They both thoroughly enjoyed themselves and Francis could not speak highly enough of your kindness and the excellent performances.
The Swallows Care Home, after watching our Community Performance of Les Miserables
ST DUNSTAN’S COLLEGE WELCOME
Welcome to our review of St Dunstan’s College Charity, Community and Partnerships work for 2024-2025.
At the heart of our school lies a deep commitment to service, compassion and social responsibility. Our purpose transcends academic excellence and is rooted in showing our pupils how to make a meaningful difference to the lives of others. Whether volunteering, mentoring or fundraising, our pupils, staff and parents see the value of being part of a kind, thoughtful and engaged community, that supports the residents of Lewisham and South-East London.
As you explore the pages ahead, I hope you are as moved as I am by the stories of impact and collaboration. We are very proud of our long-standing partnerships in the Lewisham community and we would be delighted to hear from you if you have suggestions for future partnerships.
Ms J McLellan Head of Senior School
St Dunstan’s College has been shortlisted in 2025 for the ISOTY Contribution to Social Mobility Award.
OUR COMMUNITY REACH
£234,000
Total investment from St Dunstan’s College
3,500
Total number of Lewisham residents at The Catford Weekender
Total number of hours spent volunteering
1,764.75
250
Total number of hours given by our sport coaches
Total number of community events across the year
42
23,909
Total number of children reached
1,418
Total number of hours in the community
Total amount of funds raised for charitable causes
£11,916.47
All figures relate to the academic years 2024-25
Outreach and volunteering activities during 2024-2025
• Alex Yee Triathlon
• Care Home Christmas Concert
• Care Home to Les Miserables
• Care Home Bingo
• Catford Coding Club
• Chelsea Football Club Partnership
• Children in Need
• Dalmain State Primary School Outreach Programme
• Dalmain FC Girls Football
• ECT Symposium
• Higher Education & Careers Convention
• Kilmorie State Primary School Outreach Programme
• Hockey and Football sessions for Holbeach State Primary School
• LAMDA lessons
• Language Fair
• Lewisham District Football Team
• Lewisham Donation Hub
• Lewisham Food Bank
• Lewisham History Society Talk
• Lewisham Local volunteering
• Lewisham Sport Schools
• Lewisham Youth Games
• London Youth Games
• London Marathons
• LYLA
• Mamma Kind
• Mansion House Conference on Toxic Masculinity
• Rathfern Sport Day and Christmas Concert
• Rathfern State Primary School Outreach Programme
• Ravensbourne Project
• Red Nose Day
• Rushey Green State Primary School Outreach Programme
• Save the Children
• Sport Fun 4 All
• St Mary’s State Primary School Outreach Programme
• STEM Event for Year 5 state school pupils
• The Catford Weekender
• UCAS Q&A and support
• Ukrainian Bursary students
• Workshops with local state senior school Heads of Careers
• XLP
SPOTLIGHT ON VOLUNTEERING
‘Volunteering allows students to make a tangible difference in our community, transforming compassion into action. It’s an incredible opportunity to develop new skills, build meaningful connections, and discover the profound impact they can have by dedicating their time to a cause they believe in.’
Dr Joseph Yu, History Teacher at St Dunstan’s College and co-ordinator of youth volunteering
RBL Poppy appeal 2024 - £867.03 raised
Remembrance is an important event at St Dunstan’s College, considering a great number of Dunstonians (former students) made the ultimate sacrifice in the Great War and subsequent conflicts. This year, donation booths were available with the help of student volunteers from Year 9 to 13, in both the STEM atrium and main building lobby selling poppies. Students were all very eager to support the Royal British Legion, with our donation pots all feeling very heavy!
The RBL Greenwich Branch was extremely delighted with our results and has already invited us to collaborate again next year. Jacqui, the branch representative, has spoken of us having raised the highest amount for the entire area.
Volunteering for MNDA Charity at Millwall FC Match -
£2,100 raised
On Saturday 26 April, fourteen Year 12 students from a local secondary school volunteered at Millwall FC’s stadium to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association. MND is a devastating illness that affects thousands of individuals and families each year, claiming the lives of 5-6 people daily. The students engaged with Millwall fans, holding collection buckets and wearing t-shirts to educate them about MND while collecting donations. The generosity and spirit of the community were evident as they came together for this important cause. Students also had the opportunity to stay and watch Millwall’s home game against Swansea FC.
