Although active fundraising has never been a high priority for Sutton Valence, the School’s relationship with its alumni and parents has meant that over the years the School has been fortunate to benefit from ad hoc donations and legacies that have contributed to a number of projects and funds. More formal fundraising initiatives (capital campaigns in 1975 and 2002) raised funds to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the School’s founding and to build the new science block. The latter to build the swimming pool and the Baughan Theatre at the Senior School, and the astropitch at the Prep School.  After that, fundraising focused on the low-level, high participation Annual Fund, which provided extra resources to benefit our pupils. Whilst successful, it became apparent over a number of years, that donors were less interested in the projects than giving their support to the School in general and bursaries specifically.

In the past, funding from the Direct Grant Scheme and Assisted Places Scheme helped Sutton Valence to be accessible to a wider variety of families. A percentage of fee income has always been made available to support scholarships and bursaries. Whilst this provides amazing opportunities for over 300 children, it has long been the School’s aim to be able to fund a number of 100 per cent Sixth Form bursaries, as well as increase overall means-tested bursary provision. In recent years, we have held two telephone campaigns, which, along with a seven-figure legacy gift, have kick-started the School’s endowment, The 1576 Fund. The fund is held in trust and is managed by a board, consisting of School governors and an independent financial adviser.