Hymers College has raised tens of thousands of pounds for its bursary scheme, enabling students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to benefit from a private education.
The independent Hull school held its inaugural ‘Giving Day’ to support the John Hymers Bursary Scheme – named after the school’s founder.
The bursary scheme provides life-changing opportunities for students from lower-income families, allowing them to access an outstanding education and pursue ambitious futures – whether that is progressing to an elite university or launching a rewarding career.
The Giving Day invited Hymers alumni, known as ‘Old Hymerians’, as well as parents and stakeholders, to contribute to the fund.
Held over 36 hours – allowing Hymers’ international alumni to follow events online – the Giving Day featured a range of fundraising activities.
It culminated in almost 700 students, from the Junior School to Sixth Form, taking part in a spectacular colour run.
Other activities organised by students and staff included a fun run and swim, market stalls and yoga sessions for parents.
Supporters were given the opportunity to ‘buy’ one of 30 trees in a new garden area at the front of the school, each featuring the donor’s name – a lasting tribute to their support.
Several successful alumni offered to match donations at varying levels, significantly boosting the total raised.
To date, the Giving Day has raised nearly £80,000 with donations still being accepted.
Emily Pennack, Head of Development at Hymers, said: “We’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity of the Hymers community – our alumni, parents, friends and partners.
“Their contributions are the difference between a student’s dreams being realised or lost.
“The spirit of generosity and unity shown throughout our first Giving Day reaffirms the strength of philanthropy within the Hymers community. It’s a powerful reminder of what makes our school so special.”
Currently, 82 academically gifted students aged 10–18 receive support from the John Hymers Bursary Scheme. Bursaries are awarded on a case-by-case basis, with some students receiving up to 100% of their school fees.
One of them is 17-year-old Kloe Vass, from Hull, who received a full bursary. She recently completed A Levels in Latin, Classics and Maths, and now has an offer to study Classics at the University of Oxford.
Kloe said: “Being at Hymers has changed my life. I’ve been able to study subjects I wouldn’t have otherwise had the opportunity to explore.
“If you’re in a position to donate, I’d definitely encourage it – it can truly change the direction of a young person’s life.”
Angel Nicholson, 18, also from Hull, received a 50% bursary and studied A Levels in History, Classics and English Literature. She has an offer to study English Literature at Durham University.
“I’ve always wanted to go into academia and needed a different environment,” she said. “Hymers was the best place for me but it wouldn’t have been possible without the bursary scheme.”
The school continues to uphold the founding vision of John Hymers, who wished for it to be “for the training of intelligence in whatever social rank of life it may be found.”
Hymers Headmaster Justin Stanley said: “The John Hymers Bursary Scheme is essential in keeping the school true to our founder’s mission – to maintain a socially diverse community drawn from across the region.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed so generously to Giving Day. Every penny raised will help a bright, local child access a first-class education at Hymers.
“Our growing alumni network has shown us just how much former students value this fund, and we are thankful for every contribution.”
