Letter from the Development Director

Whenever I start to write about philanthropy at LEH, I am reminded of Henry James’ words: “Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.”

LEH is a school where kindness is ingrained in its very fabric. We are fortunate to find kindness everywhere, as evinced by the efforts of the staff to bring out the very best in our pupils, by our pupils who care for each other’s welfare as well as their own, by parents who work with staff to support and encourage their daughters, and by our alumnae, who never cease to amaze us with their extraordinary achievements and generosity. It is with great pride and appreciation that we bring you this report. With your support, our students continue to achieve remarkable success, academically, in sport, music, art and in the wider community. We are hugely grateful to all of the alumnae, parents, grandparents, staff and friends who have joined together to support LEH in this most unusual year. We are thrilled to be able to acknowledge the donors and community members who engage with the school and make it magical.

At the very heart of LEH is Mrs Hanbury’s vision: a school characterised by purpose, respect, courage, joy and kindness. In an unpredictable year that has surprised us all, we are deeply grateful to each person, family, and company that has made a gift to support our remarkable school.

Jennifer Blaiklock Director of Development

The Great Big Bursary Ball

Over £65,000 was raised at the incredibly successful inaugural Great Big Bursary Ball at Twickenham Stadium on November 30th, with all proceeds going directly to the LEH Bursary Fund.

The sell-out event was attended by 360 guests, who all ate and drank, laughed, chatted and danced the night away. Before the main event guests were serenaded by the fantastically gifted Holles Singers. They sang a medley of carols in an invigoratingly chilly pitch-side reception, while guests sipped champagne and walked on the hallowed, floodlit turf of Twickenham, the home of rugby union. A Tree of Promises, with a wonderful selection of gifts ranging from hampers to dance lessons, was a complete sell-out before guests had even taken their seats for dinner and the silent auction raised almost £30,000. LEH alumna and former bursary recipient Georgia Galton Ayling gave an impassioned speech about the difference a bursary has made to her life. Georgia attended LEH from 2007 to 2013, before winning a place at Oxford University to read English Language and Literature. She then joined a graduate programme called Teach First and works as a teacher.

Great Big Bursary Ball 2019

2019

You are warmly invited to the LEH Great Big Bursary Ball on Saturday 30 November from 7pm to midnight at Twickenham Stadium.

Tickets available through the Parent Portal. £95 per person. All proceeds will be donated to the Bursary Fund. Dress code: Black Tie

“I wanted to use my privilege to try to combat the huge inequality that exists in our education system. I feel incredibly strongly that a pupil’s academic success should not rely on their socioeconomic background.”

She said: “I can only thank LEH from the bottom of my heart for the education they provided me with. I also want to thank everyone who supports the bursary fund because you really are changing the lives of children in a way that they will never forget. Thank you on behalf of all of them.”