Living by Admiration, Hope and Love
At Prior’s Field, community engagement remains a deeply valued part of school life and an important reflection of our motto: “We live by admiration, hope and love.” Across the school, students and staff continue to demonstrate compassion, leadership and service through a wide range of meaningful initiatives within the local community and beyond.
Staff Leading by Example
Prior’s Field staff contribute extensively to charitable, educational and community projects. This year, staff have supported large-scale local events including ChoirBLAST Godalming and the Farnham Charity Bike Ride, helping with organisation, logistics, communications and event operations.
Many colleagues also volunteer their time mentoring vulnerable students, delivering employability and revision support, coaching in local sports clubs and participating in wellbeing and safeguarding initiatives. International outreach has included teacher training projects in disadvantaged communities, while individual charitable fundraising efforts have raised thousands of pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Staff involvement with organisations such as Home-Start UK further reflects the school’s commitment to supporting families and strengthening the wider community.
Students Making a difference
Students at Prior’s Field continue to engage enthusiastically in volunteering, leadership and service opportunities. Many support local charities including Shooting Star Children’s Hospices through regular volunteering placements, while others participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and local environmental initiatives.
A number of students also take on caring responsibilities at home, demonstrating resilience, empathy and maturity in balancing family commitments alongside school life.
Leadership opportunities continue through volunteering with Girlguiding UK and participation in the Sixth Form Volunteering Programme, now fully embedded within the timetable. Approximately 80% of Lower Sixth students dedicate time each week to supporting local primary schools through classroom assistance and pupil engagement.
Students are also making a meaningful impact within the wider community through organisations such as Big Leaf Foundation, which supports displaced young people rebuilding their lives in the UK after experiences of war, trafficking and displacement. One Third Form student, Orla G, has been recognised by the charity for her exceptional compassion, confidence and initiative in welcoming newly arrived young refugees at community events in Guildford.
Praised for her warmth and willingness to include others, Orla has helped young people who arrived in the UK alone to feel safe, valued and connected, even arranging opportunities to spend time together outside organised events. The charity described her actions as “extraordinary”, highlighting the profound difference that simple acts of kindness and friendship can make to vulnerable young people rebuilding their lives
Building Partnerships and Inclusion
Prior’s Field also continues to strengthen local partnerships and promote inclusion. On Tuesday, 23 June, the school will welcome young carers from Burpham Primary School for a shared activity day involving woodland activities, Food Technology and Art sessions designed to encourage connection, confidence and friendship.
A Lasting Commitment to Service
Community engagement at Prior’s Field is authentic, embedded and far-reaching. Through volunteering, fundraising, mentoring and acts of everyday kindness, both staff and students continue to embody the values at the heart of the school’s legacy, living each day with admiration, hope and love.