Coding Club - where six Sixth Formers volunteer:
Catford Coding Club is a unique club, offering weekly volunteer run Saturday coding classes at the College to local children aged 7 to 15 across Lewisham. The classes provide a variety of high quality free and affordable coding classes run by experienced adult volunteers with a maximum of 14 students in any class and at least 2 teachers per session. Children can start out learning to code in Scratch before moving onto Python or other languages when they are ready. At St Dunstan’s, courses in Scratch, Python, Machine Learning and Physical Computing classes are run every week.
Since January 2025, there have been 20 weeks of teaching, offering 4 coding classes and 2 board game or chess club sessions each week. Over 200 young
people have enjoyed attending the Club on Saturdays since the start of 2025.
“Parents tell us there are no comparable opportunities locally for their children to access such high quality provision, and that it is a fantastic opportunity for them to learn valuable skills. Many parents have highlighted the growing confidence their children have shown in their new digital skills as they move through our courses. Additionally parents highlight that our club offers children an opportunity to socialise with other children who have similar interests and they love seeing their children interact with new friends. The support given to us by St Dunstan’s has allowed us to continue to invest in our kit to ensure children do not need to bring any equipment and our prices are kept low to ensure all can attend.”
Michael McDermott, Catford Coding Club Coordinator
SPOTLIGHT ON LYLA
The College has been supporting LYLA both financially and resource wise for the past four years and 2024-25 was another year of successes and milestones for the Lewisham Young Leaders Association which supports young people of black African Caribbean origins based in the London Borough of Lewisham.
Success Story...
Dominic Chin’s Grade 7 GCSE Maths, after failing it the year before
‘I am excited to share the inspiring success story of Kweli, a student from LYLA who made an incredible achievement last year. At just 12 years old, Kweli sat for his maths GCSE and earned an impressive Grade 8. Kweli was one of the students who greatly benefited from the maths tutoring sessions we offered last year. He worked closely with our dedicated sixth-formers, who provided valuable support and guidance throughout his learning journey. Thanks to their efforts, Kweli was able to excel in a challenging subject at a much younger age than most.
In his words, Kweli expressed his gratitude to the sixth-formers for their help in boosting his confidence and understanding of maths. He credits their patience and encouragement as key factors in his success, and he’s excited to continue pushing his academic boundaries.’
Luke Golding, Maths Teacher at St Dunstan’s College
LYLA Charity Swim Challenge
In June 2025, LYLA’s Charity Swim Challenge, wrapped up with an incredible total of 99.3 km swum - just shy of our 100 km bonus goal! 10 members of staff, 3 sixth formers, and 2 Alumni of the College contributed lengths and energy to the cause.
Over £1,500 were raised for LYLA.
‘More importantly, we brought the community together - students, staff, and alumni alike - in support of something meaningful. The sense of fun, togetherness, and purpose was truly inspiring.’
Luke Golding
and
The College is also delighted to announce that it has been shortlisted for a ISOTY 2025 award for Contribution to Social Mobility thanks to its involvement with LYLA.
The Elizabeth Trust Fund (ELF), a dedicated sponsor of LYLA, Lewisham Council and St Dunstan’s College, regularly meet with LYLA’s directors and trustees.
Dunstonians
brothers, Stephen and Peter Chick, former swimming Captains at the College, valiantly took on LYLA’s swimming challenge in June.
LEWISHAM LOCAL CHARITIES SUPPORTED IN 2024-2025
The 6 Houses of St Dunstan’s College, each chose a charity to support throughout the year:
• Canterbury - Wildcat Wilderness
• Ghent - Lewisham Community Fund
• Glastonbury - Lewisham Bank of Things
• Mendip - Digital Access for All
• Stepney - Rushey Green Timebank
• Worcester - Lewisham Food Cycle
Events throughout the year have included multiple bake sales, a Murder Mystery, a Sportathon, a Danceathon and many more.
Money raised £3,456 + £1,000 donated through the College’s insurance company, Ecclesiastical.
Grand total: £4,456
SPOTLIGHT ON THE CATFORD WEEKENDER
The Catford weekender is a community festival in the heart of Lewisham which was in its second year of existence in June 2025.
