Impact Report Autumn 2024
Headmaster’s welcome
Welcome to our Autumn 2024 Impact Report, an opportunity for us to reflect on the last five years of philanthropy at LWC and the great strides our community has taken as we settle into our second century. Philanthropy has been irrevocably woven into the ethos of our College.
Over the coming pages, we shine a spotlight on the abundance of generosity and kindness at LWC and reflect on the culture of giving which now permeates our College. I would also like to look ahead at what is to come and our ambitions for the future as Strategy 2030 gets underway and Ugo Monye proudly takes the helm as our first Patron of the Lord Wandsworth Foundation.
As you know, we were founded on philanthropy, with the Lord Wandsworth Foundation the beating heart of our school and a beacon of hope and opportunity for so many families. The magnitude of what it is achieving fills us with immense pride. The ripple effect of our Foundation and the surge in charitable giving and volunteering from all corners of the community is quite remarkable. I hope you enjoy reading how far we have journeyed and join me in quiet celebration of this wonderful community that is leaving its mark on the world.
Thank you.
Adam Williams Headmaster
A culture of giving
Across our corridors, playing fields and woodlands, a subtle yet profound force has quietly shaped the landscape of Lord Wandsworth College for over a century - philanthropy.
Philanthropy has woven itself into the very fabric of humanity since time immemorial. Here at LWC it is not merely a concept, it is a living, breathing embodiment of the our community’s values and aspirations. Philanthropy is part of our history, indeed the very creation of our school, and most definitely core to our future.
The most profound impact of philanthropy lies in the opportunities it has created for our pupils as a whole, but our Foundation pupils in particular – opportunities to transform their lives and enrich the entire College community with diverse perspectives and talents irrespective of background. It has made our College an incredibly special place to be and the LWC community such a unique and inspiring one.
Our ever-evolving campus, with innovative facilities, has also enabled us to partner with a range of schools and voluntary organisations and open our doors to our local community and beyond. Not forgetting the passion and determination of our pupils to fundraise for a wide variety of charities through the pupil Charity Committee as well as their Houses.
Fundraising Income 2019-2024
Foundation Foundationer Extras
LWC Other - Capital Projects
COVID 19 Appeal
Legacies - Foundation
Legacies - LWC
Trust Income - Foundationer Fees
“Philanthropy has continued to gain momentum at LWC. We are making a difference as we throw our doors open even wider than ever before, while remaining focused on Sydney Stern’s principle of supporting bereaved children.”
Robert Hannington Chair of Governors
“Taking part in the trek was my way of giving back”
Ian Vinecombe LWC Parent
Donor Perspective
Contributing to the College’s different fundraising campaigns over the years, has been a way we can give back and thank the school for everything they do, both for our son and all the pupils.
We were fortunate that the pandemic did not affect our jobs. We know that others were hugely impacted and didn’t hesitate when asked by the College to support the COVID-19 Appeal for Single Term Bursaries to help other families who needed immediate, short-term, financial assistance to ensure their children could continue their education at LWC.
Music and Drama have played significant roles in our household, and so we were again very happy to donate to the Performing Arts Aspirations campaign for the refurbishment of the theatre in the Music & Drama Centre.
It has also been a huge pleasure to support The Foundation since joining LWC. The knowledge that you are helping youngsters that have had a challenging start in life, to benefit from all that LWC has to offer, is hugely empowering. It is clear that it is not just the individuals that benefit, but their whole families.
Ian signed up to trek across the Sahara Desert in aid of The Foundation in March 2023. This was both a personal challenge, but also an opportunity to help raise funds for The Foundation. Taking part in the trek was a way of saying thank you and to give back to College.
We are pleased that the College has ambitions to continually enhance pupils’ lives at LWC and so we are happy to do our bit to help and donate where we can to make these goals achievable.
