ACCELERATING CLIFTON S FUTURE
A TRULY GREAT SCHOOL Clifton has seen a remarkable renaissance in recent years. Ever improving academic results and outstanding success in sport, music, art and drama have led to growing demand for places, and a transformation in our finances, allowing us to invest 12 million in our facilities. Yet our core values remain unchanged: intellectual agility, a capacity for boldness, social confidence, a sense of fun, strength and decency of character. As an Old Cliftonian you will recognise and share these values.
In the coming years we have the opportunity to create a truly great School. Such a School will include children from all backgrounds, and this is why the Clifton College Development Trust is determined to increase the numbers of subsidised and free places for talented pupils at Clifton, which will in turn free the School s funds to develop a more inspiring range of facilities. Clifton is at an exciting juncture in its long and remarkable history. I hope you are inspired as we are by the possibilities ahead of us and will play your part in making them a reality. - Mr M.J. Moore MA, Head Master -
Douglas Fox conducting, 1951 OVER 150 YEARS OF LIFE CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES The recent celebration of Clifton s 150th anniversary not only provided a timely focus for reflection on our great history and diverse successes, but an opportunity to look forward and build on the great legacy of our predecessors. Throughout our history, bursarial philanthropy has played a vital part in creating opportunities for pupils who otherwise would not have had the remarkable fortune of attending our School. It has extended to them that privilege of joining a stimulating, diverse, and inspiring institution, unique among the major boarding public schools in its wonderful city location. Just as yours were, their memories and character were shaped and sharpened here. These endeavours remain central to the future ethos of Clifton, but with just 9% of our yearly income allocated to Bursaries, the opportunities remain distinctly limited. Currently 168 pupils receive financial support, and the Clifton College Development Trust is committed to raising these numbers in the coming years. Yet demands for investment across both Bursaries and Capital Projects are increasing. The Grubber, 1950s Winston Churchill visits Clifton, 1946 We exist in a highly competitive environment which is becoming more so by the year, and for the School to flourish in the longer term it is clear that we must raise additional funds. For this we need your help. The Clifton College Development Trust s ambitions are underpinned by three guiding principles: To build on and further enhance the reputation and strength of the School. To increase the number of Scholarships and Bursaries awarded, enabling greater access for talented pupils regardless of circumstances through an enhanced needs blind programme. To ensure Clifton remains a place of distinction for future generations. By helping us fulfil these objectives, you will give more pupils whatever their background the same chance that you and so many Old Cliftonians had to immerse themselves in our utterly distinctive School.
CHRISTOPHER CATES, ACADEMIC SCHOLAR INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED MEDICAL PIONEER From a vantage point of 50 years later, Christopher looks back on his ten years at Clifton as a very happy phase in his life. It was also a successful one: he became Head of School (where he perfected how to run a bar and change a beer barrel) and became an expert Fives player, going on to win the British university doubles competition. Perhaps most significant, however, was the kindness and inspiration provided by mathematics master Philip Hutchinson who planted seeds which were to germinate much later in life. After winning a Scholarship to Cambridge to study medicine, Christopher worked as a GP for 23 years, until his love of maths and his keen curiosity led him sideways into researching the use of antibiotics for children, and eventually to become senior research fellow at St George s, University of London. Today his guidelines on the risks and benefits of a range of treatments are widely accepted globally. He has encouraged modern medicine to reconsider its use of antibiotics and helped it shift to personalised treatments for the individual. Indeed it is no exaggeration to say Christopher has changed the way the world practices medicine. The freedom and opportunity the School offered to do extra things had a huge impact on my outlook on life. We were able to be different, and proud to be different. - Christopher Cates, ST, 1974 -
JULIAN RICHER, BURSARY RECIPIENT ENTREPRENEUR AND BUSINESS INNOVATOR Clifton College taught Julian Richer two very important things: how to drum and how to make a profit. Thirty-five years ago, he was a teenager whose Housemaster encouraged him to buy second-hand bits and bobs in Bristol s shops and sell them for a profit. Today he is one of the UK s most innovative and in-demand entrepreneurs and business consultants, founder and owner of the iconic Richer Sounds chain, philanthropist, and keen jazz drummer. I m a maverick and I like independence. - Julian Richer, PH, 1977 - When Julian s parents went through a divorce, his Housemaster, Ernest Polack, believed that the best therapy for him would be to follow his passions; indeed he went so far as to oversee Julian s budding business transactions to ensure fair play. It worked. By the time Julian was 17 he had three boys working for him on commission. Shortly after leaving School, aged 19, he borrowed 20,000 and set up shop in a poky space near London Bridge. He repaid the debt within the year and has never looked back, developing along the way a range of innovative business practices built on empowering staff so much so that Asda, Halifax and many other businesses have transformed their own staff cultures by seeking his advice. Julian is the first to admit he was never an academic high flyer. Yet instead of branding him a failure, Clifton positively encouraged him to follow his interests. The fruits of this approach are to be found on high streets throughout the UK.
JOHN INVERDALE BBC PRESENTER & JOURNALIST Sometimes, there is no denying fate. When a young John Inverdale joined the fourth form in 1971 it was apparent, and not at all surprising, that two interests really caught his attention: journalism and sport. His English teacher, Brian Worthington, ignited a passion for the English Language and verbal dexterity, qualities that would serve him well when he became Editor for the Cliftonian. For his final two years John also ascended to captain of tennis as well as playing for the first XV rugby team on the Close. Little wonder that one day these two outlets would fuse together so successfully. The freedom of spirit within boundaries that Clifton can offer, provide an extraordinary breadth of access to the wider world by virtue of its exceptional geographical setting. - John Inverdale, ET, 1975 - Since leaving Clifton, John has found acclaim as an award-winning international journalist and sports presenter on both television and radio. He puts his ability to move knowledgably between so many different sports down to his days at Clifton. He was encouraged to think freely, let his mind roam and not be worried that out of 100 ideas, 99 would be useless but the one that shone out would be worth it. It s clear from his professional track record over the years John has reduced those odds considerably.
