The community-minded actions of students and staff at Felsted School in north Essex have led to the school being named as one of five finalists for a new UK independent schools Award.
‘Giving Something Back’ is among 12 categories of award to be presented in June 2022 by Muddy Stilletos, a school review publication for parents, and recognises schools able to show how students live the values and ethos of the school beyond the classroom and into everyday life and the value they create in the community.
‘We are of course delighted to have been shortlisted for this award,’ says Head of Felsted, Chris Townsend. ‘Instilling in our students the desire, skills and confidence to take action to make a difference in life is a crucial element of being at Felsted. It has a ripple effect through families and communities and can make a lasting and positive impact on people’s everyday lives.’
Felsted has been making a difference in its local area for more than 450 years. The school is an integral part of the local community and plays a significant and practical role in society, with students and staff members volunteering their time and their energy to supporting worthwhile initiatives.
Even the youngest pupils take part in fundraising activities, such as Pyjama Days in the Pre-Prep and selling charity Christmas baubles in the Senior School, to raise funds for good causes.
Felsted has strong ties with Chelmsford’s homeless project CHESS and local initiatives through the mental health charity Young Minds. As well as making financial donations, students and staff give up their time to volunteer on a regular basis. Felsted students are often to be found helping out at the night shelter at the Ascension Church in Newham, in London’s East End, and the school also has close links with the nearby Royal Docks Academy (RDA), sharing its resources and expertise and also creating opportunities for students from both schools to come together and understand each other’s lives and challenges.
Every year an RDA student is offered a full bursary to attend Felsted’s Sixth Form, as are two students every year through the Royal National Springboard Foundation, and one through the HMC Sixth Form programme. On top of that, every year, one deserving student joining Felsted in any year group is selected to receive a 110% bursary.
All are welcome at Felsted and the school works hard to make sure that the community is fully inclusive. The Pride Society is making a real difference by raising awareness of the school’s LGBTQ+ community, while the recently formed Equality and Diversity Society comprises 25 students, former students and teachers who engage the school community in meaningful conversations and are affecting real progress.
Further information about the difference Felsted’s students and staff are making to communities can be found at felsted.org/about-felsted/making-a-difference, including:
- a student group importing Safi Coffee direct from growers in Uganda to finance the education of children there
- outreach and sharing of resources and facilities with local schoolchildren in Essex
- participation in international volunteering such as building projects in Borneo and Colombia
- supporting the health and education of children in Malawi through the Sparkle Foundation, founded by a former Felsted student
- sponsoring a pack of Humboldt penguins at Colchester Zoo and supporting the education of visitors on the importance of conserving wildlife and supporting the world’s natural eco systems.
- participation in the Queen’s Green Canopy and One Tribe tree-planting initiatives in the interests of the environment