Dominique & Ian Vinecombe LWC Parents
Philanthropy in numbers
625kg of food donated by pupils for the Basingstoke Food Bank of pupils engaged in charitable giving
£2,916,436
raised by the LWC community over the last 5 years pupils receive means-tested support 100%
1 in 7
100 toys collected by Hazelveare & Summerfield for the Spotlight Christmas Appeal
of our Class of 2023 Foundationers went to university 100%
individual donors in the last 5 years 1,014
54%+
of our Foundation Pupils receive a 100% bursary
£51,000 raised by our Sahara Trekkers
3 donor Clubs to recognise charitable giving at LWC
£93,436
raised at our first Giving Day in March 2023
100%
of Foundation pupils agreed that LWC opened up opportunities they would not otherwise have had
2,500+
children supported by The Foundation since 1922
50
Foundation pupils are supported each year
46 charitable Organisations & Trusts supporting The Foundation
“By the age of 16 around 1 in 20 young people will have experienced the death of one or both of their parents.”
Childhood Bereavement Network
Lord Wandsworth Foundation
The Lord Wandsworth Foundation has an extraordinary history that began in 1912 with the bequest of one generous and visionary man, Baron Sydney James Stern. He left the majority of his substantial estate to provide a home and an education to children who had been bereaved of a parent.
We support approximately 50 children, of all ages and from all backgrounds, at any one time. Whilst The Foundation prioritises children who have been bereaved, The Foundation also welcomes children who have suffered the loss of a parent through other means such as illness.
Running our Foundation involves navigating complex challenges to ensure that we meet diverse needs, address emotional and psychological challenges, and ensure educational and extra-curricular equity. In so doing, we have built and maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders, including parents, carers, educators, students, alumni, local community members and charitable trusts and foundations.
Foundation Awards: 50
Total: £1,467,205pa
Average Award: £36,680pa
Reasons for loss of support of a parent Bereavement - 58%
- 6% Other 2%
Micah’s story
I was born and raised in a council flat in East London with my mum and sister - a sister with serious, and at times lifethreatening, health issues.
I stand before you as nothing more than an inspired young black boy from a deprived area, as proof that dreams are not confined by circumstance. During my time at LWC, I have developed a pride and power in my story. A pride in being the stone the builder refused.
I entered the Acorn Gates scared, lonely, frustrated and quite frankly lost. Yet this morning, I woke up, looked out of my Sutton room window onto Southview and thanked God for what is nothing short of a miracle. The unwavering support and belief in me has fuelled my aspirations and has served as a constant reminder of the potential that lies within me. Thank you.
Micah Baidoo (2024, Sutton)
A parent’s story
My darling husband, best friend and father to our three children died suddenly, tragically and horrifically in 2013.
The children at the time were aged 9, 8 and 6 and I had just celebrated my 40th birthday a month prior. The impact of his death is indescribable, something I struggle to comprehend to this day. He is loved and missed far beyond words. He was a wonderful man.
His death led to my application for, and subsequent awards of, Foundation places for the children at Lord Wandsworth College. And when I asked myself what impact has all this had for me? Of all things, my thoughts take me to the main Blomfield Gates. Each Sunday night for the last nine years, I have driven through those gates to drop off my children as weekly boarders, and they never ceased to take my breath away. Each time I see them
I have the same feelings of safety, security and gratitude. Knowing that the children are safe and secure brings me peace, quiet and calmness of mind.
Because they were at LWC during the week, I could consider the option of retraining. I completed my master’s degree, which led to me changing my career, giving me greater flexibility around the children’s new lives.
The lifelong friendships my children have made during their LWC journeys are special, and it has been a privilege to watch them develop and grow. The friendships I have gained have been an unexpected gift. Lord Wandsworth College is a gift that I, we, have gratefully received. And its impact has been enormous. Thank you.
Sarah Harris, Foundation Parent
“Receiving that offer felt like a miracle, and in hindsight, attending LWC was one of the greatest privileges of my life.”
Keeley O’Keefe (2021, Gosden)
Letter of thanks to the Headmaster
I wanted to take a moment to reach out to a few people who left a lasting impact on my journey. LWC was such an important chapter in my life, and I am deeply grateful for the five years I spent there.
