Development Director’s Report

Last year, the Foundation received support from the highest ever number of donors, a testament to the strength of the Radley community.

As you have read through this report, I hope that you share our sense of progress and accomplishment, and yet as I reflect upon our success over the past year, I am reminded not to take things for granted. Every donor matters, and we are grateful for both your generosity and trust.

It takes time to realise the impact of our work in the Foundation, and just as we plant trees as part of our sustainability commitment, we know that patience will reap great rewards in the future. Just as in April 1847, Sewell and Singleton received their first donation towards the funding of their vision for a school, and in January 1848 the first boy to receive a free education joined Radley.

Radley has been ambitious since our founding, and we remain so today. When the aspiration was announced in 2016 to increase the endowment by over 800% in two decades, there was a fair amount of scepticism. When it was revealed that Chapel would be extended to house an expanded new school, many have since admitted to me their concern about the project and design. As the number of boys receiving a funded place has grown, some have shared their worry about changing the culture at Radley. However, many of those who expressed doubts have been delighted with the improvements, changes and results and now fully endorse Radley’s vision and ambitions. They still very much feel part of the community and recognise their Radley of the past with our school today.

At the heart of all we do is to provide the best educational experience for our pupils and this month we have welcomed more boys to Radley than ever before. As much as we remain true to our core traditional values, we also recognise the need to embrace the changing world of work that Radleians will enter in the next decade.

We are starting this year with a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm. But before we do, I would like to thank our parents who believe in and pay for a Radley education, all Old Radleians and parents who have shared their expertise through being a mentor, giving lectures and talks, and the many of you who have attended one of our events last year. I would like to thank the Trustees of the Radley Foundation and of the Radleian Society (Hong Kong) for your unwavering commitment and support, and the entire Development Team who have worked tirelessly over the last year to catch up on many postponed events and have surpassed the campaign targets during a pandemic. Finally, and most importantly, I would like to personally thank each and every donor, you are helping Radley achieve its vision and ambitions.

We are proud of our past and are excited for the future. Our work continues.

Elisabeth Anderson Development Director

The Development Office (from L–R)

Caroline Monaghan Radleian Society Sophie Torrance Communications Selina Woodcock Data Karen Rhodes Careers Henry Cosh Fundraising Cassandra Russell Events Lucy Johnsson Stewardship Elisabeth Anderson Director Clare Sargent Archives