JULIA HWANG, MUSIC AND ACADEMIC SCHOLAR INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED VIOLINIST Julia joined Clifton in 2003 with a reputation for musical prowess and academic ability, but it was only once her talents were nurtured by Clifton s respective faculties that she truly blossomed. Throughout her time at Clifton she has performed with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and released her own album. Julia credits her academic programme as a contributing factor toward her success, as it gives her the time to pursue her musical interests without compromising her potential elsewhere. Such is her standing in the violinist fraternity, Julia now boasts possession of one of Peter Guarnerius s violins. Made in c1698, such instruments are incredibly rare and Julia considers it a privilege to be the current guardian. Facing a future as a musician who wishes to perform full-time, I can reflect back on my ten years at Clifton fondly; this School has given me the confidence, support and the right environment to nurture my skills and to help me grow as a person. It may sound contrived, but Clifton, for me, really has been the best School of all - Julia Hwang, Hallward s House, 2013 -
CHARLIE DOWDING, ACADEMIC SCHOLAR READING MATHEMATICS AT CAMBRIDGE After receiving offers from the top five mathematics universities in England, Charlie elected to pursue Cambridge s offer of a place at Selwyn College and is currently just entering his first year of study. Charlie joined Clifton in The Pre and quickly established himself as a fine academic Porter Scholar and one with huge potential. This potential has been nurtured across all subjects, but it was Mathematics where Charlie s passion was concentrated and so, with the aid of staff and contemporaries he truly flourished. I cannot stress how great the impact Clifton s Porter Scholarship has had on my life. Everything I have achieved I owe them, and much more. Everything I go on to achieve will be a result of the investment that Clifton made in me. Helping me to overcome the affordability of attending the School was of course of huge benefit, but the other opportunities and experiences I have had put in front of me will stay with me forever - Charlie Dowding, The South Town, 2012 - It was not just in his chosen area of study that Charlie excelled however. His contribution toward his House and all round commitment to Clifton was not unnoticed and he was formally recognised with an award for outstanding Effort and Achievement.
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF GIRLS AT CLIFTON To celebrate 25 years of girls at Clifton, the Clifton College Development Trust has set up a special fund to support seven Scholarships for girl pupils. Four of the Scholarships have been allocated to pupils in The Preparatory School and the remaining three handed to Sixth Form pupils. My year at Clifton College has been very memorable and full of many exciting opportunities... The only problem I have is knowing which clubs and teams to join next. Esme Edworthy, South Town, The Preparatory School It has been a pleasure to come and study here, mainly because it gives me lots more opportunities...i am incredibly grateful for what Clifton has done. Hafsah Hayat, South Town, The Preparatory School Year 8 scholars Polly, Esme, Hafsah and Tallulah are already making the most of the opportunities around them. Along with enjoying her everyday lessons, Polly gets involved with a wide range of activities. She shone in the School performance of Rock Nativity, is the library monitor and plays goalkeeper in the 2nd X1 Hockey. As well as performing well academically, Esme is also a dedicated sportswoman, excelling in both netball and hockey, and achieving a black belt in karate. Esme has been entered into a British Council speaking competition by the Chinese Department and is planning to extend her sporting abilities to teaching fellow pupils at her self-created cheerleading club. Tallulah and Hafsah seem to embrace every aspect of School life with the same cheerful enthusiasm; whether academically or socially. Both talented artists are entering the Art Scholarship, whilst enjoying the range of creative craft activities on offer at Clifton. Pictured from left to right: Esme Edworthy, Tallulah Trudgeon, Hafsah Hayat and Polly Payne
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF CLIFTON Our ambition is to give as many young people the opportunities to develop their talents and fulfil their potential. If, during your time at Clifton, you gained experiences, friendships, knowledge, skills and memories that you draw on to this day, you will understand what a great gift this is. It costs 33,000 per annum to provide a fully funded Bursary at Clifton College. Our aim is to offer 20 additional fully paid Bursaries to give more talented pupils the chance to study at Clifton College regardless of their background or financial situation. This is where we need your help. To fund these pupils through five years of schooling, we are looking for 100 substantial donations each of which can support one pupil. A donation of 26,400 will help us reach 33,000, as we can reclaim 25% of the donation as Gift Aid. It becomes an even more tempting proposition when you consider that this donation would only actually cost you 19,800 given that you can deduct this amount from your higher income tax rate of 45% and reclaim the tax. Of course, any donation would be most welcome. Each one, whatever its size, can make a significant difference to the education of Clifton s boys and girls. Make a donation today Please help us extend the extraordinary benefits of a Clifton education to more young people by donating a gift towards our Scholarship and Bursaries scheme. There are a number of flexible ways to make a donation including lump sums or monthly direct debits. For a confidential chat about how you can help, simply contact Jeremy Pickles, Director of Development at Clifton College Call on +44 (0)117 315 7660 or email development@cliftoncollege.com We greatly value your support. Thank you.
TRUSTEES John Pocock (Chairman) Simon Brewer (ET, 1981) Robin Bowie (WiH, 1980) Jonathan Glassberg (PH, 1983) Hugh Harper (WiH, 1986) Alan Morgan (NT, 1969) Nick Tolchard (ST, 1980) Clifton College Development Trust The Garden Room, 3 Worcester Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3JL Telephone: +44(0) 117 315 7660 Email: development@cliftoncollege.com Registered Charity Number 1140132