Founded in 1977, The Friends is an independent registered charity (no: 1005992) managed by a Council of elected parents, the two Heads and other School representatives.
Our constitution currently charges us to “advance the education of pupils at King’s College School, Wimbledon”; in particular, to: 1. Develop more extended relationships between the staff, parents and others associated with the School. 2. Engage in activities which support the School and advance the education of the pupils attending it. 3. Provide and assist in the provision of facilities for education at the School not normally provided by the Governing Body.
This wide brief spawns an equally diverse range of activities from social evenings welcoming new parents and introducing them to their sons’ teachers, to a summer bedding plant sale; from a spectacular fireworks display and barbecue to a Christmas tea with carols for local elderly. Our network of volunteers extends throughout the School and the Council is constantly looking for new ways to enhance both parents’ and sons’ experience of King’s. Two or three major events out of the twenty or so organised each year raise considerable funds, which the Council deploys on the widest range of projects possible; School sport, music, landscaping, drama, curricular and extra-curricular club activity have all benefited by more than £312,000 over the past ten years.
We welcome new members and value their energy and new ideas. Membership of The Friends is open to parents and guardians of boys who are, or have been, pupils of the School; current or former members of the Staff of the School; Old Boys and others interested in the welfare of the School. The £25 enrolment fee maintains family membership for the duration of one or more son’s School career. Annual Accounts and the Chairman’s Report are published prior to the AGM, held in October.
Report on the effects of the Charities Act 2006
Wednesday, 01 October 2008
Following debate at The Friends’ AGM in 2007 as to whether or not Friends’ events could or should be used to support independent charities, the Council of The Friends set up a Working Party to consider this more fully, within the broader context of the Charities Act 2006 and in particular the Charity Commission guidance published in January 2008.
The recommendations of this group, together with recommended amendments to The Friends’ Constitution will be reviewed and discussed at the 2008 AGM, which takes place on Thursday 9 October 2008 at 8pm in Collyer Hall. See below Report on the effects of the Charities Act 2006 on the activities of the Friends and the recommended amendments, which have been approved by Council.
Founded in 1977, The Friends is an independent registered charity (no: 1005992) managed by a Council of elected parents, the two Heads and other School representatives. 