managed to repeat this at the end of my second year, but during this time my mother, the main earner in our home, had started to develop a serious longterm illness, from which she suffered for the rest of her life. Her earnings fell and she was unable to afford my fees and so the search was on to try and place me in one of the local grammar schools. At this point Father Clarkson stepped in and whilst I am not privy to their conversations, I was awarded a generous bursary which enabled me to successfully complete my secondary education at Princethorpe College.
I can honestly say my time at Princethorpe was a sanctuary from what, at times, could be the madness of my home life. This is why I personally chose to support the bursary scheme with regularly monthly donations.
I have many very happy memories from my seven years at Princethorpe. One of my earliest memories is doing press ups during PE on grass, covered in frost, led by Father O’Callaghan. I still do press ups most mornings as a result. I think Princethorpe also helped to inspire my love of sport and the outdoors. I’ve enjoyed mountain biking for the last 28 years. The whole family loves skiing and Lisa and I love walking in our local Cotswold hills or further afield.
Of course, we are not allowed to have favourites, but Father O’Connor was a great Maths teacher, fearsome, but he inspired me. About ten years ago I managed to get his email address and so I sent him an email. This was more than 30 years after I had left school. About half an hour after sending the email my office phone rang and it was Father “Dan” O’Connor sounding just the same as he did all those years ago.
After leaving Princethorpe I went to Imperial College to study Civil Engineering. Regrettably I did not complete my degree, but did then enjoy a very successful career in financial services, firstly in insurance where I qualified as a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute and then in fund management where I spent 12 very happy years as a Director at UBS Global Asset Management before moving to and completing my career at Legal and General Investment Management as Head of Discretionary Sales.
I still have many friends from my school days and once a year I organise a get together for a group of 12 or so from the year of ‘75. Whilst most of us live in the UK we have had classmates join us from Brunei, Barbados, Toronto, and Sydney.
I have two beautiful daughters Jade and Laura and three wonderful grandchildren, Finley, Hugo and Bonnie. I don’t recall that we had a school moto whilst I was at Princethorpe, but at one of the school meetings I attended a few years ago I heard Ed Hester quote the school rules “do the best you can and be kind”. This is how I will encourage our grandchildren to live their lives.
Why I Give – A Donor’s Story
Nigel Bromley (Class of 1987) and OP Committee Member
I was asked why I chose to give to the Bursary Fund. The real answer is that it was just the right thing to do. I didn’t even have to think about it very much, do I want to help others?
Of course I do.
Maybe the better question, is why did I instantly feel that way?
Why did I instantly feel that it was a good thing to do. Why did I feel that it was decent and kind. Just kind.
That instant feeling, I think, is a direct product of the Princethorpe I experienced when I was a pupil. Way back in 1980 in Alex Darkes’ form AD, I began to learn about people and life, and kindness and compassion and I obviously absorbed the essential DNA of the place. Princethorpe and all of its brilliance and craziness helped me to find my path in life. Years later it helped my daughter in exactly the same way and of course with that same magical Princethorpiness.
So ultimately the reason that I give is because I’m an Old Princethorpian. And I want to help others experience that magic for themselves. And I want them to become Old Princethorpians too.
Highlights from Across the Foundation’s Schools
Crackley
Hall: A
Year of
Opportunity and Impact
As we open the doors to a new academic year, it is a moment to pause and reflect on the remarkable progress made over the past twelve months -much of which has been made possible thanks to the generosity of our community.
2024/2025 was a year marked by ambition, achievement, and opportunity at Crackley Hall. Our pupils once again excelled academically, consistently achieving results that exceed national standards. Beyond the classroom, they took every opportunity to explore and grow, supported by the breadth and depth of experiences we believe are integral to a Crackley education.
Throughout the year, our pupils embraced a wealth of enrichment activities. Highlights included residential trips to PGL and Bletchley Park, One World Week visits to sacred places of worship, and inspiring STEM workshops during British Science Week. These opportunities are a core part of the education we offer -and are increasingly supported by donations to our Annual Fund, which help ensure that enrichment remains accessible and vibrant.
Our sporting successes have been equally notable. Crackley teams secured regional victories in football, netball and cricket, with our U11A girls’ football team lifting the ISA Midlands Trophy. Equally impressive were the performances of our young musicians, who shone in LAMDA examinations, orchestral concerts, and our Performing Arts Evenings -a testament to the quality of the opportunities available to them.
