Garden Party Celebrates Generous Donors and School's Vision for Bursaries

On Friday evening, the warm evening sun welcomed 40 guests to St Peter’s for a garden party on the music school lawn. This special event was an opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to the generous donors and supporters who have played a pivotal role in supporting the school.

The highlight of the garden party was a speech delivered by Head Master, Mr Jeremy Walker, who warmly welcomed and thanked everyone for their attendance. In his address, Mr Walker acknowledged the remarkable impact of the donors' contributions and reiterated the school's commitment to its vision of providing bursaries to pupils from all backgrounds.

“We aim to ensure that a St Peter's education remains accessible to all, regardless of their financial circumstances. Through your continued support, we have already moved from 30 bursaries last year to 36 this year and 42 next year and we plan to keep increasing those numbers, paid for through donations from our generous benefactors.  He added “This is an ambitious goal, but your generosity is the foundation upon which we build this vision, and we are immensely grateful for your enduring support”.

As the garden party unfolded, attendees were treated a musical medley by ensembles from 8-13. The delightful performances served as a reminder of the remarkable talents nurtured within the school's walls.

Guests had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with some of the sixth formers, who shared their personal stories and experiences of the transformative impact of a St Peter's education. Mr Walker explained that the stories from current pupils at the school “resonate deeply across the generations of Old and current Peterites. St Peter's is the thread that connects us all, weaving together a tapestry of shared experiences, values, and aspirations. It is this enduring sense of community that makes our school truly exceptional. It is where we walk, as our motto says ‘over ancient ways’ although I like to say that a pithier version would simply be ‘Crack on’.”

The garden party was not only a celebration of the school's achievements but also a chance for the St Peter's community to come together and reflect on its shared journey. It served as a reminder of the collective responsibility to nurture future generations and empower young minds to reach their full potential.

As the event drew to a close, guests departed with a renewed sense of pride and commitment to the school's mission. The party had provided an opportunity to express gratitude, celebrate achievements, and reinforce the vision of St Peter's School as a beacon of educational excellence and inclusivity.

To hear more about how you can be involved in helping shape bursary provision for future generations please contact Development and Alumni Manager, Becky Nicholson: [email protected].