Although my time at LWC had its ups and downs, it was filled with moments of genuine happiness. Looking back, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude—particularly for being a Foundation pupil and experiencing life as a boarder. For me, as a foster child, it was a life-changing opportunity.
Before arriving at LWC, I had faced several educational challenges, which is unfortunately not uncommon for children in care. I missed quite a bit of school due to family circumstances, and it wasn’t until Year 6 that I learned basic things like the alphabet, days of the week and times tables. So, when I applied to LWC, despite all my hard work to catch up, no one really knew if I would be accepted. But everyone hoped for the best, and I’ll never forget the day my place was confirmed.
Receiving that offer felt like a miracle, and in hindsight, attending LWC was one of the greatest privileges of my life. Junior House, in particular, was a whirlwind of adventure and excitement, like something straight out of a chapter of Malory Towers.
I will always be grateful to Mr. Hine for making Junior a home away from home and for being so forgiving, especially after the infamous pillow fight that resulted in a fire alarm. His care and endless patience—truly made Junior special.
And of course, I’m equally grateful to Mrs. Radman for her support during my time in Gosden. My years in Gosden were filled with special memories and lifelong friendships. Thank you to the Gosden staff for being there for me, always with a listening ear and a warm heart.
I’d also like to express my gratitude to Mr Maidment for his unwavering support throughout my time at LWC. He didn’t just support us as individuals but built a sense of community among us Foundation students. Thanks to him, I continue to stay in touch with many of the others.
Finally, I want to thank you, Mr. Williams. You created an environment at LWC where the school wasn’t just a place to learn, but a family. The staff were incredible—each and every one of them radiated kindness and warmth, and I’m so proud to have been part of such a wonderful community.
LWC gave me so much, from confidence to the ability to articulate myself, and it’s been a significant part of my journey to where I am now. This September, I’ll be starting at the University of Warwick to read Politics, Philosophy, and Law. While it’s a personal achievement, I know that this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of LWC, and of course, my incredible carer Sam.
Thank you again, Mr. Williams, for all you’ve done. I will forever be grateful for my time at LWC, and for the friendships I have made.
Keeley O’Keefe (2021, Gosden)
The Future of The Foundation
The Foundation has weathered many storms over the decades, yet continues to thrive and be as ambitious as ever. As we celebrate the impact of philanthropy and The Foundation, we must also recognise that our work is far from done as the College continues to grow and evolve. The coming years will be challenging, but there are so many more families who have lost the support of a parent who need our help.
Our aspiration is to increase the number of Foundation pupils from 50 to 10% of the pupil roll over the next 10 years.
This equates to 20 more young people having the opportunity of an expansive LWC education at any one time.
We will need to raise an additional £5 million to make this a reality.
“As a Sternian Foundationer myself, I am excited by what I see. We can and must support more children who have suffered the most challenging of circumstances. Donor numbers are growing and the Philanthropy Team is pulling out all the stops to engage with all stakeholders, to encourage greater giving at all levels”.
Simon Clements Foundation Governor
Introducing our Patron
In March 2024, we were delighted to announce the naming of Sternian and former international rugby star and broadcaster Ugo Monye as the first Patron of the Lord Wandsworth Foundation. It is an exciting new chapter in the charities history.
Ugo, who himself benefited from the support of The Foundation, is a testament to the transformational potential of the charity. On leaving the College, he embarked on a highly successful rugby career, earning 14 caps for England and being part of the British and Irish Lions 2009 tour of South Africa. Following his retirement in 2015, Monye has become a wellrespected television and radio personality.
Amongst many other accolades, he also co-chairs the National Physical Activities Taskforce and sits on the board of the Women’s Sports Trust.
“I am delighted to have been offered the opportunity to play a role in The Foundation’s story. This is a charity close to my heart, as The Foundation supported me through my schooling. LWC opened so many opportunities for me, gave me an incredible education, and got me to pick up a rugby ball for the first time! I am so excited to help shape the future for the next generation.’