Facilities too have taken an important step forward. Thanks to the generosity of a major donor, and with the invaluable support of the PTA, we were able to install new changing facilities on our sports field.
These much-needed improvements are already transforming the experience for our pupils, and are the first step in our longer-term vision to provide even better sporting provision at Crackley Hall.
Philanthropy has played a vital role in these achievements. Donations, large and small, to the Annual Fund have allowed us to respond flexibly to emerging needs, to enhance resources, and to invest in projects that enrich daily life at school. In a climate where fee income alone cannot support all of our ambitions, your support ensures that Crackley Hall can continue to offer an education that is both academically rigorous and deeply rewarding.
As we look ahead, we remain ambitious for our pupils. With your continued support, we are determined to build on this momentum -ensuring that every child who comes to Crackley Hall benefits from the very best facilities, opportunities and experiences that we can provide.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are making a lasting difference.
Rob Duigan Headmaster, Crackley Hall
Crescent School: A Year of Achievement, Enrichment and Community
As I look back over the last year at Crescent School, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of pride. Pride in the children, who approach every day with curiosity and enthusiasm; pride in the staff, whose dedication and care underpin everything we do; and pride in the broader Crescent community—parents, families, alumni and friends—who continue to support the life of the school in so many ways.
Inside the classrooms, there has been no shortage of activity. LAMDA performances, thoughtprovoking assemblies, lively history workshops, and a love of reading nurtured through our parent-pupil mornings have all been standout moments. I’m constantly impressed by how the children engage with the world around them—whether through science experiments with STEM ambassadors or conservation projects like the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.
Beyond the classroom, the children have continued to flourish. On the sports fields, they’ve competed with heart and determination, bringing home successes in cross-country and rugby tournaments. On stage and in concert halls, they have performed with confidence and joy. Our residential trips—to Ingestre Hall, Slapton Sands, and Whitemoor Lakes—have offered unforgettable experiences, helping the children to grow in independence, resilience, and friendship.
One project this year stands out particularly: the creation of Barnaby’s Friendship Garden. Designed as a lasting tribute to Barnaby Williams, a much-loved Crescent pupil, the garden now offers a space where children can sit, reflect, or simply find a friend. It has quickly become part of daily life at Crescent.
The generosity of families, the Friends of Crescent, and those who contributed to the Annual Fund made this project possible, and I’m grateful for the role our wider community played in bringing it to life.
Of course, a school year is not just about the visible highlights; it’s about the quieter moments too - the friendships made, the small achievements, the lessons learned. It has been a year rich in all these things.
We were pleased, too, to receive positive feedback in our recent ISI inspection, which praised the strength of our community and the breadth of opportunity available to our pupils. It’s a reminder of what can be achieved when everyone - staff, parents, and supporters - pulls in the same direction.
As we look ahead, we are ambitious for Crescent’s future. We want to continue expanding the opportunities we offer, invest further in our outdoor learning spaces, and ensure that every child who walks through our doors has the chance to thrive. The support we receive through the Annual Fund plays a vital role in this. It helps us to go that little bit further—to create spaces like Barnaby’s Garden, to enhance wellbeing provision, and to provide additional resources that enrich school life.
On behalf of everyone at Crescent School, thank you. Your generosity and belief in what we do make a real and lasting difference.
Joe Thackway
Headmaster, Crescent School
Princethorpe College: A Year of Promise and Preparation for the Future
When we stand at the start of a new academic year, it is so easy to forget all the achievements that has gone before. Princethorpe moves at an incredible pace, and it never sits still. However, looking back at 2024/25, we must pause, celebrate, and give thanks for what has been accomplished by every individual pupil, as well as the wider school community.
To very broadly summarise: fantastic exam results, a co-curricular programme that is bigger and better than ever before, teaching and learning that has specifically been recognised by our parents, trips and visits to destinations near and far, a staff body that genuinely cares and works so hard for our pupils, and pupil numbers that continue to grow. If I start naming specifics, the list will go on and on – but please know that the College is in an extremely strong position across the board and our pupils are flourishing!
If someone asked me what the single biggest difference was last year, compared to previous years, the impact of our donors must be right up there. It will come as no surprise that the external challenges did lead to some very careful accounting to ensure we looked after our families. We wanted to ensure a Princethorpe education continued to be accessible to every child who called the College their family. This obviously meant projects and future plans had to take a back seat. However, up steps our Annual Fund and every donor who has contributed. Because of the incredible response, we have spent a summer improving facilities, replacing windows and roofs, improving and upgrading teaching spaces, and we are re-surfacing the Astro next summer. None of this would be possible if it weren’t for your support. This does not include the support of our bursary and hardship fund which serves the College and our pupils in a very different way – life changing for every recipient.
