Latymer Wins Social Mobility Award

Latymer wins Independent School of the Year Award for Social Mobility

We are absolutely delighted to have been named the Winner at the Independent School of the Year Awards, in the category of ‘Contribution to Social Mobility.’ At the ceremony at The Law Society on Tuesday 10th October, the Chair of Judges Dr Helen Wright spoke of Latymer’s long-standing commitment to social mobility and bursaries, stretching back throughout our 400 years and permeating the culture in every aspect of the School.

Our Inspiring Minds campaign has more than doubled the number of students supported by bursaries, surpassing its original fundraising target of £40 million, a year ahead of schedule. From 115 students in 2014, to 274 in 2023-24, over 1 in 5 students are studying at Latymer thanks to a means-tested bursary, at an average of 83% of fees. Our goal remains for that to increase to 1 in 4 by the Latymer Foundation’s 400th anniversary year in 2024. 

We are pleased and proud that our school community has been so involved in making this ethos a reality, giving their time and donations to support the education of children from all backgrounds. The student RAI£E committee threw an incredible array of fundraising activities to raise over £11,000 for our bursaries appeal last year, and over the years more than 5,000 donors giving less than £100 have helped contribute £1 million. Our collective belief has always been that the whole School benefits when bright children from all backgrounds are able to join our community regardless of financial circumstances.

Susan Wijeratna, Head of Latymer Upper School said:

“We are thrilled to win this award. Our Foundation and the wider school community have worked extremely hard over many years to create a bursary and partnerships programme which has transformed the lives of hundreds of children. We also congratulate the other schools in our category who echo our values of inclusivity and who are making genuine and meaningful contributions to their communities.”

Amanda Scott, Executive Director of Latymer Foundation said:

“We were delighted and honoured to receive this award on behalf of the thousands of members of our Latymer community who have helped us increase the number of major bursaries available at Latymer from just 12 in 2003 to the current 275. The chance to study at Latymer not only offers a life-changing opportunity to the recipient but also benefits their whole family. Thanks to our Inspiring Minds campaign, we are very close to reaching our target of needs-blind admission to Latymer”.

We would like to take the opportunity to congratulate all the schools nominated in this category for their foundation and partnerships work. 

For more information about our Inspiring Minds campaign and the bursaries programme, please visit the Latymer Foundation website here.

Author: Karen Dove