• 3,500 visitors attending across a long weekend with 20 events
• Over 400 performers including local choirs, bands, soloists creating 20 hours of live music
• Residents from a Lewisham Care Home attended a Bingo lunch
• 300 Pupils from 10 local state primary schools participated in a joint Big Sing
• A free magic show entertained over 500 parents and children
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Maguire, Holroyd-Howe, R.Woodfall Opticians, Barton Knight
Group, Munchkin Sports, 4TY PLANNING and Judge & Priestley
THE ALEX YEE SCHOOLS’ TRIATHLON
On Wednesday 2 July, St Dunstan’s hosted The Alex Yee Schools Triathlon which saw 1,000 local children from schools across the Lewisham Borough taking part in swimming, cycling and running on the college grounds. This is the first triathlon of this type in South London. This Triathlon will be the 12th delivered this year by the Brownlee Foundation in schools across the UK and approximately the 70th schools event in the foundations history.
Alex Yee won Gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He grew up in Forest Hill and attended Stillness state primary school in Honor Oak. Alex has never forgotten where he grew up and he is a huge inspiration to all.
FOCUS ON COMMUNITY SPORT
Community Sport
at the Jubilee Ground
Every Wednesday morning, our sporting facilities at the Jubilee Ground are offered to three local state primary schools alongside some of our sporting coaches. Over 2,000 children from Rushey Green, St Mary’s and Rathfern state Primary Schools are able to learn how to play hockey or netball for two full hours on a rota basis all through the year. Some are also able to use are swimming facilities on the main site.
‘Being part of St Dunstan’s school sports programme has been a fantastic opportunity for the children at St Mary’s. Access to professional football coaching has not only improved their skills but also boosted their confidence and teamwork.Weekly swimming lessons have helped children develop vital water safety and swimming skills, with more of them now able to confidently take part in events like the Saxon Crown Swimming Gala.
It’s been especially rewarding to see a wider group of children engage in sport, including those who may not usually have the chance. Recently, the introduction of hockey has brought even more variety to our sports provision, encouraging new interests and talents. The partnership with St Dunstan’s has genuinely enriched our PE offer, promoting physical health, inclusion, and enjoyment for all.We’re very grateful for this continued collaboration and all the benefits it brings to our pupils.’
Headmistress of St Mary’s state school, Christine Graham
Over the past 12 months, the Lewisham School Games have seen 865 pupils enjoy sport at our Jubilee Ground: SPORT
SPOTLIGHT ON CHELSEA PARTNERSHIP
St Dunstan’s partnership with Chelsea FC is going from strength to strength and is now in its second year: we have seen an increased numbers of hours dedicated to the coaching of local Lewisham pupils by Chelsea coaches as well as an increase number of events throughout the year. In particular:
St Dunstan’s Community Tournament for Girls
This was supported by Chelsea FC and Winning Post Sports Services and saw pupils from Years 5&6 from many different local state primary schools take part:
Kilmorie, Holbeach, Dalmain, Brindishe Lee, Holy Cross, Brindishe Green, Stillness, Sandhurst, St Marys, St Augustine’s, Marvels Lane, Rathfern, St Winifred’s, Brindishe Manor, Good Shepherds.
128 participants in total over the first two qualifiers and 32 girls returning for the finals.
Overall winners were St Augustine’s who received branded trophies and medals from St Dunstan’s supported with some prizes from Chelsea FC.
‘Our partnership with Chelsea is designed to open doors for young people across Lewisham. Together, we’re bringing worldclass coaching, inspiration, and opportunity into the heart of Lewisham. And it goes beyond sport - it’s about building confidence, raising aspirations, and creating a real sense of belonging. Working in partnership, we’re committed to helping every young person find their place and their pathway forward.’
Lewisham Games consisted of 13 events with 1,656 participants across 45 weeks
Assistant Head, Co-curricular, Danny Gower
SHOUT OUT FOR JUNIOR FUNDRAISING
The St Dunstan’s College Junior School has raised a total of
£2,993.44
It goes far beyond the classroom as 55 Junior School Pupils decided to take part in a mini Mud Run for Cancer Research (above). They ran under the name of “St Mudstan’s” and they raised £8,656.88 plus £1,612 in gift aid. The total seems to be going up and up all the time!
