Appeal FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Please read the frequently asked questions below related to Clifton High School's 150th Anniversary Appeal.
Why are we launching our Appeal now?
In 2027, Clifton High School will be celebrating its 150th Anniversary. Many charities, universities and schools use celebratory anniversaries to launch Appeals and Campaigns to provide a focus for philanthropy and fundraising.  
WhAT are we fundraising for? 

We are fundraising to specifically help us invest in our science facilities and increase our bursary support. 

Clifton High has a strong history of science. We were one of the first schools to pioneer a chemistry laboratory for girls and have continued investing funds every 50 yeas to increase capacity as our School has grown. However, beyond aesthetic improvements, the last major rebuild was in 1978 when the Senior School was still only for girls.  We have continued to grow as a school and demand for science has increased.  

As a school we have worked hard to ensure our School gates have been open to families with a thirst for knowledge, irrespective of their financial circumstances. For nearly 150 years we have provided financial support to pupils, but we know that demand for our bursary places exceeds our current provision.  

Is the School also contributing towards the Appeal?  
Yes. The 150th Anniversary Appeal is a joint Appeal between both Clifton High School and our Foundation.  
What is the fundraising target?  
We would like to raise £2,000,000 from philanthropy and fundraising. 
What will my donation be spent on?  
For science, donations will be spent on the rebuilding of our current seven laboratories as well as the building of two new spaces – a dedicated space for ifant and junior pupils to explore science and the living worlds and a community hub for learning which will be open to our wider community including local schools and community groups.  
How much of my donation will be going to science and how to much to bursaries? Can I direct my donation to science or bursary support? 
Donors may support either the science or bursary strands of the Appeal. Please ensure the Development Team know of your intensions so that they can allocate your donation accordingly. If donors do not have a preference, then their donation will be allocated to the overall Appeal and allocated where the need is greatest.  
What impact will my donation have? 

All donations to the Appeal will have a direct impact on our pupils and our school. 

Your donation could either be instrumental in changing the trajectory of a young person’s life by providing them with a transformative bursary or by inspiring our pupils to explore and science.  

What happens if the fundraising target is not reached? 
Should Appeal funds not reach the required target to indeed exceed the amount required to fulfil the Appeal’s aims, we will ensure all funds are directed towards strategic project which are the original focus of the Appeal.  
I would like to make a regular donation by direct debit, how can I do this? 
Regular donations can be set up in minutes by following this link. Donations are set up through the Charities Aid Foundation. You can set up the direct debit to donate monthly, quarterly, half yearly or annually.  
What is Gift Aid? 
As a registered charity we can reclaim tax on all donations made by UK taxpayers at no additional cost to the donor. For example, for every £100 donated, we will receive an extra £25 from the Government!
How can I save tax on my gift?  
If you pay a higher rate of tax, you can also claim the difference between the higher rate of tax and tax of 40 or 45% and the basic rate of 20% on the total gross value of your donation. For example, if you donate £100, the total value of your donation is £125 so you can claim back £25 if you pay tax at 40% or £31.25 if you pay tax at 45%. Please speak to your financial advisor who will be able to inform you of the most tax efficient way of making a donation.  
How will donations be recognised and will I recieve regular updates about the Appeal?
Donors can expect regular updates, yearly impact reports, event invitations and naming opportunities where appropriate. 
How can donors help other than by making a financial contribution?  
We are grateful to donors for sharing their life experience with our students by volunteering, mentoring and by giving talks to our pupils. If you would like to donate the 'gift of time’ to support the next generation of pupils please contact Kate McKee kmckee@cliftonhigh.co.uk 
What does The Clifton High School Foundation do with donor information?  
We treat donor information seriously and adhere to all GDPR regulations. Please visit our privacy policy for more information which can be found here: Privacy | Clifton High Foundation