PUBLISHED 08 May 2024
On Sunday 28th April, the sun shone at AKS as we welcomed over 120 participants from our alumni, school and local community who came together for the Change Their World Charity Walk. Alumni from across our schools walked alongside current students of AKS, staff, parents and local supporters to support the AKS Lytham Foundation and raise funds for transformational bursaries.
The mission of the new bursary appeal for the AKS Lytham Foundation is simple: We aim to provide life changing opportunities through educational bursaries for talented, local children who might otherwise not be afforded the chance. We believe that every child deserves equal opportunities to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. Yet, with only 14 out of 40+ current bursaries covering 75% of fees, the AKS Lytham Foundation aim’s to bridge this gap. Our goal is to offer fully-funded transformational bursaries from Senior School through to Sixth Form. These bursaries won’t just cover tuition fees; they also ensure all additional expenses are taken care of, giving recipients the support they need to excel and thrive.
The Change Their World Charity Walk started our first ever #AKSDonationWeek24 which was an opportunity to highlight we aspire to achieve through the AKS Lytham Foundation. The Development Office were contacted by many members of our alumni and local community and many pledged their support to the Bursary Fund along with messages of support.
Over the past week, many alumni have recalled their fond memories of their time at Arnold School, King Edward VII, Queen Mary School or KEQMS and how the Direct Grant Scheme and other similar forms of financial assistance enabled them to benefit from a free place at our heritage schools which changed the trajectory of their lives forever.
The activities at school continued on Wednesday 1st May, when the Prep School and Nursery participated in their own beach-themed event. From hula hooping to beach ball relays, a great time was had.
A huge thank you to all the Prep Children and their families who raised a staggering £1,500 as part of the final total.
The Development Office is delighted to announce that through our combined efforts, a total of £30,081.62 has been raised during Donation Week 2024!
A huge thank you to all of our donors who came together to make this happen. Along with other donations raised this year, the AKS Lytham Foundation will be able to support our very first fully-funded transformational bursaries from this September into Sixth Form.
Phil Owen, Chair of Governors said:
“As Chair of the Local Governing Body, I have been delighted to help get the AKS Lytham Foundation off the ground. I was lucky to benefit from a free place at Arnold School under the old Direct Grant Scheme. It’s very warming to be able to support gifted and talented children benefit from a great education here at AKS”.
Chris Dickson, Chair of the Foundation said:
“It has been incredible to see alumni, parents, students, staff and local supporters come together to support the first Donation Week for the AKS Lytham Foundation. Through your support and through the continued fundraising efforts of the Development Office at AKS Lytham, we will now be able to support our very first fully funded transformational bursaries from this September into AKS Sixth Form”.