North London Collegiate School marked its fourth Giving Day on 9–10 March, as our community came together with purpose to champion opportunities for every girl. Students, parents, Old North Londoners (ONLs), former parents, staff and friends contributed over 36 hours of online activity and on site events, united by one shared ambition: to help make an excellent education exceptional.
This year’s Giving Day raised an extraordinary £313,023 from more than 300 donors in support of two of the School’s key priorities, the Work in Hope Fund and the Bernice McCabe Bursary Fund. This generosity reflects a deep belief in the School’s mission and a shared commitment to widening opportunity for current and future students.
Yet Giving Day is about far more than philanthropy. It is a celebration of connection, a moment for supporters to share memories, leave messages of encouragement and come together to enrich the student experience in meaningful and lasting ways. The Giving Day Donor Wall brimmed with thoughtful tributes, including: “Proud to support the spirit of Giving Day and the wonderful school community.”
This year also shone a light on two inspiring new initiatives. The introduction of VEX Robotics will expand technical learning from the Junior School onwards and create new opportunities for exploration and outreach with partner schools. Plans for a dedicated pondside recording studio will give students access to a professional, industry standard environment for music and podcast production, further enriching an already thriving creative curriculum.
The Bernice McCabe Bursary Fund remains central to NLCS’s commitment to widening access. Today, 67 Senior School students receive bursary support, ensuring that talented individuals can thrive at NLCS regardless of financial circumstance. Hardship support continues to offer vital assistance when families face unexpected challenges, helping ensure every student’s education remains uninterrupted.
A standout moment of the campaign came when the Headmistress, Vicky Bingham, led a historic 17.6 kilometre run. Beginning on Camden Street in tribute to the School’s pioneering roots, she was joined by ten staff members and ten Sixth Form students. Their determination and unity captured the spirit of Giving Day and their return to Canons Drive was met with cheers from students and colleagues lining the route.
Staff and Students complete the 17.6km Giving Day Run
Celebrations continued across the School. The Ideas Hub hosted a buzzing Giving Day Fair, and teachers showed their competitive flair in a special House Quiz Competition. Festivities were lifted even further by the legendary teacher lip sync battle, a much loved highlight that captured the warmth and wit of the NLCS staff. In the Junior School, pupils explored generosity and service in thoughtful and imaginative ways. First School pupils engaged in mini debates about what it means to give, and Lower School pupils embraced hands on challenges during a dedicated STEAM Day.
Although Giving Day has now drawn to a close, its impact will continue to be felt for years to come. The funds raised will open doors, expand opportunities and support students in becoming curious, confident and compassionate leaders, young women who are unafraid to question, to explore and to shape the world around them.
Supporters who still wish to contribute to this year’s effort can continue to make a gift online and help shape the next chapter of the NLCS story.
