Our Partner School
One of the Foundation’s objectives is to work with young people to support local charities. To raise the young people’s awareness of what charities are doing and where appropriate to get them involved through fund raising, volunteering and advocacy.
We have partnered with The Downs School, a dynamic and enlightened secondary state school in Berkshire, to embrace the charity challenge.
How does it work?
Each year, the students choose a local charity to support and set a fund raising target to help meet the costs of an agreed programme or project.
We promise to match £ for £ the funds they raise which means by working together we can have a greater impact.
Early days but the results are hugely impressive. Not only have fund raising targets been smashed but more students are volunteering and there is a conversation throughout the school about the initiative, the chosen charity and supporting local charities more broadly. The students have inspired the staff to get involved and embark on wonderful fundraising schemes.
Our Partner School Programme is long term and has already pointed to success across so many areas. Wanting to be part of the fund raising is widespread. The team work by the students is truly excellent. The enthusiasm is infectious. The programme also acts as a catalyst for additional funding with the Foundation making extra grants .
At the heart of the Partner School Programme are the students who are the driving force intent on making their contribution to the charity’s work meaningful. They have come together to make a difference.
The pilot scheme was launched in 2024 when a team of 22 fifteen-year-olds (year 10) partnered with Swings and Smiles in Thatcham, raising funds for an accessible cooking project that has helped disabled young people build confidence, independence and friendships in a fun, supportive environment. The students raised £1,000 but with matched funding and additional grants, over £3,100 was donated to Swings and Smiles .
Roll forward to 2025 and the new year 10 group of students focused on Newbury Soup Kitchen, using creative fundraising to support people experiencing homelessness and food poverty. Their enthusiasm inspired many in the school community and showed the power of young people working together for a common cause. This time the students raised £1,472 which resulted in nearly £5,000 going to Newbury Soup Kitchen.
The 2026 scheme is underway with the current year 10 students taking up the challenge. Berkshire Youth is the chosen charity. This charity has been dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people across Berkshire since 1940. What is the fund raising target? £1500 would mean a total grant of £3000 which would beat last year’s excellent result.
Take a moment to read our blogs about the impact made by the Downs School working in partnership with our Foundation. Click the links below.