• Carol Concert appeal raising £692.54 for Lewisham Foodbank
• Salvation Army Xmas presents
• MND 7-in-7 challenge in memory of Rob Burrow £1,000
• Poppy Appeal £867.03
• Children in Need £556.10
• Tubs2Pubs (A Greene King pub initiative raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support)
• Lewisham Donation Hub (collection of used items to be passed on to people in need such as refugees, victims of domestic violence and homeless people)
• MammaKind (donations of children’s clothes ages 3-10 and cuddly toys)
• Comic Relief £494.80
• PE equipment sale for a local charity raised £240
SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY EVENTS
6
events throughout the year:
• Lewisham History Society talk
• Higher Education & Careers Convention
• Language Evening
• Year 5 STEM Challenge
• ECT Symposium
• Mansion House Conference
A total of 750 young people enjoying what‘s on offer at St Dunstan’s.
Higher Education & Careers Convention
On Wednesday 6 November 2024, the College invited students and parents to its annual Higher Education and Careers Convention. With over 50 delegates representing a wide range of careers—including healthcare, architecture, law, finance, marketing, and engineering—as well as representatives from more than 20 top universities and higher education institutions, the event offered students a wealth of insights into both academic and creative pathways.
Over 300 students and parents from Years 9 to 13 attended, with attendees gaining unique perspectives from nine talks on topics such as ‘Careers in Psychiatry,’ ‘Choosing a Competitive University,’ and ‘Applying to Music Conservatoires’.
“Talking to people who are passionate about their area of work was really helpful.They were really informative,
especially those offering work experience.”
Students across the board felt that the Convention helped them in understanding what options they had in the future, learning about apprenticeships and different careers and above all gave them the chance to speak to an adult who is in a career they are interested in.
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1200-1600
WENESDAY APRIL 30
St Dunstan’s College returned to Mansion House on Wednesday 25 June 2025 for a third ‘Let’s Talk About…’ conference ‘What it Means to be a Man’. In 2025, the question of masculinity has never felt more urgent. From toxic influencers to online extremism, young men are growing up in a world that is often confusing—and sometimes dangerous. This year’s theme explored how schools, charities and pastoral leaders could better support boys and young people in today’s evolving landscape.
Free LAMDA Lewisham scheme
The LAMDA programme has been great for Year 8 students. You can really see how it has improved their confidence and how they are more willing to speak up and aren’t so shy about putting themselves out there. From getting into character to actually understanding how to use their voices and move on stage. The students love LAMDA lessons and are eager to go every week. It’s been great to see these students use the skills that they have learnt in their Drama lessons.
Tobi Salami, teacher at Bonus Pastor
“LAMDA is not only an amazing experience but it’s a great way to develop your acting and speaking skills.”
Eddie, Year 8
“LAMDA is really fun. It teaches you to come out of your shell and I’ve never looked forward to a Wednesday more.”
Rosa, Year 8
Bonus Pastor Senior School students: Eddie, Rosa, Nicolas, Noah and Sariah
Sportsfun4all
Catford is home to many young people full of potential but often lacking opportunities to express themselves in safe, supportive environments. Our free football sessions are open to all 11–19-year-olds, with a special focus on those who may be facing social, behavioural, or financial challenges.
The impact of our sessions to our young people include:
• Improved Mental Wellbeing: Participants regularly report feeling happier and more confident after joining the sessions.
• Increased Social Skills: Football naturally brings people together. Young people who once felt isolated now leave with new friends.
• Better Behaviour and Focus: With positive role models and structured activity, many young people show improved behaviour both in and out of school.
• Physical Fitness and Routine: Sessions help promote an active lifestyle, offering a regular and healthy outlet.
One case study to support this is Mason’s story about how our free football session in Catford benefitted him:
When Mason first came to our session, he was guarded, restless, and quick to react. But our coaches welcomed him without judgement. Week by week, through consistent encouragement, boundaries, and teamwork, we saw a shift. Football gave Mason structure and more importantly, it gave him a chance to reset how others saw him and how he saw himself.
