Appeal Voices

As our School heads towards its 150th anniversary, we have so much to celebrate. We also have a responsibility to look forward, so that future generations can benefit and enjoy a Clifton High education. As a former parent and now Chair of Governors, I fully support the School's ambition to acknowledge this important milestone through the 150th Anniversary Appeal.

When establishing our School, the founding governors, by design or coincidence, instilled within it a set of enduring features. These remain with us and are what, today, we mark out as our unique characterises of Clifton High. We can’t touch or feel them but we know they exist, we can’t see them but our senses tell us they are there throughout the School and all it strands for in education. Support for Clifton High has never been stronger and that is a rich testimony to the vision of our Founders and to the subsequent determination of all involved to hold fast to the principles they endowed on the School. Our 150th Anniversary Appeal is a celebration of that wisdom.

It feels good to give back when one can. The Foundation appreciates all sizes of donations - towards bursaries, special projects, general funds - as these enable School to keep moving forward to constantly improve its educational offering in the broadest sense. Never forget what a privilege it is to attend Clifton High. Like its Beech Tree: it's unique and is a part of you forever.

Children are born with a sense of awe and wonder. An Autumn leaf or a sparkling water drop can be a source of fascination to them. Childhood is such a magical time, filled with new experiences and a curiosity to find out about their world. What a joy it was to spend my days in the company of these natural scientists that I taught at Clifton High School and see the world through their eyes.

The amazing teachers at School supported me in exploring all my interests - from art clubs to maths competitions - before I found a passion for science that I’ve followed to university. I’m now doing a degree I love and would never have found without the encouragement and opportunity to keep trying new things.

Science was great for me at Clifton High School, always inspiring me to get involved. Having facilities to encourage younger generations is vital to ensure we nurture their inquisitive minds as they search for the next scientific discovery.

Clifton High School shaped my curiosity and inspired my passion for learning. The staff went beyond the typical role, providing opportunities for me to challenge myself and develop the skills and confidence needed to purse a future in science and engineering.

I always enjoyed my science lessons, but didn't see myself continuing after my GCSEs. However, after leaving school I worked at the BRI as a nursing assistant during the Covid pandemic. In this time, I discovered my love for healthcare, so with the help and support of Clifton High, I applied to University and completed a three year BSC in Paramedic science, achieving a first class degree. I now work as a Paramedic in Cambridge and I am ambitious to progress my career in pre hospital emergency care.

Clifton High taught me to apply my self fully to whatever I wanted to do and I learned fundamental skills which I have been able to implement in my role as a Paramedic.

Clifton High School was a big part of my life as a pupil in the sixth form and later as a Science teacher. During this time I made life-long loyal friends and loved taking children out of school on Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, helped by an enthusiastic band of parents.

The School supported me in ways that I probably didn’t realise at the time. It gave me the platform to be myself, to explore with the courageous and curious mindset and flourish as a pupil. My bursary changed my life as I would not have been able to attend Clifton High without bursary support.

Whilst I was at Clifton High I jumped at every opportunity. I was always helping at the open days and in the sports department. I was awarded a bursary from Year 8 which covered my School fees and this changed my life for the better.

My time at Clifton High would not have been possible without the financial support I received. The opportunities, academic support and skills beyond the classroom provided by School created the foundations to be able to succeed in my dream of opening a school. A school opening alongside a network of alternative education provisions and school support to give back, to provide the education opportunity that was afforded to me whilst at Clifton High. I will continue to support School, as I believe I would not be where I am now without Clifton High.

Science is an integral part of life and allows children to learn through experimentation, observation and curiosity. Science enhances academic success and allows for creativity, predictability and innovation all of which we want our pupils, at Clifton High Infant and Junior School, to experience and excel at.

It is impossible to state how many aspects of modern life are impacted by scientific knowledge; the future is in their hands, so we have to ensure they are given the tools to make it amazing

As a proud Clifton Rosarian and now a parent at the School, the Appeal is very close to my heart. I remember with great fondness my time at CHS and now my two children are lucky enough to attend and are thriving. It is even more important to support this wonderful school for future generations to enjoy.

I am thrilled to support the school’s 150th Anniversary Appeal and to be a regular donor, which is a small token of my thanks for giving me such happy memories, confidence in life and a love for learning.

Our daughter Tara went to Clifton High School over 30 years ago; she settled into the school very quickly, gained confidence and friends that have remained to this day. Clifton High was hugely effective in supporting Tara academically and consequently, pursuing a science-based course, she went on to read medicine at Saint Bartholomew’s Hospital medical school and is now a consultant physician in London. We as parents, and subsequently governors at the school, have watched the school grow in strength and size with enhanced facilities and a new sixth form centre and we can’t wait to see the new science block appear. We are delighted to support the School's 150^th Anniversary Appeal and look forward to celebrating its Anniversary in 2027.

Clifton High School’s remarkable sense of community among staff, pupils, and alumni makes it a truly special place. Speaking to the Sixth Form earlier this year was a powerful reminder of how impactful it can be to share your experiences with students preparing for their next steps. I’d encourage any former pupil to return and give a talk; it’s a rewarding and fulfilling way to give back and support the next generation with advice only the alumni can provide.