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. We believe that meaningful relationships and a strong sense of community are at the heart of a truly enriching education. Through partnerships with local organisations and opportunities for students to engage with people of all ages and backgrounds, we foster empathy, confidence and a genuine commitment to making a positive difference.
This term, our boarders were delighted to host another successful Prime Time event. These much-loved occasions bring together members of the Prime Time community and Prior’s Field students for an afternoon of friendship, conversation and shared enjoyment. The events provide valuable opportunities for connection across generations, helping to strengthen relationships and create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and included.
We were also pleased to welcome a group of Young Carers from Burpham Primary School for a special morning of activities on our campus. The visit provided an opportunity for the children, from Year 1 to Year 6, to enjoy time together, build friendships and take part in a range of creative and engaging experiences.
The morning began with games in the courtyard, where the children enjoyed table tennis, chess, Connect 4 and giant Jenga. They then took part in a series of workshops across the school, including cupcake decorating in Food Technology and vase painting in Art. To complete their creations, the children explored the school grounds, gathering flowers to arrange in their hand-painted vases.
Our students played an important role throughout the visit, acting as enthusiastic and supportive hosts. Their warmth, kindness and encouragement helped ensure that every child felt welcome and able to participate with confidence.
These experiences reflect Prior’s Field’s commitment to building strong partnerships within our local community and creating opportunities for meaningful connection. By bringing people together, celebrating individuality and encouraging students to engage with the world around them, we continue to nurture the values of compassion, inclusion and service that are central to life at Prior’s Field.
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.