Now, Mason is not only a regular at the sessions, but often helps newer participants feel included. His ability to communicate and manage his emotions has improved drastically. Teachers and youth workers have noted a real change in his attitude and engagement.
Mason’s journey shows what’s possible when young people are given the right environment and people who believe in them.
XLP is in its second year of partnership with the College – and it’s getting XXL!
Headline Statistics for 2024-25:
• Total Sessions Delivered: 38 weeks of sessions
• Total Young People Engaged: 200
• Average Weekly Attendance: 45
• Total Attendances: 761
• Programmes focus: Football, Work
Experience, 1-to-1 Mentoring, Group Sessions
Case Study – CL’s Journey
CL was a young person who grappled with significant challenges during his school years. He often faced disciplinary measures, spent extended periods in isolation due to behavioural issues, and struggled with engagement in lessons. Like many young people, he experienced pressure to fit in, navigate social expectations, and sometimes engage in risky behaviours, all of which added to his difficulties in finding stability and focus.
Despite these challenges, our youth worker recognised CL’s potential and took the opportunity to connect with him through one-on-one mentoring sessions. This initial interaction allowed us to build rapport, and we encouraged him to take part in a work experience programme with XLP.
Beyond his involvement in the work experience programme, CL began attending XLP’s football sessions in Catford, where his passion for the sport became evident. During this time, he achieved a significant milestone by signing with a local semi-pro first team. This was a challenging step for CL as it required him to overcome self-doubt and nerves. However, with consistent guidance, encouragement, and reassurance, he gained the confidence to integrate into the team successfully.
CL’s dedication and talent were soon recognised beyond the local level. His hard work and perseverance earned him trials with professional football clubs, showcasing his progress not only as an athlete but also as an individual striving for growth and success.
Today, CL is finding greater consistency and balance in his life. He continues to grow as a young man, demonstrating the resilience and determination that have brought him this far. His journey highlights the transformative impact that targeted support, mentorship, and access to an elite-level facility at St Dunstan’s can have on a young person’s life.
‘We are proud of the progress and impact seen through the partnership this year.
The young people involved have not only grown in skill and confidence, but many have also developed a stronger sense of belonging, leadership, and direction for the future. Throughout the year, we have been able to broaden young people’s horizons by taking them away on residential tournaments, organising day activities, and providing experiences that extend beyond their everyday environment. These opportunities not only allow them to explore new places and meet new people but also help build essential life skills such as independence, teamwork, and resilience.
Ultimately, this partnership has created a safe, consistent space for young people from Lewisham and neighbouring boroughs to meet weekly, build positive relationships, and grow together socially, emotionally, and personally.’
Steven Ekpenyong, XLP Coordinator
Philanthropy Committee
Year 12 students, Patrick, Jonathan, Seth, Lucia and Andrei who regularly volunteer on a Wednesday afternoon attended the first Street Child Sixth Form Charity Leadership Forum in the City at the end of January 2025.
Street Child is the fastest growing children’s charity in the UK and was co-founded 15 years ago by one of our alumni, Anna Lloyd. It was an inspiring day for all, about fundraising and philanthropy and why people give to a particular cause, or not.
Since then it has spurred all those enthusiastic pupils to start a Philanthropy Committee at the College and they invited Anna Lloyd to present a special assembly on 28 April 2025 as well as run some workshops with budding philanthropists at the College.
FRIENDS OF ST DUNSTAN’S 2024-25
Since 2021, Friends have raised over £130,000, much of this has gone towards grants for leavers parties, support of local charities and into putting on events. Over this academic year, Friends has worked very closely with the College to develop an annual bidding process for use of the remaining funds towards projects for the benefit of our community.
In January, the Friends Committee agreed to take a number of shortlisted projects this year forward; these included the purchase of equipment towards supporting play in the Junior School, Outdoor Education across the College, and enhancing the capability of the College Library to supplement and support
learning for all pupils. The Friends Committee also agreed to allocate funds towards building a new permanent enclosure outside the Headmaster’s House Gate to provide a shelter for parents and children from rain and snow, this will open over the summer.
In terms of events this year and the College Shop, Friends have raised over £46,000. Grants and donations were given to Lewisham Foodbank and Year 6, Year 11 and Year 13 Leavers parties.
Thank you to everyone for your support!
Friends of