Highgate’s annual Giving Day took place last week to support Highgate’s Bursary Fund and our lead partner school London Academy of Excellence Tottenham (LAET).
Over the course of 36 hours, pupils, parents, staff and alumni collectively swam, cycled and walked an incredible 6,000km as well as taking part in reading, maths and creative challenges, to raise over £196,000.
Aside from the fantastic contribution to our charitable activities, the event was a joyous team effort. As one of our Pre-Prep parents observed: “I thought it was just a brilliant way to inspire the children to be active, purposeful, and have fun together. It was lovely to see the staff running with the children, and how the children encouraged each other. We parents also had a great time!”
Along with the physical challenges of the day, pupils took part in readathon sessions, including parents from the Pre-Prep who joined their children on their literary adventures. Pupils in the Lower School competed in teams for the Maths Challenge trophy, solving timed problems in a relay style competition. Elsewhere, in the Junior School and Pre-Prep, pupils unleashed their creative juices in a community art challenge. Highgate alumni from around the world showed their support by joining in remotely, as well as taking part in the popular XI vs OC cricket match.
The Head Adam Pettitt ran at several points during the day and was joined, at one stage, by Jan Balon who heads up LAET and Principal of the Junior School Phillipa Studd. Staff across the foundation got involved to support the campaign, often running as teams with an array of amusing outfits.
As our Head, Adam Pettitt, reflected: “I’m very proud of our Bursary Programme and our partnership with London Academy of Excellence Tottenham. Thank you to everyone who participated and supported Giving Day 2025. Seeing so many pupils enjoy the activities, parents and carers who also took part with their pupils, and OCs running overseas or playing cricket was fantastic and made for a great day.”