Ugo Monye
Patron,
Sternian
Legacy Donor’s Perspective
On the 8th September 2022, the Right Honorable Sir Peter Coulson was e-mailed by the Privy Council and warned there would be an Accession Council on the 10th September where he, alongside other judges, senior bishops and members of the House of Lords, would proclaim King Charles III as the new sovereign. It was a proud moment for Sternian B094, and for all at LWC as we witnessed firsthand, the transformational power of the Lord Wandsworth Foundation.
Grateful for the years he spent at LWC, Sir Peter kindly agreed to become our Legacy Ambassador and continue spreading the message that a Foundation place at LWC is indeed life-changing.
“LWC encouraged me to do the things I was good at, thereby giving me a self-confidence and a positive outlook on life which has never left me. I owe LWC everything.”
Bursary Awards
Widening worlds for young people who have faced challenging times does not stop with The Foundation.
We remain committed to supporting as many children as we can, and that expands beyond The Foundation. A bursary place at LWC provides an opportunity for pupils to access high-quality education that they might not otherwise afford. Diversity within the student body is increasing and we remain committed to fostering greater social mobility at LWC. Our doors truly are wide open and we welcome bursary applications to enrich the lives of our community.
“Thanks to the bursary award and the exceptional education at LWC, my daughter has gained the confidence and opportunities needed to excel in her endeavours and flourish in today’s world.”
Parent of Bursary Award Recipient
Means-Tested Bursaries: 50
Total: £324,307pa
Sofia’s story
Sofia Kulynych has a room-illuminating smile.
Her accent and vocabulary give little away about the circumstances in which she arrived at LWC in September 2022. In fact, having earned three A*’s and an A in her recent A-levels, it’s difficult to believe that just over two and a half years ago, she was fleeing her home in Ukraine after fighting broke out.
Together with her mum and 18-month-old brother, Sofia made the journey from Dnipro in central Ukraine, via Poland. “In Dnipro, there wasn’t any fighting, but it was breaking out in all of the regions surrounding us.”
So, in May 2022, Sofia found herself living with a host family in the North Hampshire countryside. “I was really nervous because my English wasn’t very good,” she explains. “I was a bit scared about meeting new people and making friends. Coming to England and LWC changed my life. It now feels like two different lives; me here and me in Ukraine”
Things began to change when she joined LWC, taking up a place fully funded by the College. “I made really good friends, and everyone was so supportive,” she beams. But the language barrier was difficult at first; “I was ok with day-to-day English because we moved to the UK in May and I started at LWC in September. But when I went to lessons, like psychology and economics, I just had no idea what was going on and what people were saying. The terminology and vocabulary were very different.”
Sofia found there was no shortage of help though. “My host family really helped me with essays. I was also lucky because my tutor and Houseparent were English teachers. Over time, I didn’t need the dictionaries or Google Translate anymore!”
Sofia’s focus right now is embarking upon a degree in politics with economics at the University of Bath. “I loved A-level economics”, she reflects “and Bath is a good University in an amazing city.” Economics wasn’t the only thing she learned to love at LWC; “I did DW Canoeing and made loads of friends doing that. It was a real mix of people, not only those from my boarding house and classes. I’d never even been in a canoe before!”
Sofia and her family moved into their own home earlier this year and she has been able to visit her relatives who remain in Ukraine over the summer. “People keep living; they go to the cinema, they go to cafes, but you’re constantly thinking about air sirens and bomb attacks.” She’s under no illusion that things would have been very different, had she stayed in her home country once conflict broke out. “Coming to England and LWC changed my life”, she reflects. “It now feels like two different lives; me here and me in Ukraine. I’m so glad I made the move, even though I miss my family and wish I could see them more often.”
Sofia Kulynych (2024, Gosden)
“Coming to England and LWC changed my life.”
Sofia Kulynych (2024, Gosden)
Partnerships
Our partnerships with other schools and community organisations create a positive ripple effect which extends way beyond our campus. By opening our doors and working with others, we not only create a sense of shared purpose, but also break down cultural and socio-economic barriers, promoting a more inclusive and enriching learning environment.
