Supporting London's Young
Since 1995, the Weavers’ Company has developed a long-term relationship with three inner-city Primary Schools in London. The schools each present different and challenging issues but inevitably feature a high dependency on free school meals, high levels of mobility, and have (or formerly had) a poor position in league tables.
Whilst some funding is provided to each of the schools, it is the personal involvement of members of the Company that has the greatest impact on our adopted schools. One Company member is designated as the lead relationship holder for each school and, wherever possible, is a member of its governing body. Additional support is provided by other members through initiatives such as helping children to read or supporting individual school projects.
Members of the Primary Schools Committee meet regularly with the Head Teachers to establish priority areas where the Company’s support may be most beneficial. Our grants have funded or helped fund:
- Playground developments.
- Sound and lighting systems.
- Library refurbishment, including the provision of books and stock-lending systems.
- A Writer in Residence.
- Coaching about inclusion.
- Nursery furniture.
- Resources, including specialist maths equipment, iPads and musical instruments.
- Financial support for school trips.
- Support for gardening, drama workshops and after-school clubs.
Additional financial support has been provided more recently through an annual Awards Scheme that promotes Aspiration, Attitude and Achievement amongst pupils. The Awards are presented by the Upper Bailiff and the Clerk at the end of the summer term.
Our Primary Schools
Grange Primary School
Grange Primary School in Southwark has 420 pupils aged from 3 to 11, of whom approximately 40% are eligible for free school meals. The expansion of the school buildings in 2018 won an award from the Royal Institute of British Architects. Company Governor: Jolyon Tibbitts.
Grange Primary School websiteSt Andrew's CE Primary School
St Andrew's CE Primary School in Lambeth has 210 pupils aged from 4 to 11, of whom approximately 40% are eligible for free school meals. The school is currently rated "good" in its latest Ofsted report. Company Governor: Peter Baxendell
St Andrew's CE Primary School websiteChisenhale Primary School
Chisenhale Primary School in Tower Hamlets has 350 pupils aged from 3 to 11, of whom approximately 25% are eligible for free school meals. The school is currently rated "good" in its latest Ofsted report. Company Governors: Paul Kenning.
Chisenhale Primary School websiteThe latest project at Chisenhale Primary School
Chisenhale Primary School needed to upgrade their Early Years Foundation Stage Playground (EYFS). The artificial grass surface were in a very poor state and parts had to be closed during and after any rain. As you can see with the help of the Company the area has been transformed.
One of the previous projects that the Company has supported
Grange Primary School wished to transform the school’s whole outdoor space into a natural, functional playground that would promote physical activity and movement and support outdoor education leading to positive health and learning outcomes. The Company, in conjunction with Guys and St. Thomas’s Charity and Trees for Cities, helped support this vision.
