From the 9th to 13th March, Leweston’s Year 13 students hosted an extraordinary Charity Week, delivering a packed programme of events that brought together pupils and staff from across the Prep and Senior Schools in support of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). Led with outstanding creativity, energy and organisation by Sixth Form Charity Prefects Ava and Pearl, the week proved to be one of the most successful and inclusive charity initiatives the school has ever seen.
Matthew Ryan‑East, Head of Sixth Form, reflected on the achievement:
“I am so proud of our Year 13s for the monumental effort and superb organisation that went into this year's extraordinary charities week. It really was epic! With events and activities running throughout the day, everyday, there really was something for everyone. "
Student Leadership at the Heart of Charity Week
As Charity Prefects, Ava and Pearl led on every aspect of the week’s planning and delivery. They devised daily themes, organised lunchtime activities, coordinated publicity, rallied staff support, liaised with the chosen charity, and oversaw the logistics for all events - including the flagship 24‑hour Sportathon.
Tom Enticknap, Head of Houses and Charities, commented:
“ Schools run charity weeks because they’re one of the most powerful ways to help students grow as people, strengthen community spirit, and make a meaningful difference beyond the school. Being involved in a charity week teaches social responsibility and (hopefully) contributes to students becoming compassionate young people. It gives students the chance to lead on something. Planning events, promoting causes, and organising activities. This builds leadership, teamwork, and independence."
A Colourful and Creative Start: Monday 9 March
Charity Week launched in spectacular fashion with Crazy Hair Day, instantly filling the school with colour and creativity. A hugely successful bake sale followed at breaktime, before the day concluded with the ever‑popular “I’m A Teacher, Get Me Out of Here!”
Brave members of staff faced shaving foam showers, socks filled with baked beans, and daring food challenges involving raw onion and dried crickets. By the end of Day 1, students had raised £246.20, and when combined with wristband ticket sales, the total had reached an impressive £1,036.20 already.
House Spirit Takes Centre Stage: Tuesday 10 March
Tuesday was a proud House‑themed day, with students accessorising in their house colours and competing in a fiercely contested House Quiz, expertly led by Mrs Lilly. Congratulations went to More House, who emerged victorious after an intense battle, while Campion House earned a special mention for persevering despite a faulty buzzer.
A second bake sale proved so popular that it sold out before breaktime had even finished — a testament to the enthusiasm and generosity of the school community.
Dressing Up and Deceptions: Wednesday 11 March
Creativity was on full display on Wednesday with Dress as a Character with the Same First Letter as Your Name Day. Students and staff alike embraced the challenge, coming to school dressed as pop stars, animals, Mr Men characters and even out‑of‑this‑world creations. Standout costumes included Mrs K Andrews’ impressive Katy Perry costume, Mr B Robinson's Blackbeard, and a student came as our own Headmaster John Paget-Tomlinson.
The day also saw the return of Teacher Would I Lie To You?, featuring tales ranging from outrageous heists and celebrity encounters to secret tattoos — some convincing enough to fool the teachers’ own families.
Sport, Stamina and the Spirit of Giving: Thursday 12 – Friday 13 March
Thursday began with Bring Anything But a Bag Day, with books transported in everything from toolboxes and traffic cones to bins and piñatas, before a hotly contested Staff vs Year 13 Netball Match. After a strong start from the students, a second‑half comeback from staff secured a dramatic win.
The match marked the start of the 24‑hour Sportathon, which saw Year 13 students brave torrential wind and rain to take part in touch rugby and night‑time hockey, alongside football, swimming, basketball, cycling, badminton, cricket and more. Despite the challenging conditions, spirits remained high throughout.
The Sportathon concluded with Just Dance and a rousing Staff vs Sixth Form Tug of War, where the Year 13s finally claimed victory in front of a cheering crowd.
A unique highlight this year was an hour dedicated to Prep School sport, with Year 13 students leading activities across equine sessions, cross‑country running and multi‑sport challenges. The Riding Academy also hosted its first Sponsored Rideathon, completing 77 laps in one hour.
Richard Thompson, Head of Prep School, praised the impact of the week:
“ Events such as this are so important because they remind us that charity is not simply about fundraising; it is about community, empathy, and shared purpose. For Prep pupils, being involved helps them to understand, in a very tangible way, that they can make a difference, regardless of their age. It also allows them to look up to the Senior students, seeing first-hand the values of leadership, resilience, and service in action. For the Year 13 students, it provides an opportunity to give back, to lead by example, and to leave a lasting legacy within the school. ”
A Truly United School Community
The entire week exemplified the values at the heart of Leweston - compassion, service and community. Supporting Cardiac Risk in the Young, who provide screenings and support to families affected by cardiac conditions, was a cause of personal significance for a member in the Sixth Form.
Reflecting on the experience, Charity Prefect Ava shared:
“Every single year group got involved, from Prep 1 to Year 13. Community engagement is so important because we can develop our empathy, teamwork skills and focus on issues that are prevalent to all of us in society today. ”
A Week to Remember
Charity Week 2025 was more than a fundraising success, it was a celebration of leadership, resilience, generosity and shared purpose. Sincere thanks go to all students, staff, families and supporters who participated, donated, supervised and encouraged throughout the week. Together, the Leweston community truly showed what can be achieved when everyone comes together for a cause bigger than themselves.
To conclude, Charity Prefect Ava shared:
“Thank you to everyone who got involved and supported us... the week wouldn't have been as successful without so much positive engagement!”