LWC pupils enjoy weekly visits to local infant schools, helping in the classroom, reading and playing with pupils. We welcome children from inner city primary schoolsan opportunity for them to delight in our 1200-acre estate. It is also a joy to see our pupils interacting with residents in our local residential homes, chatting and on occasion organising musical concerts.
Pupil Fundraising
Pupils are exposed to countless philanthropic opportunities that stretch beyond our own charity. The Charity Committee leads the charge working tirelessly for their chosen charities. There are also those wonderful moments when pupils feel passionately about a current issue, and they rally the community to come together and help others in need. This was demonstrated beautifully when a group of staff and pupils headed to Calais in support of refugees via the Care4Calais charity.
LWC pupils love nothing more than getting involved with a cause and making a difference. They host cake sales, dress down days, gather food or toy donations, take on individual challenges, as well as 24 hour sporting ones!
The Three Castles run from Winchester to Windsor is a favourite and last year the pupils raised £3,800 for The Foundation.
100% of pupils are involved in charitable giving
£37,109 raised by the Charity Committee in the last 5 years
Thank You
Thank you to everyone who has lent their support over the last few years. Your generosity, and that of those who came before us, will continue to have a deep and lasting impact.
It is through our acts of philanthropy that we truly leave a legacy that enriches the lives of generations to come. No matter how big or small, your contribution has made a meaningful difference.
What we can achieve together into the future will be equally remarkable.
You have supported the Lord Wandsworth Foundation to provide education awards, as well as the Foundationer Extras Fund to ensure Foundation pupils have equal access to uniform, equipment and co-curricular opportunities.
Your generosity:
• Provides stability to children whose lives have been disrupted by the loss of a parent
• Gives parents and carers a chance to rebuild their lives and seek out new employment opportunities whilst their children are safe here at LWC
• Helps to advance social mobility and create a more equitable education provision
You have helped to fund several Capital Projects including the Nadine Uppal Theatre, The Flowers Science Centre, CCF projects, the War Memorial, the Sculpture of Baron Sydney James Stern, Lord Wandsworth, and the digitisation of the Archives.
You have also contributed to dozens of charities chosen by our pupils and got involved in numerous fundraising activities.
Thank You.
Samantha Corfield Director of Philanthropy
How you can help
There are many ways that you can support Lord Wandsworth College and the Lord Wandsworth Foundation.
1 Make a one-off donation
2 Become a regular donor and set up a monthly standing order
3 Become a legacy donor by leaving a gift in your Will
4 Gifts from the USA – make a donation via the British Schools & Universities Foundation
5 Give via payroll giving. Many employers also have ‘match-funding’ schemes such as Benevity
6 Gifts in Kind/Volunteering - not everyone is in a position to give a financial donation but your time and skills are invaluable
7 Join a fundraising challenge, overseas or in the UK
8 Support our Giving Days and other fundraising events and activities
Find out more:
To find out more or to become a donor please scan the QR code and visit the Support Us section on our website. Alternatively, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with the Philanthropy Team.
Donor Clubs
The Headmaster, Governors and Philanthropy Office would like to extend our sincere thanks to all those whose names are printed here, for your generosity and dedication to Lord Wandsworth College. Your gifts have made a difference, and we are so grateful for your loyalty and friendship.
It is an accumulation of the generosity of all these individuals that ensures Lord Wandsworth College and the Lord Wandsworth Foundation continues to thrive. We are so grateful for every donation that we receive. Thank you.
Many club members have asked to remain anonymous. We hope those individuals also know how grateful we are to have their support.
The Cedrus Gold Club is an accumulation of gifts of £50,000 or more.
S Austen
A Cutner*+ 1938
I Doley*+ 1952
J D S Dudley 1951
W Errington*+ 1939
J Flower*+
A J Gates* 1946
E Hampton*+ 1931
R Jenkin* 1964
J C & B Maynard
Sir H Prideaux*
Baron S Stern*+
R Thompson* 1955
D W Watts
J W Whitehead 1977
The Cedrus Club is for an accumulation of gifts of £5,000 or more.
