We were delighted to be able to thank so many members of our School community in person for the contributions they have made in 2022/23.

Over drinks, guests were welcomed by Headmaster Iain Kilpatrick, who spoke movingly about the impact that philanthropic giving continues to have on the School. They heard first-hand testimonials from students who are benefitting from the Sixth Form transformation, and were able to ask them questions about the way in which it has really made a difference to their experience. Representatives from the Sidcot Building Trust Fund (including Chair Keith Kerton and his son Kim) were in attendance and thanked for their £600,000 grant to the project. To find out more about the invaluable work of the SBTF (and how to support them), please see here.

Guests then heard from Dr Christie Peacock, who outlined her ward's experience of receiving a bursary to study at Sidcot School, describing it as "life-changing...Sidcot has given him the support he needs at a critical time with his dyslexia/learning needs as well as nurturing his natural talent for sport and design. He now loves learning." Sarah Simms, Director of Marketing and Development, outlined the findings of analysis into the educational impact of a Sidcot bursary, demonstrating that the 'value add' figure of bursary students showed them to be achieving well over half a grade higher than they might otherwise be predicted to do. She also thanked the Sidcot Bursary Trust for their invaluable work supporting students at Sidcot School (to find out more, please see here).

Before touring the newly renovated Sixth Form Centre, guests also heard about additional projects within School, including the Travel Awards encouraging career-enhancing work to make positive change, supported by the Sidcot Education Trust (please find out more on their valuable work here). Iain Kilpatrick spoke about our community outreach programme with local state schools, and connections with a Quaker school in Brummana, Lebanon, with which we have been taking part in a Model United Nations event. Rachele Snowden, Development and Alumni Officer, outlined our current project "Be in your Element at Sidcot!" - for which donors may purchase an engraved element for a Periodic Table to adorn the Science Block, which is being renovated over the Summer holidays (find out more here).

Following the Sixth Form Centre tour, guests were able to enjoy a cream tea by the wonderful School catering department, while mingling and exchanging memories of School. 

Our Donor Report outlining our fundraising and outreach programmes across 2022/2023 was also distributed. An electronic copy can be read on this link: Donor Report 2023, and is also available in hard copy format on request to development@sidcot.org.uk. 

We would like to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who came to the event, and of course to those generous philanthropic supporters either of our three Sidcot Trusts, or directly to the School, whose gifts make such a difference to our students' and staff members' experiences.