Current Development Priorities

• The refurbishment of four science laboratories at a cost of £50,000 each = £200,000
• Sponsorship of our outreach programme (see below)
• The provision of twenty-five touch screen white boards at £2,000 each = £50,000
• Sponsorship (naming) of our new music recital room = £50,000

Science

Our inaugural Science Symposium took place in the Britton Centre in April 2024, and officially kickstarted our Campaign for Science, with an array of Wilson’s students, staff, alumni, and key supporters of the school in the room together. Attendees heard from Jeremy Bentham - Co-Chair at the World Energy Council – about tackling climate change whilst other student and Old Wilsonian speakers covered contemporary scientific topics. Following this, Mr McLaughlin spoke about the current challenges of teaching science at Wilson’s – related to our space issues, limited capacity and outdated facilities – before Mr Edge and Ben Kott explored the power of investment, and what the Development Team hope to achieve.

Our interim target of £200,000 will allow us to refurbish four of our science laboratories which are in desperate need of upgrades, whilst our long-term target of £600,000 would allow us to refurbish all 12 of our laboratories with a view to establishing a brand-new science block. Beyond this, we also need to update our equipment provision with the Science Department identifying key items that will improve our ability to teach science at the highest possible level. If you would like to sponsor a specific piece of equipment, click here.

Our 2024 Campaign for Science will drastically improve our facilities

Outreach

In addition to inviting support for our capital development programme we are also seeking funding for our Outreach work. Founded in January 2019, The Wilson’s Outreach programme is designed to equip primary school children from some of the most disadvantaged sections of our local community with the knowledge, skills and confidence to sit entry tests for admission to selective schools.

In partnership with a number of other schools in Sutton, Wilson’s has established strong links with a number of local primary schools. Our Year 12 pupils and staff work with children to develop both mathematical and creative writing skills. Pupils from these schools have also visited Wilson’s to use our science facilities and to take part in a teaching and activity ‘taster day’. Through generous benefaction we are fortunate to have secured funding to operate the early stages of the outreach programme. We are now seeking at least £100,000 to secure the continuation of the programme.

Target

We therefore aspire to raise £400,000 from parents, alumni and other sectors of the wider school community. We also seek support from local companies and grant making trusts.

HRH Princess Eugenie at the opening of the Britton Centre