Students' fund-raising praised

Steyning Grammar School's sixth form charity committee '“ made up entirely of year 13 students '“ raised the money at three events between the start of the school year in September, and Christmas.

Fund-raising kicked off just a few weeks into the term, with two events in quick succession '“ a fairytale party and a coffee morning.

The party saw sixth formers don fancy dress to raise money for Water Aid, which works to provide clean water in developing countries.

Organised by the committee, under the guidance of student Meg Phillips, 17, the event was a roaring success, with 260 students dressing up and raising 800 for the charity.

Pupils at the school also joined in with the yearly event, the world's biggest coffee morning, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, raising 777.

December's annual jailbreak was again the highlight of the school's fund-raising calendar.

More than 200 students "escaped" the confines of the school and embarked on a fund-raising mission, collecting a whopping 7,000 for Save the Children.

Charity committee head Rhiannon Stuart-Jones, 18, explained why she had wanted to get involved with fund-raising at the school.

"I have been working for various charities for the last few years," she said.

"I enjoy planning events and I enjoy working with everyone to raise as much money as we can so other people can be better off."

Rhiannon added she was delighted by how much she and her fellow students had raised at their events.

She said: "Everyone has done such an amazing job, and we have got more things planned for this term, so we can raise a lot more.

"We have done really well '“ and there is more to come."

Cathy McDonald-Bowyer, deputy director of sixth form at the school, said she had been astounded by the students' commitment to the fund-raising.

"It is an absolutely fantastic amount. I have just been amazed at their capacity to think up ideas," she said.

"They have driven things and have really inspired the other students.

"They really lead the school and they are positive role models for all the other students."