We have exciting plans to develop the campus so the educational and co-curricular experience of every pupil is as good as it can be.
It is not to be the newest and grandest school in the area. The development is in response to genuine need and a school bursting at the seams with potential and opportunity.
Another artificial surface for sport; a sports hall where the whole College can gather for assemblies, productions, and indoor sporting events; and the further development of the Estate in relation to our smallholding.
This does not include the normal upkeep that our wonderful historic campus requires.My plea is to continue to support our vision as it is always about our pupils. Without you it simply would not be possible.
Thank you to every donor – no matter how big or small the contribution. Princethorpe includes all those who have been, currently are, and those yet to be. Giving back creates a culture that ensures we remain the institution that has shaped so many lives, and it keeps you connected. Even though you may not know the names or faces currently benefitting from your donation, please know the impact is immeasurable.
With my sincerest wishes,
Grove du Toit
Headmaster, Princethorpe College
Cultivating Learning: How the Smallholding Project is Taking Root
We’re delighted to share that the initial fundraising goals for the Princethorpe Smallholding have now been met - thanks entirely to the generosity of our community. With funding in place, we’ll be breaking ground at the end of September. Soon after, pupils will begin getting their hands dirty—both literally and figuratively—as they start to shape the site and bring it to life.
The smallholding will be a unique, working space, designed to enrich learning in a deeply practical way for our pupils from across the Foundation - at Princethorpe College, Crackley Hall, and Crescent School. From growing produce and (eventually) caring for animals, to lessons in sustainability, food systems and wellbeing, the smallholding will offer hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning with real-world understanding.
Staff have already begun weaving the project into the curriculum, with plans for co-curricular clubs, cross-subject links and outdoor learning that supports both academic development and personal growth.
This project has been a true community effort. Support has come from right across the Foundation - alumni, parents, staff and friends - many contributing directly and some through the Annual Fund, others giving specific gifts to help bring the project over the line. It stands as a powerful example of what donor support can achieve: meaningful, lasting impact on the daily experience of our pupils.
Looking ahead, the smallholding will continue to be supported through the Annual Fund, helping to maintain and develop the space over time. We also welcome donations specifically directed towards this project, ensuring it continues to thrive and grow in the years to come.
Helen Baker, Head of Geography and Curriculum Planning Lead for the Smallholding Project, is overseeing efforts to bring multiple subjects to life through this new learning environment. She shares her excitement about the opportunities ahead:
“The smallholding offers something really special—it’s not just a space for outdoor learning, but a living, breathing classroom that brings so many subjects to life. Whether it’s Biology through soil health, Geography through food systems, or the REAL Programme through teamwork and wellbeing, the opportunities are endless. It’s a project with real depth, and I can’t wait to see how pupils across the Foundation engage with it.”
We look forward to welcoming you to see the site as it develops—and to showing how this unique space will enrich the curriculum, support pupil wellbeing, and open up meaningful opportunities for hands-on learning across the Foundation.
A Legacy That Lasts: The Impact of Gifts in Wills
Legacy gifts are among the most powerful ways to support the Princethorpe Foundation. While they may be pledged quietly and fulfilled in the future, their impact is felt for generations.
Since we formalised fundraising in 2016, legacies have helped fund bursary places, supported capital improvements, and allowed us to invest in new initiatives without relying solely on fee income. Quite simply, they allow us to say yes -to ideas, opportunities, and children who we otherwise might not be able to offer a place.
To honour those who have pledged a gift in their will, we established The Jules Chevalier Society in 2017, marking the Golden Jubilee of Princethorpe College. Named after the founder of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC), whose values continue to shape our schools today, the Society recognises individuals who have chosen to leave a legacy to any of the Foundation’s schools.
Members of The Jules Chevalier Society share a quiet commitment to something bigger than themselves: to opening doors, expanding opportunities, and ensuring that the spirit of hospitality and compassion that defines our schools lives on long into the future.
Legacy gifts needn’t be large to be meaningful. Every gift, regardless of size, is a statement of belief -in the life-changing power of education, and in the enduring value of our community. Some supporters leave a fixed sum, others a percentage of their estate; many choose to support a particular school or a cause close to their hearts.