G* & S Bayliss 1948
J Calver*+ 1939
C J Cazenove
S Clarke 1981
C & K Compton Goddard
D & S Corfield
G Culmer
S H Davies*+ 1941
S L Davis*+
C & N Eastwood
M Featherstone*+
A Finn & K Garner
G J & C J Fry 1975
G Fussell*+ 1945
A Gardiner* 1939
A & K Griffin
U & J Hartkopf
A Haste 1953
P Hawkins*+ 1947
M Haydon 1955
C Hilditch*+ 1953
T Hodges 1963
F Holmes*+
S Howard 1980
L Kinney 1953
J Konrad 2003
T Leslie 1984
B Lovelock*+ 1950
D M H Lowe*+ 1944
N & N Loxton-Coe
F E Luscombe*+ 1938
I Madelin*+ 1949
J & S McCarthy
H Merican 1983
D Minnikin* 1959
F H C Podger* 1948
M & A Prestwich
T Prideaux
S Powell 1946
P Rafferty
I S Rampton
T Riley 1982
J Robinson
D Rutherford James
M Sanders*+ 1953
J Sands* 1976
S Sawhney
T J M Scott 1991
N Shaw 1991
R Stabbins 1962
P & G Summers
N Taylor* 1945
D & I Vinecombe
A Warren 1965
P Waters
A Westwell*+ 1957
A J Williams
E Williams*+ 1938
The Quercus Club is for donors who pledge to make a gift regularly (monthly, quarterly, annually).
A Baker 1980
R Bakshi 1985
K Blakeley
D Bonner 1946
K Boyd
C Bullock 1951
J Carreck 1949
C J Cazenove
C Chandler
C & K Compton Goddard
S Corfield
J D S Dudley 1951
A Dyson 1967
H & L Evans
A Finn & K Garner
C J Fry
G J Fry 1975
J A George 1993
J Hallows
U Hartkopf
M Haydon 1954
B D Holden 2009
S Howard 1980
D Inman 2002
I Kerr OBE
L Kinney 1951
J Konrad 2003
R Link
J C & B Maynard
J A McGeoch
R Nicholas 1965
B E Norsworthy 1961
D Pipe
S Powell 1946
T Prideaux
J Rea-Palmer 1995
S Sawhney
T Scott 1991
N Shaw 1991
R F Shaw
P Spanner 1948
R Stabbins 1962
L Steer
D Stevenson 1953
D & I Vinecombe
D Watts
M Welton-Delafield
A J Williams
T Wood 1996
The 1912 Society is for those who have pledged to leave a gift in their Will.
J Bacon 1970
A Baker 1980
G Barnes 1964
A Barry 1962
A Blows 1984
K Bowden 1947
R Brewster 1946
G Briggs 1961
C Bullock 1951
R Bye 1949
M Carey 1985
Sir P Coulson 1976
L Cullen 1952
B Cunningham 1945
J D S Dudley 1951
M Dunsford 1963
H Ellis 1964
I Ellis 1974
A G Greenwood 1970
J Marshall 1970
M Haydon 1954
J Higgs 1977
T Hodges 1963
D Jaggs 1959
M Jeary 1961
With grateful thanks to all our Trusts and Foundations who continue to support and guide our pupils, their families and the broader work of the Foundation.
J Jeffery
I Kerr OBE
L Kinney 1951
L MacVean 2007
C R Martin 1961
T Oke 1960
R Pope 1961
T Prideaux
B Reeve 1959
T Riley 1982
C Shaw
N Shaw 1991
C Snow 1964
R Stabbins 1962
J Steed 1967
R Sullivan 1987
M Veale 1947
A Warren
P Watson
D W Watts
A V Whibley
C Winter 1960
*Deceased
+ Legacy Gift
Date - pupil leaving year
“I have long considered my great fortune at being a Foundation scholar a small miracle that allowed me to rise from the depth of poverty I might otherwise have faced.’
Sternian Foundationer
Donations/Support 01256 860243 philanthropy@lordwandsworth.org
Foundation Enquiries 01256 860385 foundation@lordwandsworth.org
