Highgate’s annual Giving Day took place last week, raising more than £230,000 in support of the School’s Bursary Fund and partner school, London Academy of Excellence Tottenham (LAET).
Over the course of 36 hours, pupils, parents, carers, staff and alumni came together to take part in a wide range of challenges including running, reading and musical activities.
One of the highlights of this year’s event was the running challenge, with over 2,000 participants from the Highgate community and LAET collectively covering 12,000 kilometres – the equivalent of travelling from the Taj Mahal to the Statue of Liberty. Staff across the school got involved to support the campaign, often running in teams and wearing an array of amusing outfits.
Alongside the physical challenges, more than 1,000 participants joined the Giving Day readathon. The day began with a breakfast reading session for Pre-Prep pupils and their families, followed by reading challenges during assembly for the rest of the Lower School.
Music also played a central role in the charitable activities. For the first time, pupils across all schools took part in a musicathon, creating a continuous programme of performances throughout the day. Eight different genres were showcased across open mic sessions, in-lesson singing, and busking – with standout contributions from the Senior School Jazz Orchestra, Serpent Brass and soloists.
This year also saw the introduction of a Pupil Committee of eight Year 12 students, who helped raise awareness and shape the event, from creating assembly videos to designing activities and coordinating pupil involvement.
The event’s impact extended beyond the grounds, with alumni from around the world taking part remotely, alongside parents and carers who joined the challenges in record numbers this year. Reflecting on the event, the Head Adam Pettitt, who also joined the running challenge alongside LAET Head Jan Balon, Junior School Principal Phillipa Studd and Pre-Preparatory Principal Emma Duong, said:
“What a fabulous effort from everyone! I was blown away by the enthusiasm (and determination!) of runners young and old to clock up the laps and unlock donations so generously made. Seeing the connection made between your own effort and the impact on others, on growing bursaries and supporting our sibling school, clearly galvanised young people to a whole new level. Brilliant work! Thank you every one!”