If you’re considering leaving a gift to the Foundation in your will — or have already done so -we’d love to hear from you. We’re always happy to have a confidential conversation, answer any questions you may have, and welcome you (if you wish) into The Jules Chevalier Society.
It’s one of the most meaningful ways to help shape the future of our schools - and to ensure your legacy is one that lasts.
“I
wanted to give something back to the school that shaped my life. Leaving a gift in my will was the simplest and most powerful way to do that.” Anonymous Legacy Donor
Thinking of leaving a legacy?
Let’s talk – in confidence and without obligation.
Celebrating Our Supporters
This year, more than 160 donors - alumni, parents, staff, friends and pupils - chose to support the Princethorpe Foundation. Whether you gave a one-off gift, pledged a legacy, or supported a specific appeal, we are deeply grateful.
Your belief in what we do strengthens our schools and our pupils in ways that go far beyond the balance sheet. Every gift, of every size, makes a difference.
If you’ve supported us in the past but not yet this year, we warmly invite you to consider renewing your gift - it’s never too late to make an impact. And if you’ve never donated before, we’d love for you to join the growing number of people helping us widen access, enrich school life and shape the future of our Foundation. Together, we can achieve so much more.
A Final Message from The Foundation Principal
Looking Back, Looking Forward
As Foundation Principal, I have the great privilege of seeing the difference your support makes across all of our schools, and in the day-to-day experiences of the pupils in our care.
This year’s Donor Report captures just some of the impact that generosity has made possible: new spaces for learning, wellbeing and reflection; curriculum-enriching projects like the smallholding; and continued support for families through bursaries and hardship funding. These stories are a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with shared purpose.
It also speaks to something at the heart of the Princethorpe Foundation: the value we place on kindness, inclusion and opportunity. Every gift - whether large or small - helps us live out those values, ensuring that our schools remain places where young people flourish and thrive.
As we look ahead, we do so with ambition and deep gratitude. From the early stages of our Vision for Sport to the preparations for our Diamond Jubilee Campaign in 2026–27, the generosity of this community continues to shape what’s possible.
Thank you for the part you’ve played—and for your belief in our mission.
Ed Hester
Foundation Principal
Ways to Give
Your generosity is helping shape futures and transform lives across the Princethorpe Foundation. Whether you choose to give regularly, make a one-off donation, or leave a legacy, every gift makes a difference.
Make a Gift online
Support bursaries, hardship funds or specific projects quickly and securely.
Give by Post
Cheques (made payable to “The Princethorpe Foundation”) can be posted to:
Development Office, Princethorpe College, Rugby CV23 9PX
Leave a Legacy
Consider making a gift in your will. Legacy gifts support future generations and can be directed to a school or a cause that matters to you.
Click on the button to learn more about The Jules Chevalier Society.
Add to your Termly Invoice
Families within the Foundation can choose to add a gift to their school invoice.
Talk to Us
If you’d like to have a conversation about giving - or if you’ve already made plans to support us - we’d love to hear from you. Every gift, no matter the size, is valued.
makingadifference@princethorpe.co.uk
01926 634265
Upcoming Events
We’d love to welcome you to one of our upcoming events. Whether you’re reconnecting with old friends, meeting fellow supporters, or seeing the Foundation in action, there’s something for everyone.
OPs London Meet
Friday 26 September 2025 | 6.00pm – 10.30pm The Mulberry Bush, 89 Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PP
Crackley Hall & St Joseph’s 80th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday 4 October 2025 | 10.00am – 12.30pm
Prize Giving: OP Drinks Reception
Friday 28 November 2025 | 6.00pm – 6.45pm Helen Martin Studio, Warwick Arts Centre Preceding the Foundation’s annual Prize Giving ceremony
OPs Local Pub Meet
Friday 6 March 2026 | 6.00pm – 10.30pm | Venue TBC
Crackley Hall/St Joseph’s Mass & Open House
Thursday 19 March 2026 | 2.00pm – 4.00pm
OPs Bluebells & Brunch
Saturday 25 April 2026 | 10.30am – 12.30pm
Peeps of Princethorpe – Annual Donor Celebration
Friday 8 May 2026 | 6.30pm – 10.00pm
Our annual thank you event for supporters of the Foundation
OPs Summer Supper
Friday 19 June 2026 | 7.00pm – 10.00pm Celebrating the leavers of 1976, 1986, 1996, 2006 and 2016, other years welcome.
Princethorpe College School Calendar Crackley Hall School Calendar Crescent School Calendar
To RSVP or find out more about any of these events, please email: oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk
