1876 Society Meeting

Our annual 1876 Society meeting is a chance to reflect on the impact of our community’s support for the Opening Doors bursary campaign.

This year, members of the 1876 Society were joined by current pupils and alumnae who have benefitted directly from the programme.  Alumna and journalist, Jenny Kleeman (Class of 1997), hosted a panel discussion with bursary students, past and present, with Headmistress Mrs Bingham sharing her personal thoughts on the benefits of our increased bursary provision.  She was joined by Sixth Former Sofiia, who joined us from Ukraine last year, and former bursary recipient, Lola Busari (Class of 2005); both spoke movingly about the effect that the bursary awards have had on their own lives and on their extended families. We also launched a wonderful new spotlight video featuring one of our current bursary students.

The evening culminated with a thank you to Mrs Bingham for all that she has done to re-invigorate the bursary programme at South Hampstead during her tenure. In recognition her commitment, Mrs Bingham was welcomed as a lifetime member of the 1876 Society.  Our Director of Philanthropy reflected on her impact: “Mrs Bingham has embedded the whole concept of building diversity through bursary provision.  She has been tireless in promoting the vision and relentless in spreading the word. She cares profoundly about the wellbeing of the individual girls and has personally invested in their journeys.” 

More than 130 alumnae, parents and friends are now members of the 1876 Society. Named after our founding year, the 1876 Society recognises those who have pledged a regular annual gift of at least £1,876, or have donated the equivalent of a full fee place or more.  Find out more here.