At Francis Holland School, we believe that our purpose is found in giving and serving – that we all have unique gifts and abilities, and that happiness lies in sharing our time, talent or treasure with those around us. With the liberating knowledge that our value does not lie in our academic achievements, nor in our wealth, status or looks, our children develop the confidence to persevere and to succeed. 

And with this privilege goes the desire – indeed the imperative - to share this extraordinary education with those who would never dream of such a chance. The Promise Campaign, which we have established to create an endowment fund for bursaries, is probably the most important work I have done here. It is my personal legacy – ensuring that for decades to come children from the most impoverished and disadvantaged situations can turn a dream into a reality. An education here transforms lives. It gives hope, happiness and a future. 

Our parents and alumni have been incredibly generous in supporting this vision, and I myself wish to give what I can to change a life. Climbing the highest mountain pass in the world won’t be easy, but nor is life if you are born without the benefits of wealth and employment. I am taking on the greatest physical challenge of my own life in order to transform a child’s. 

Since launching the Elphinstone Scholarship Appeal just two weeks ago, we have raised a truly remarkable £250,130, taking us just over 50% of the way to endowing a Foundation Scholarship. I am so very grateful to every one of you who has contributed, and to the many of you who have shared kind words of support and encouragement.

We are now just over the half-way point in our challenge campaign, with just under two weeks to go until I depart for Nepal! Goodness, I really must step up my training!  In much the same way that I will need to dig deep as I set out from Pisang, the half-way point on the trek, so, I hope, will we push on towards our goal of £500,000. It would mean the world to me if we could secure the remaining funding before I step off the plane the day before the Summer Term begins!  If you haven’t yet had the chance to support, I hope you will take the opportunity to do so now using the link to donate, here

With good wishes,

Lucy Elphinstone

Headmistress