GIVING BACK: NURTURING YOUR EDUCATIONAL ROOTS

Former parent and Architect George Batterham, talks about the transformative power of a Kingswood education and why he is giving back.

Having researched the independent schools in the Bath area, we chose Kingswood School for our four children back in1997 for its holistic educational approach; nurturing mind, body and soul in equal measure. Kingswood also combined high aspiration with a modest outlook and service to others. This very much aligned with our own family ethos and values, allowing us to walk together along the same educational path.

Joshua, Eleanor, Oscar and Angus all benefited in many different ways from their time at Kingswood. But at no time was there any pressure to be like an older sibling or some kind of model Kingswood pupil, so at such a critical stage in their development, their individuality and free thinking was allowed to flourish. It is a privilege having had children at the School for 16 years, and to now be in a position to be able to support and nurture Kingswood School in return, to ensure that such an enlightened and forward looking school can flourish for many generations to come.

The current focus for Andrew GordonBrown and the governors is on preparing the pupils for university life and beyond, with plans for a new Cookery School to support the learning of additional life skills and remodelling of the Dixon Sixth Form building to make it fit for purpose.

Past parents and pupils who have benefited from the Kingswood School experience and who wish to be appreciative, supportive and philanthropic can either give of their time and expertise or simply additional funds. Either way it will help the School to continue its good work and maintain its reputation.

We continue to recommend the School to others, as many past parents and pupils do, but as part of the wider Kingswood School Community, we also need to make sure that the School can maintain its high standards and modest outlook going forwards. So, in the style of John Wesley, give all that you can, to help others benefit from a Kingswood education, be it buildings, resources, business work experience for current pupils, or simply keeping in touch with your educational roots.

George Batterham (RIBA)

“It is always lovely to remain in contact with Kingswood families after their children have left the school, and I would like to thank George for his continued interest and support of Kingswood. With the help from George, and other members of the community, we are forming a coalition of supporters who are in a position to offer services which will enable the development plans to come to fruition.

If you are in the construction industry or have contacts that might be interested in being involved, I would love to hear from you.”