We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Bristol Grammar School has won the IDPE Campaign of the Year Award (development team under 5 years) for our 500 Campaign!
This is fantastic recognition by the industry as part of the Institute for Development Professionals in Education’s Celebration of Giving Week - showcasing amazing work from schools throughout the UK all working to change lives and engage their communities. Thanks to our awesome team here at BGS lead by our Headmaster, Jaideep Barot and here’s to all boats rising with the tide!
Our 500 Campaign was created in 2021 to provide at least a 50% bursary for one in four children by 2032 – the 500th anniversary of the school.
With a long-term target of £12million, we raised £1,046,139: 5 times the amount expected in first year of the campaign. This included 100% funding for 14 Sixth Form students from 2023.
New student ambassadors, who contributed to our promotional material, felt proud to be bursary “award holders” rather than recipients of financial help. They recognised the importance of sharing their experience and supporting those who may find transition to BGS difficult emotionally and financially. We created a council, promoting pastoral well-being for new bursary holders and we continue to work with educational charities to identify and support children who would benefit from life at BGS-( including 5 current refugees).
Over 100 of our new donors were parents, supporting the Campaign together with our alumni, students, staff, governors, and friends.
We continue to engage our whole community asking them to “be part of someone’s story” and will build momentum through communication, professional networking, and events. We are also targeting over 50 major donor prospects. Our next Giving Day is planned for November 2023.